Discouragement is the Devil's favourite weapon.--He tries to get you looking at your own mistakes, sins, weaknesses and failures. The Devil, the Accuser of the Saints, picks on all the little things, all your tiny little faults! If he can't discourage you any other way, he tries to belittle you and belittle what you're doing. He whispers the lies that are the most easily believed, either about yourself, or sometimes other people.
But the Lord doesn't say to look at yourself or others. He doesn't say to look at all the problems and troubles either. He says, "Look unto Jesus." (Heb.12:2)
What is discouragement? It means not encouraged, without courage, or when your courage is at a low ebb. Discouragement is a loss and lack of faith. "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God." (Rom.10:17) So when you get discouraged, the quickest remedy is to start praying and quoting Scriptures and reading the Word and telling the Devil he's a liar. And your faith will grow, the doubts will flee, and you'll be on the road to victory again! So when things look darkest, don't look down!--Look UP!--Start praising the Lord and you'll often praise your way right out of the pit into which the Devil is trying to cast you!