The term "downhearted" refers to a state of being discouraged, disheartened, or in low spirits. In the Bible, this condition is often addressed with encouragement, hope, and the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that speak to the experience of being downhearted, offering comfort and guidance to those who find themselves in such a state.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. David's Lament and Trust in God: King David frequently experienced moments of being downhearted, as reflected in the Psalms. In Psalm 42:5 , he writes, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence." Here, David acknowledges his downheartedness but also reminds himself to place his hope in God, demonstrating a pattern of lament followed by trust.

2. Elijah's Despair: The prophet Elijah, after a great victory over the prophets of Baal, found himself downhearted and fearful for his life. In 1 Kings 19:4 , Elijah prays, "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." Despite his despair, God responds with care, providing Elijah with food, rest, and a renewed sense of purpose, illustrating God's compassion and provision in times of discouragement.

3. Jesus' Comfort to the Disheartened: Jesus offers comfort to those who are downhearted, emphasizing His role as a source of rest and peace. In Matthew 11:28-30 , He invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This passage highlights Jesus' invitation to find solace and strength in Him.

4. Paul's Encouragement to the Corinthians: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addresses the theme of being downhearted, encouraging believers to find strength in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 , he writes, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." Paul acknowledges the reality of trials but emphasizes the sustaining power of God amidst adversity.

Spiritual Remedies for the Downhearted

· Prayer and Supplication: The Bible encourages believers to bring their burdens to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

· Community and Fellowship: The early church exemplified the importance of community support. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

· Meditation on God's Word: Scripture serves as a source of comfort and guidance. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," suggesting that immersion in God's Word can illuminate the path through times of discouragement.

The Bible consistently offers hope and encouragement to the downhearted, reminding believers of God's unwavering presence and the promise of His peace and restoration.(a.) Dejected; low-spirited.

2 Cor. vii. 13
... For how is it not absurd, if whilst removing another's downheartedness, thou art
thyself downhearted? ... And why art thou also downhearted at all, O man? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvi 2 cor vii.htm

Sorrow Turned into Joy
... bearing upon them? What was it that changed downhearted, despondent, and
all but apostate, disciples into heroes and martyrs? It was ...
/.../sorrow turned into joy.htm

The Meeting Hereafter.
... The Ministry will remain to teach the way of the Lord, and point the path through
the river bed, and to cheer those who are downhearted, to lift up the finger ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxvi the meeting hereafter.htm

Irresistible Logic.
... I said courage is a heart quality. These ten thousand were not chicken-hearted nor
downhearted. They were lion-hearted, stout-hearted. They had hearts of oak. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/irresistible logic.htm

Self-Enjoyment. October 14.
... I've got that's worth living for, though I am downhearted at times, and fancy a's
wrong, and there's na hope for us on earth, we be a' sic liars"a' liars, I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /self-enjoyment october 14.htm

And once Being Asked by the Monks to Come Down and visit them And. ...
... The sufferers therefore used to receive the words of the old man as though they
were a cure, learning not to be downhearted but rather to be long-suffering. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 54.htm

Jefferson -- the Reconciliation
... very practical matters. He exhorts the Christians who are discouraged and
downhearted to hold up their heads and to be brave. It is ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/jefferson the reconciliation.htm

Light at Evening Time
... not listen to the suggestions of a murmuring, hardened spirit; do not credit the
insinuations of the infernal fiend who, when he finds you downhearted, be it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/light at evening time.htm

The Joy of the Lord.
... Murmuring, discouraged, tempted, complaining, bereaved, downhearted, halfhearted
child of God, ponder over these words. Let God's Spirit lead you into them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the joy of the lord.htm

Out of the Deep of Loneliness, Failure, and Disappointment.
... way and time. Letters and Memories. Don't be downhearted if outward humiliation,
disappointment, failure, come at first. If God be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/iv out of the deep.htm

Downhearted (1 Occurrence)
... (a.) Dejected; low-spirited. Multi-Version Concordance Downhearted (1 Occurrence).
1 Samuel 1:8 Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? ...
/d/downhearted.htm - 6k

Downfall (46 Occurrences)

/d/downfall.htm - 20k

Downpour (4 Occurrences)

/d/downpour.htm - 7k

Spirit (706 Occurrences)
... of mind; mental condition or disposition; intellectual or moral state; -- often
in the plural; as, to be cheerful, or in good spirits; to be downhearted, or in ...
/s/spirit.htm - 101k

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