We discussed last time that it is not really advisable to fast when you’re faced with discouragement. You may fast later, but not immediately, in the midst of the discouragement; as it will put further strain on you. Fasting can become works when we make it the default response to our problems, without the leading or guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s discuss and explain this further…
Dealing with the feeling of discouragement and dealing with the actual problem(s) that cause discouragement are two different things. We may not be immediately able to solve the problem or challenge, but we can do something about the discouragement.
Often when we are discouraged, we’re also tired and weary and that is why it’s not the best time to fast. It is better to strengthen and encourage yourself first and then be in a better place to tackle the problem, which you may then fast about, if led by the Holy Spirit. Let’s see what we can learn from Elijah’s experience
1 Kings 19:3-8 NLT
“[3] Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. [4] Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” [5] Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” [6] He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. [7] Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” [8] So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.”
The angel came twice to Elijah to ask him to “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” Indeed, the journey of the believer can sometimes be both spiritually and physically arduous. As much as we need our spiritual nourishment from the word during times of discouragement, we also need our natural food to sustain us.
Fasting can become works when we make it the default response to our problems, without the leading or guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, you need to eat and to eat well. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. (Matthew 4:1-2)
4. Sleep Or Rest
Another way of overcoming discouragement is to sleep. Remember that discouragement often comes when we are tired and overworked. Jesus demonstrated to us that we can sleep, even in the midst of a storm…
Matthew 8:23-24 NLT
“[23] Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. [24] Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”
So, take a nap, and have some sleep to refresh yourself. When you wake up from sleep, don’t linger in bed (to avoid depression setting in). Get out of bed and pray, worship and read; or go about your day.
Psalm 127:2 AMP
“It is vain for you to rise early, to retire late, to eat the bread of anxious labors—For He gives [blessings] to His beloved even in his sleep.”
For Further Reading: Psalm 3:5; Proverbs 3:24
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)