2 Corinthians 4:8-9?(New International Version)
(8)We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;?(9)persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed
I have always believed that if Satan is not coming after you, then you must not be a threat to him. Indeed there are lots of Christians who sadly enough, are not a threat to Satan and his band of losers. Often in life he may have trouble getting to you if your spirit is pumped up and you are in an “on fire for God” mode of life. I know that most of us go through valley’s of ups and downs in our degree of fire that we have.
I myself was just boasting last week about how my degree of fire was on the rise. And I knew well and good that once I had made such a statement that I would be a prime target for attack. Sure enough, through the horrible economic downturn our country is facing, I have began to feel the effects in ?my tiny little businesses. But one of the odd attributes of discouragement is the fact that it is for the most part a unwarranted mental state based on our own predictions of something that may possibly happen. And in my case it’s not the death of someone, no one has hurt me, I am certainly not lonely nor am I confused or lacking confidence.
Yet I have managed to let Satan whisper crap in my ear about some of my businesses sucking wind in these now financially tough times. And I guess to some degree I listened a little bit too much to the point i almost believe and see some of the bleak forecast he has told me. Which is really funny in a way, as it shows how much of a master of lies he really is. At times he will tell you stuff that looks good and bright that you know you shouldn’t do. Much like he did a long long time ago to Even and then passed to Adam. Then he can turn right around and tell you how low you are once you think you have reached a low place in life. So if there is no comfort in Satan and his lies, then why would we allow him to continue to hang out with us. Well, let me correct myself.. he is an unwanted guest that doesn’t know when to leave… that is until we call on the name of Jesus and demand he leave us alone.
Does it really work that easily? Of course it does… but it also requires that we have faith knowing our Father will lift us up and we don’t try to use him like ?a magic wand to heal us when we are hurt. I never want to find myself in relationship with God only when I need him in times of trouble. And for some of us it can be some simple scriptures like the one above from 2 Corinthians. and if thats not enough
Philippians 4:6-7?(New International Version)
(6)Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(7)And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
But maybe you are like me and you read scriptures just like you take advice from your Christians brothers. That is… you read/hear it, say yes I know and then it drifts right out the other ear. For me and many others, I find that music hits the spot. I can put on certain songs and sing along with them and the words seem to sink in much better. But this is me and you may have your own ways to hear God’s encouragement that He speaks to us throughout scripture. While yet it is one thing for our friends to say “it will be ok”, it doesn’t even compare to the power of God comforting words that He will not leave us, forsake us, he will lift us up like on wings of eagles, and so forth.
So I must remember if these encouraging songs have reminded me of Gods promises, then I should listen to them more often. For in our times of discouragement, if we find ourselves singing the words God has told us that he would do for us, then how on earth can we still be discouraged?… Fact is… We Can’t
I so much find myself recalling Paul being in jail, yet praising our Father. It is very true that the best way to battle the bad times is to be in praise to God along with your prayers crying out for Him to save you. He has already saved you/me, lets praise Him for that.?Discouragement is a blatant attack upon the promises of God in Scripture. Whenever Satan moves in to discourage you, be assured the Bible has already met that discouragement, therefore, it is necessary to seek out the promise of God which Satan is attacking.
Get in the word in reading or song. Not for a minute but for hours, or better yet… permanently. I wish to sum things up and share with you some lyrics from the songs I have played tonight while doing this study.
“Cause I know my God saved the day, and I know His word never fails, And I know my God made a way for me.”
“Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save.”
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