Don't Lose Heart: Gospel Hope for the Discouraged Soul

by Jason C. Meyer

A fallen world is full of reasons to lose heart. From the large-scale tragedies of war, famine, and natural disasters, to the more personal tragedies of broken relationships and broken dreams, it can be difficult to avoid discouragement--even for the believer. And yet, Scripture calls us to a life of hope, based not on wishful thinking or avoiding our problems but based on who God is, what he has done, and what he is still doing.

In this short, giftable book, pastor Jason Meyer shows you that though the reasons for discouragement seem strong, the reasons we have to take heart and hold on to hope are stronger yet. Through biblical truth and personal stories, Meyer encourages the weary and anxious believer by shining light on the nature of reality, the nature of God, and the intersection of the two in our daily, rubber-meets-the-road lives. The result is a book that lifts our spirits in a world that too often seeks to drag us down.

Genres: Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian, Audiobook, Counselling, Christianity, Spirituality

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Jason Meyer is pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church and associate professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary. He daily thanks the Lord that he gets to be married to the love of his life, Cara. The Lord has blessed them with four children and they live in Roseville, Minnesota. Jason still can't get over the fact that the Lord saved him. He believes that being a Christian is the most wonderful thing in the world.

Reviews

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book! So encouraging and so uplifting! Gently convicting and God glorifying. Absolutely beautiful!

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audio

2022 A book with the word ‘gospel’ in the title or subtitle

[Amelia Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I will surely recommend time and time again. Jason Myer’s many references to Scripture and theological principles led me to sit in the Word and thus left me so very encouraged! 5 stars!!

[Brandon Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is not done yet.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We do get discouraged when life isn't the way we think it should be. We question what God is doing and why He is allowing this to happen.

Meyer wants us to see the bigger picture. He doesn't ask us to pretend the problems are not there. Rather, he wants us to embrace what is truly real - the One for us is greater than the one against us. Meyer knows the reasons to take heart are harder to see than the reasons to lose heart. Even though the tangible is before us, we must by faith believe what is unseen, the greatness of God and the truth of the Bible.

I like that Meyer encourages us to have the right perspective, to see our problems in relation to God's greatness. I like his enlightening point about projection, assuming that God feels about us the same way we feel about ourselves. I like his teaching on the tenses of discouragement, shame (past), disappointment (present), and anxiety (future). I like his teaching on identity. “As Christians, we are not living for an identity but from an identity.” (Loc 832/527)

Meyer is quick to point out that this book is no replacement for counseling if one is experiencing depression. This is a good book for those who are facing disappointment or experiencing some discouragement. This short book will encourage readers to think of the larger picture, to concentrate on God's greatness and what he is ultimately doing in our lives.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but good. This book provides a strong theological basis for not losing heart. I think the book would be enhanced by being longer and taking more time to connect that theology to the heart. That certainly wasn’t absent but I think it could have been stronger.

[Jason Mkrtschjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sermon-like presentation of the theology and practice of perseverance, Meyer tackles what to do when our past, present, and future pain tempts us to lose heart.

Listened to the audio book. Highly suggest reading over listening.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medicine for the soul in times of discouragement. Having a grasp of how big and good God is the key to pressing on in the face of difficulty.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone faces discouragement, some more than others. More extreme examples of discouragement have many faces - chronic anxiety, fear, panic attacks, and depression are only a few manifestations of discouragement. Jason Meyer addresses the epidemic of discouragement in his book, Don’t Lose Heart: Gospel Hope for the Discouraged Soul. The author writes, “Discouragement can be defeated only when the full truth of everything that is for us confronts and conquers the half-truth of fear and despair.” The book is filled with practical examples of dealing with discouragement and is laced with biblical ammunition for defeating this deadly foe.

Part one, How to Fight for Sight shows readers the importance of focusing on the Triune God - Father, Son, and Spirit. Meyer adds, “Vanquishing discouragement is never automatic nor easy. It is a hard-fought fight for sight." Indeed, “we lose heart when we lose sight of all that we have in Jesus. When we lose sight of Jesus, we see only half the picture, we believe half-truths, and we are robbed of hope. But as believers, we are called to fight back.”

