What's Wrong With Me? Pt. 3

Part Three: Holistic Faith – Taking Account After Discouragement

Let’s take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been.

In the first two parts of this series, we explored how discouragement often brings us face-to-face with a painful question:

“What’s wrong with me?”

And while that question feels honest, Scripture invites us to respond differently.

Psalm 119 reminds us that spiritual discouragement is not just about obedience—it’s often an emotional, heartfelt response to the tension between who God is and who we feel we are. But the psalmist doesn’t get stuck in despair. Instead, he models a three-fold path forward:

Step One: Ask the Right Question

Instead of focusing inward with shame or self-pity, we shift our gaze upward and ask:

“How do I respond to God’s sovereignty in this?”

That one pivot changes everything.

It draws us back to the truth and guidance found in God’s Word, and inevitably leads us to a posture of praise. Why? Because even when life feels chaotic, God is still reigning—and that reality gives us hope.

Step Two: Wait for Re-Appointment

Disappointment is never the final chapter for God’s people. In Scripture, every setback becomes a setup for renewed purpose. We’re reminded in Romans 12:2 that God’s will for us is “good, pleasing, and perfect.”

So we wait—not passively, but purposefully.

We wait with trust, knowing that God is preparing a re-appointment. One that aligns not only with His glory but with our deepest fulfillment in Him.

Step Three: Practice Holistic Faith

Here’s where the journey deepens.

After we’ve asked the right question and positioned ourselves to receive God’s redirection, we must take spiritual inventory. We evaluate our faith across the whole of our lives—not just the area that triggered discouragement.

Why? Because as believers, we’re called to put off the old self and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22–24). We’re new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), but we’re still in process—we’re still disciples. And disciples, by definition, undergo discipline and refinement.

So we step into what I call Holistic Faith—faith that examines every area of our life and brings it under the lordship of Christ.

A Heart Check for Every Discouraged Soul

Even mature believers can lose focus when discouragement hits. That’s not failure—it’s humanity. But we must be honest: sometimes discouragement leads us to expect things God never promised.

Here’s a simple framework for assessing your expectations:

Is this expectation eternal in perspective?

Does it primarily glorify God—or just serve my comfort?

These questions aren’t foolproof, but under prayerful reflection—especially in the wake of discouragement—they bring clarity.

Holistic faith means we examine how our beliefs are lived out in our relationships, work, decisions, finances, health, rest, and dreams.

Where has faith weakened?

Where does it need nourishment?

Where has faith become a crutch rather than a foundation?

As we take stock, we move away from the unproductive cycles of shame and into active partnership with God's restoring work in us. It leaves little room for self-condemnation—and a whole lot of space for grace.

Ultimately, holistic faith drives us not back into ourselves, but back into the arms of our Savior.

Final Thoughts

So when discouragement hits—and it will—you’re invited into more than just emotional survival. You’re invited into spiritual renewal.

Ask the right question.

Wait for God’s re-appointment.

And take account through holistic faith.

Not as a formula—but as a faithful response to a God who never wastes our pain.

e is good.

He is sovereign.

And He’s not finished with you.

Stay the course.

With you for His glory,