And when the spiritual discouragement hits?
Let’s admit that we are not always excited, sometimes we feel tired and sad. But then, instead of seeking our Lord, the more we turn away from Him and everything that involves His kingdom, that is, the church, ministries, and so many other important areas of our lives.
I believe that many of us have been through this and no matter how hard we try to get out it seems so difficult. But enough of the discouragement, the weakness and the sadness! Today we will meditate on what the Bible tells us about this spiritual evil that can afflict any of us.
Elijah in the cave
The great prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19, even after witnessing the Lord’s great deeds, went through a period of profound discouragement. He was afraid because Queen Jezebel had threatened to kill him, felt lonely for being God’s only prophet and was disappointed with the people of Israel, who had broken their covenant with the Lord. In verse 4 of chapter 19, Elijah wishes for his own death and asks God to take his life.
However, the Angel of the Lord goes to Elijah and gives him something to eat and drink (1 Kings 19:5). Then, when he was in the cave, He is visited by the manifest presence of God, which passes as a powerful wind, then as an earthquake and finally as fire (1 Kings 19: 11-12). And after the fire, the Lord spoke in a gentle whisper to Elijah, giving him a new spirit, delivering good news and commissioning him again.
It is interesting to note that the same God who appears as a powerful wind and fire, is also a God who in a gentle whisper renewed Elijah’s hopes, calling him back to work. We will also go through these moments of fear, disappointment and loneliness. But in the same way, we have a God who renews our hope and calls us again to fulfill His purposes.
What the Bible says
It may not be easy to stay upbeat, but as our Lord Jesus himself said in John 16:33, “I have told you this, that in me you may have peace; in the world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” We know that we live in a constant spiritual battle and so I wonder why we fail to clothe ourselves spiritually.
Well, the enemy knows which wound he must touch in order to hit you, where you are most likely to fall into spiritual discouragement if you are hit. Thankfully, our Lord and Savior came to bring deliverance from the bonds of sin and no matter how bad the tribulations, he is with us, he does not give up when things are not going well.
And to be revived there is nothing like meditating on his word and praying to God, take your reasons for discouragement, make a little list if necessary and receive new encouragement.
5 verses to get you out of spiritual discouragement
- And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
- May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
- but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
- But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
God bless you!
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by
Nicole Leao
Nicole Leão, faço parte da equipe da Bíblia JFA.
