Finding Light in Darkness

Today’s episode will help us face discouragement and depression with honesty, discover hope through faith, and find practical steps toward healing and spiritual resilience. Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events: The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/  Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/ The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Navigating Discouragement and Finding Hope in Jesus | Disciple Maker's Podcast In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the challenges of dealing with discouragement, depression, and anxiety. Through personal anecdotes and biblical examples, they discuss the importance of lifting one's eyes towards Jesus during tough seasons. They share practical tips for overcoming these struggles, including the power of speaking life, the importance of community, and the positive impact of medication. The hosts also highlight the transformative power of hope, as illustrated through the stories of Elijah, the Israelites, and Jesus. Join us for an encouraging conversation on finding hope and strength in the midst of trials. Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Voice Confusion 01:09 Discussing Success and Discouragement 01:57 Biblical Examples of Discouragement 02:54 Personal Stories of Struggle 04:06 A Poem of Despair and Hope 07:58 Encouragement and Hope in Difficult Times 11:25 Resurrecting Hope Through Biblical Imagery 20:12 Finding Hope in Times of Discouragement 20:43 Personal Testimony of Overcoming Depression 21:21 The Impact of Our Struggles on Loved Ones 31:10 Encouragement and Practical Tips 36:21 Final Words of Encouragement and Resources   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/    See Below for a longer description: They reflect on how this experience isn’t new—pointing to Elijah, who crashed emotionally right after his greatest spiritual victory. They also draw from Jesus' time in the desert, showing how even the hardest seasons can be a setup for deeper spiritual power and clarity. One of the most moving moments is when Josh reads a poem he wrote at 2 AM during one of his lowest points, titled My Soul in the Town of Bethany. It’s raw, honest, and full of longing—and yet, it ends with hope, echoing the resurrection theme so central to the Gospel. Josh shares the steps he took to find healing: daily affirmations, professional counseling, medication, and leaning into community—even when he didn’t feel like it. He also reads a touching letter from his wife, shedding light on how depression affects not just individuals but entire families. Throughout the episode, Josh and Jason emphasize that it's okay to not be okay—and that God often does His deepest work in our darkest hours. They encourage listeners to stay connected, seek help, and hold on to hope, because the desert isn’t the end of the story. Bottom Line: This episode is for anyone who's ever felt spiritually drained, emotionally stuck, or just plain worn out. Josh and Jason don’t sugarcoat the struggle, but they point to a God who meets us in the middle of it—and leads us out with purpose.