Part two, How to Defeat Despair provides practical help for the battle. It builds on the strong foundation that was developed in part one. “Whenever we begin to lose heart,” writes Pastor Meyer, “we should take the gospel and press it into the deep places in our hearts where discouragement loves to hide.” Specifically, the author fixes his attention on three streams of despair: past failures, present disappointments, and future fear. The gospel is applied to each arena of discouragement which leaves followers of Christ in a position of strength, not strength that they muster through their own resources, but strength from Another, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the end, Meyer reassures his readers that God has not written the final chapter. He encourages them to think and live with an eternal perspective. He urges them to cast their cares on the risen Savior who will, in the final analysis, make all things new. What a day that will be!

[нєνєℓ ¢ανα · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merciful, advocating of a life of prayer and faith into the family and community alike, resourceful on stamina and endurance... praiseworthy and innovative at times...

[Gentiana Xhavara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book is organized in two major parts, and each part is organized in three chapters. Part one of the book, under the header “How to fight for sight”, through three separate chapters, provides guidance on how to successfully and realistically confront when we feel overwhelmed, defeated, or worthless. The author reminds the reader that it is important to check the scale we are using, each time we feel overwhelmed: “We lose heart when we buy into the lie that our difficulties are bigger than God…. We can begin to battle discouragement when we tell our hearts (and our problems) how big our God is…. God is the standard of measure for everything we encounter or experience in our lives.” ( page 30 -36). Highlighting the incarnation of Jesus author encourages the reader: “Adore the wisdom. Celebrate the mystery. Thank God for the incarnation of Jesus. He came to be a servant, and gave himself as a sacrifice for our sins. The sacrifice of his Son shows God’s incredible love for the world. (page 42)”, “Your situation is not bigger than God’s ability to handle it.” In the next chapter, author uses the metaphor of score, to emphasize his point “We lose heart when we fail to check the real score because we have forgotten that Christ has already won….If you struggle with a chronic sense of guilt and shame, then check the score: You bare your sins no more….The resurrection is the great game changer. Death is not defeat, because Christ defeated death.” (page49,54) . It follows in the next chapter, author highlight on the overcoming love of God : “He loves you with all of his infinite heart and soul. (page73)”
The second part of the book under the header “How to defeat despair”, further encourages the reader to focus on God and always have God at the center when we confront the past, the present or the future. Dealing with the past, author reminds reader that we should not lose sight of our Savior, whether we deal with our own sins or with the sins of others in our lives. Cross of Jesus should be the center of our thoughts and forgiveness of past sins. In the next chapter, author reminds reader that the present, with all difficulties that we may see in it, should actually be seen under the light of the loving and omnipotent God, that can see the things we do not yet see: “Are we so arrogant that we think we can see the whole picture? Faith comes when our hearts know that God sees what we see – and he also sees more than we see as well…When we taste the beauty, we can also trace it back to the One from whom it all came. .. Creation is currently in bondage to corruption, but one day it will be set free. (page121,123)”. When it comes to the future, the crescendo on the emphasis on Jesus words is the solution to every fear. “Therefore we can share in Paul’s certainty: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels not rulers, no things present nor things to come, nor powers nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom.8:38-39)”
The language used in the book is simple to understand, and the points author is making are easy to comprehend and remember. In addition to the straightforward organization of the ideas throughout six chapters, the layout of the text and the text boxes help to highlight the main idea of the book, as well as to remember the main points.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read on dealing with faintheartedness in the seasons of life

In his new book, “Don’t Lose Heart: Gospel Hope for the Discouraged Soul,” Jason Meyer does an exceptional job of illustrating why our hearts can often grow spiritually faint – and how we can be restored to biblical hope in our souls and renewed in our minds through the Word of God.

Published by Baker Books, his 160-page book is a treasure trove of biblical insight laid out in two parts: How to fight for sight and how to defeat despair. Meyer shows us that just living in this fallen world can be enough for us to lose heart if we aren’t looking to the Lifter of our heads. With the principles found in the Word of God, he shows us how to live expectedly.

