| When most people think of Spiritual warfare, they think of demons, angels, and the Holy Spirit. And these things do exist and are very real. But there are also spirits, not demons, but spirits that can attack you, and we often don’t realize that we are under spiritual attack because these spirits are so subtle. Today, I want to talk about the spirit of discouragement. Have you ever been discouraged? Oftentimes, if you take a step back, it doesn’t even make sense…like things are going well and all of a sudden, you feel discouraged. Yesterday I was discouraged, and really, there was no reason for it. I am having a big closing week at work-so making money. My church just had its biggest day with 30 live visitors and over 20 watching the live feed. I am healthy, my kids are good, like, I am having a really good week. And then I got discouraged. Has that ever happened to you? You’re not crazy; you are under spiritual attack. It’s not a demon; it’s more subtle, it is likely the spirits of discouragement. They are like minions, ants, bothering you and making you feel discouraged for no real reason. John talks about spirits in 1 John 4:1, where he says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits whether they are of God.” God does not give us a “spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. When you are discouraged, the spirits of discouragement are focusing you away from God. Away from His truth. AND THE ANTIDOTE TO DISCOURAGEMENT IS PRAISE! If you start feeling discouraged, don’t turn to drugs or alcohol or retreat into sadness; start praising! Start thanking God for all the things in your life…your health, your eyes, your friends, those you love, this life, the weather. The truth is, the spirits of discouragement are hitting you when most things are good in your life. It is crazy, really. But praise literally chases them off. Like insect repellent, it sends them away. So the moment you start feeling discouraged, stop! And start thinking about all that is right and praise the Lord for all of it. After you are done praising God, those spirits will go away! Then put on a praise song and start singing for joy-the Lord is GOOD! Praise chases away the spirits of discouragement. Get praising the Lord today! Brian |
| “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”2 Corinthians 13:14 (NKJV) |
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