| There is one problem which faces all of us from time to time. It is discouragement. In Nehemiah all of chapter 4 deals with this subject. Here we are given several reasons why the people became discouraged. Look at verse 10. The people's strength was failing. They were tired. They had been working a long time at the seemingly endless task and they had become exhausted. That is one of the first reasons for discouragement. Ask yourself-when do I feel most discouraged? Isn't it when you are most tired? When you have had a hard day and you feel too tired to go on? Then notice these people became tired half way through the job (v.6). When we are half way through, don't we begin to think the job is taking too long and we will never get finished? The result-discouragement. Then notice, all that the people could see was rubbish (v.10). They had lost their vision of the finished wall and could only see the present situation. So you have a vision for the work of God where you are? Never lose it. It has been given to you by God. Don't let the present circumstances discourage you from seeing the fulfilment of that vision. Then they became afraid. Fear took over. Who did they start quoting? Look at verse 12. 'Our enemies say.' Have you ever heard the phrase 'They say'? It is always something negative isn't it? When you listen to that, you lose your sense of security. Fear and discouragement take its place. What is the cure for discouragement? Nehemiah grouped the people together more-into families. Then he allowed half of them to stand watch while the others worked. He gave some of them a rest. Most of all he directed their attention to the Lord. Look at verse 14. What did he say? 'Remember the Lord.' How do you do that? By remembering what he has done in the past and what he has promised to do for you now. | 
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