What brings the entire message of the book all together is how Meyer eloquently illustrates how we can biblically deal with the past, present and future, which all can play a pivotal role in how we eventually handle past defeats, present disappointments and fears of the future. He describes how discouragement is a “fight for sight” and we need to “look away from counterfeit hopes and fix our gaze on the greatness of the blessed Holy Trinity.”

While Meyer does an incredible job of illustrating how to handle past defeats and the fear of the future from a biblical perspective, perhaps the most significant chapter is Chapter Five (What to Do When the Present Disappoints You).

What can we do when our lives right in the here and now are not lining up with our dreams and goals, but even more importantly, the Word of God? Because if we are stuck in present disappointments, how can we wisely deal with an unknown future, let alone get beyond our past defeats, of which many of us waste too much time wallowing in, in our walk with God?

“When affliction is all we see, we lose sight of eternity,” Meyer writes. “It is easy to get so immersed in this life that we lose sight of the life to come. We get so caught up in the view from below that we fail to see the view from above (page109).”

Nonetheless, readers will definitely appreciate and benefit from Meyer’s chapters on dealing with a regrettable past (Chapter Four) and facing what can be a frightening future (Chapter Six) that can cause us to grow fainted-hearted if we do not look at them from a biblical perspective.

I gave Meyer’s book a 4 out of 5 stars.

Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received an advanced copy of this book through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.

© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The winter season causes me to slow down, think, and get ready for the new year. But this sometimes brings me anxiety as I worry about the future.

Thankfully, Don’t Lose Heart by author Jason Meyer, Pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church and associate professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary, is here to help by offering gospel hope for the discouraged soul.

Discouraged Souls

In Chapter 1, Meyer takes us to Isaiah 40 to help us see the greatness of God. He uses the memorable Biblical imagery of God holding all of the water in the palm of his hands, and God weighing the mountains on scales to illustrate how God is bigger than our problems.

Chapter 2 deals with feeling defeated. We are reminded to check the score - meaning, remember that we have already won. Satan will lose. Christ’s victory is secure.

Feelings of worthlessness are examined in Chapter 3. Meyer makes a case that we sometimes project what we think about ourselves onto what God must think about us. But that is simply not the case. As Christians, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. And in him we have the spirit of adoption, being loved as sons and daughters of God.

The Fight of Faith

Chapters 4, 5, and 6 give more practical wisdom on how to defeat despair. Meyer lays out a cohesive plan for what to do when the past paralyzes you, what to do when the present disappoints you, and what to do when the future scares you.

While I can relate to all of these chapters, I found the chapter on the future to be the most compelling. He examines Philippians 4:6-7 as well as Matthew 6:26-33 to help us see clearly see God’s peace.

John Piper’s influence on Meyer is unmistakable. I believe the first and last extended quotes in the book are from Pastor John. But this is not a detriment. It is clear that Meyer has learned from his pastor and the readers reap the benefits. Meyer still sprinkles many examples from his own life to help us understand his points.

Gospel Hope

This book is extremely practical and packed with biblical wisdom. I was most impressed with Meyer’s ability to take familiar passages and show us something we might have missed. He writes in a friendly and pastoral tone. And he ends the book by reminding us that God is not yet done. He has given us time to trust Him. So we press on and don’t lose heart.

I was provided a complimentary copy of Don’t Lose Heart in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our troubled world, with its unknowns and pressuring evils, it is easy to get discouraged or anxious. But Jason Meyer, in his book, Don’t Lose Heart, says Christians must “fight for our sight.” By that he means we must choose to see God’s full story so we understand the present and the future in terms of God’s revelation. Then we can rightfully discern what God is doing and how to fight the discouragement that comes when things seem unclear or confusing or contrary to what seems right. Meyer says: “We lose heart when we lose sight of all that we have in Jesus. When we lose sight of Jesus, we see only half the picture, we believe half-truths, and we are robbed of hope. But as believers, we are called to fight back…Christ in us is “the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). The fallen world we live in has many reasons to lose heart, but Jesus says to you and to me, ‘Take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn.16:33) (p. 17).

