Each of the twelve spies sent to view the land of Canaan saw the same circumstances, but their reactions fell into two categories (Numbers 13:7-25). Ten of them focused on and reported the negative. Two focused on the good and reported what God could do with the well-fortified giants.

Israel’s mistakes are so obvious. I would never act like they did, right? I would never doubt God’s power and goodness! Would I?

Let’s look again. Deuteronomy 1:27-28 says, “they complained in their tents and said, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He has brought us out of Egypt …, to destroy us. Where can we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our hearts…’”

Where has the Lord brought me? What giants do I focus on keeping me defeated? Have I doubted the goodness of God by complaining in my tents about my situation –money, living conditions, behavior of my children, etc? Whose heart have I discouraged –husband, children, sisters in Christ, my own by my evil report?

Discouragement feeds on itself. The more I am discouraged, the more I see to be discouraged about, the more depressed I feel, and then I focus even more on ME, my grasshopper size, and my "Giants." I find myself walking in darkness and not in the light, with no fellowship with Him or others. I John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

We are told to watch what we dwell on in Philippians 4:8:  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. To ignore this command is to choose discouragement.

Another convicting verse is Numbers 21:5, the Israelites were given bread from heaven but their response was “…our soul loathes this worthless bread.” That is such strong language! Could I sink so low in my discouragement as to loath what God has given?

I am truly in a land flowing with milk and honey. The giants are opportunities to see and know the Power of HIS Might. They are only giant when my focus is on me instead of on Him.

Choose Him, not discouragement!