The Bible encourages us never to entertain and nurture discouragement; never to give up, give in or quit! We are, therefore, looking at an immediate or short-term strategy, what we can do when a situation arises and we are at risk of getting discouraged.
2. Encourage Yourself With The Word
Psalm 119:49-50 NKJV
“[49] Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. [50] This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.”
Remember that the word of God is the sword of the Spirit, part of our God-given armour; therefore, this is a time to use the word of God to fight against the discouragement.
Turn to the scriptures, to the what the Lord has said concerning the situation you’re going through. If you don’t know any scriptures, ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. You may also do a word search in your online Bible and definitely, you will find scriptures to encourage you.
Turn also to the promises and prophetic words that the Father has previously given you. (This is why it is good to have a notebook in which you write everything the Father says to you).
Read the scriptures, promises and prophetic words aloud, over and over again. This will cause faith to begin to build up in you, and strengthen you to overcome the spirit of discouragement. (Romans 10:17).
3. Do Not Fast
When facing the challenge of discouragement don’t decide to fast immediately – get something to eat, if you can. There is a time and season for everything, including fasting.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
I learnt this from the Holy Spirit! There have been several times when He has restrained me from fast in or, in the midst of a fast, asked me to go and eat. The first time is happened was when I was away in the USA, after a strenuous time of ministry and missions; I was exhausted and weary and could feel discouragement setting in.
I decided to spend some time in fasting and prayer to refresh myself, however, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said “It is time to eat and drink and refresh your soul,” and restrained me from fasting.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-24 NKJV
“[22] For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? [23] For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. [24] Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.”
Therefore, when you’re faced with discouragement, don’t immediately fast. Find something light to eat and definitely drink lots of water. You may fast later, but not immediately, in the midst of the discouragement, as it will put further strain on you.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 NKJV
“Go, eat your bread with joy… for God has already accepted your works.”
Fasting during a time of discouragement, could often be works, and not done in faith. Only fast if the Holy Spirit specifically prompts you to, in which case, He will give you the grace and strength to do it.
For Further Reading: Zechariah 8:19
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)