One of Meyer’s key insights is the power of discouragement’s half-truths. There ARE legitimate reasons for discouragement or anxiety, but the problem is that they do not encompass the whole truth of who God is or what God has promised. They only paint half the picture. Yet we yield to these perspectives as if they were the whole truth and the grace and power of God are irrelevant. In an example from the Israelites’ situation recounted in Isaiah 40, Meyer says: “God’s people were discouraged because they seemed so weak in comparison to the powerful nation that held them in captivity…They were comparing themselves to their captors instead of comparing their captors to their Savior” (pp. 32-33). Meyer’s insights provide the strong correctives God’s people need to counteract the epidemic of discouragement in our midst. 5 stars M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 1/15/20

[Karl Dumas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone gets discouraged from time to time, and for much of the population those times may be longer than for others. Discouragement, like depression, can lead to a rapid downward spiral from which it may be hard to recover, but there is hope in the gospel.
Discouragement leaves us feeling overwhelmed, defeated, and sometimes worthless. The past paralyzes us, the present often disappoints us, and the future scares the snot out of us. But Jason Meyer has found answers in his easy to read book Don’t Lose Heart: Gospel Hope for the Discouraged Soul. (Baker Books, 2019). He calls it “Hope” I might have gone for the play on words, and called it “Encouragement”. Either way, there are answers to be found in scripture, Whether the discouragement and disappointment is relatively minor, or particularly horrible, God knows all about it, and is at work in your life.
I found the examples to be appropriate, and helpful, but the conclusion really says it all: “God’s not done!” Our God is a living God, and He is at work in our lives, even if we don’t recognize it. Just ask Joseph, when he was in prison, or Daniel in the lion’s den. He was at work when Pharaoh was oppressing the Israelites, when Saul was persecuting the early Christians, and when Herod was killing baby boys. Ask Sarah about God being at work even when she was way too old to have a baby, or Mary, a young virgin, used by God to give birth to the Messiah.
God wasn’t done in their lives, and He’s not done in your life either. As Meyer asks each of us to consider, “What will our lives look like when God fulfills His plans and finishes His work in us?” It’s gonna be great and you don’t want to miss it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a member of a bloggers’ program,
4/5

[Cheryl Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do we not lose heart in a world of natural disasters, war, famine, broken relationships and broken dreams? “Don’t Lose Heart” Gospel Hope for the Discouraged Soul is encouraging. The author separates the book into two sections, the first is How to fight for sight and includes what to do when you feel overwhelmed, defeated and worthless. Part is: How to defeat despair: What to do when the past paralyzes you, when the present disappoints you and what to do when the future scares you. The author backs up the chapters with pertinent bible verses.

Put yourself on the path of grace where you will hear the word of Christ, and link arms with others who will run the race with you. The picture of Hebrews 12 fits with the popular African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” Let’s fight together, run together and finish together. We are not meant to do life on our own, we are to do life with our church and community.

I received a copy of the book from Baker Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting self-help, spiritual book concerning the issue of discouragement. The author expertly uses passages from the Gospels, authors and personal experiences to help readers that are discouraged or depressed. Depression and discouragement should not control your life and problems and stress should not paralyze you. Look at the big picture and respond appropriately knowing that God is there. Mr. Meyer's book does more than just give advice. It gives the reader, for lack of a better word, encouragement.

It should be noted, however, that as this book is written with a Christian mindset and that God will love and help you, it might not be for everyone, but that should not "discourage" anyone from giving this book a read.

**I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This world is ruined by sin and brings tragedies, heartaches, and great discouragement. It is so easy to dwell upon these circumstances and allow our hearts to become overwhelmed. In his book "Don't Lose Heart", Jason Meyers tackles discouragement and the several main sources that cause it. In examining each topic, the lens through which to see is not our emotions or comfort but instead the Gospel of Christ and Hope of eternal life. This book was a rather enjoyable to read. Very applicable and concise. Could have gone into greater detail whether addressing the topic or even the solution; however overall it was a good read.

[Jemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!

It is short but full of bible truths backed up by scripture.

I read it once finished and immediately started reading it for a second time not because there where any particularly complex ideas but because it is such an encouraging read. I’ve read it twice and both times been struck by new things.

Particularly as we are currently in lockdown facing a global pandemic it’s refreshing to read a book that does not shy away from the big issues but tackles them with encouragement through scripture.

[Dalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty decent book, nothing groundbreaking theologically but that is not what the author was trying to do. He was trying to write an encouraging book for Christians, and I think he succeeded at that. The conclusion's reminder that God is not done was a good note to end on. This book is not trying to be a glib answer to all of life's disappointments, but is a good reminder for a Christian dealing with everyday discouragements.

Listened to the audiobook which is why this took so long to read. If I were to read it again at some point, I would try to get a print copy.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book with six chapters, each about the length of a sermon. The chapters are organized in a memorable way about God’s transcendance, power (? That He’s going to win), and love; then in part two about discouragements past (shame), present (disappointment), and future (anxiety). Nothing ground-breaking or earth-shattering here, but good truths to remind. I’m going to remember the phrases “check the scale/score.” (Funny that he measured how much water he could hold in his hand, and it’s about a teaspoon!)

[victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was an incredible writing, encouraging and compelling to read with also will helping and clearing you out to see the truth of discouragement fulfill with biblical truth that God always going through with us to all the struggle or suffering in life holding you to stay strong. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received a complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.

[Daniel Harding · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a or of truth that unfortunately finds itself couched in a fatalistic view of God. Simply put, the way the author refers to and references God, is as a Being that has laid out some scientific truths and the one who is successful is the one who believes them the strongest and just blindly lives. That is impossible by the way. The God who is present is avoided throughout. We must simply find our ways to Him.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me that people sin against God alone, not against man.

Looking at the story of running the race, something I didn't realise before is that "we" are running together... To coin another phrase: No man is an island.

I feel like this book has give me a bit more hope than I had before, hope to continue running the race no matter what comes at me, because the prize is disproportionately greater than what needs to be endured now.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book discussing discouragement from a Christian perspective with scriptural references and personal stories to illustrate the author's points. There are a lot of reasons to feel down but keeping a proper perspective on God's love and role in our lives can keep our past and future from negatively impacting our lives. A quick read with a few good reminders of Gods desire for his children to be happy.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I would not describe myself as a ‘discouraged soul’, so I only picked up this book because my husband received a free copy. It is short, concise, and practical. In reading this book I realized how I can believe lies about God, myself, and my circumstances. I have been encouraged by this book.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An encouraging little read! Not overly heavy or theological, just some great truths that remind us of the big picture of life. Meyer had some good quips and humbly brought you back to the Word of God for how to handle the cares of this world. Brought me to tears a few times. A great read! However, I didn't particularly care for the voice of the audiobook reader.

[Carol Blakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A succinct book offering Gospel hope to those who are discouraged, whether it is about things that have happened, are happening, or things we imagine might happen.

Very helpful reminders. With this type of book there really isn't anything new, but new isn't important. It is those reminders of what God has done, is doing and will do that keep us on the right track.

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

großartig! Das Evangelium angewandt auf Entmutigungen.

Introduction: Why Discouragement is a Liar

PART ONE: HOW TO FIGHT FOR SIGHT
1. What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed
2. What to Do When You Feel Defeated
3. What to Do When You Feel Worthless

PART TWO: HOW TO DEFEAT DESPAIR
4. What to Do When the Past Paralyzes You
5. What to Do When the Present Disappoints You
6. What to Do When the Future Scares You

Conclusion: God's Not Done

[Aaron Hixson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised!!

I liked the concept of how we tend to "look back" at our sins, but we don't "look back far enough" to the cross.

same idea about the future... we have dread/anxiety about the future, but we don't look forward enough to when God will set all things right.

I'd recommend this gobok