Encourage One Another and Build Each Other Up!

Discouragement, it's something that we all know about. We hear about it, we've experienced it, but do we really understand how powerful it can be? So often I feel that we focus so much on the big things like depression or anger that we really overlook discouragement. But if you stop and think about it discouragement is really the basis of most of the other things we feel.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Discourage:

• to deprive of courage or confidence 
• to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something

Discouragement is one of the biggest tools that the enemy can use against us. It's like a strategic missile targeted to our defenses. If he can knock out our courage and our confidence in Jesus, it leaves us wide open to the enemy attack. Think about it when you become discouraged you're more likely to feel/be susceptible to other things like doubt, depression, anger, self-pity etc. It's kind of like someone who has a compromised immune system, they're more likely to get a cold or other illness than a person with a regular or strong immune system. People who are discouraged are more vunerable to the other attacks from the enemy. 

When we do succumb to the more intense attacks of depression, doubt, self-pity, we tend to shut down, withdraw from what God wants us to do. And Satan knows that if he can take us out of action, then it's one less person he has to contend with. 

I know what you're probably thinking, what now? I face potential discouragement every day. The way to combat the flying darts of the enemy is to use the two most powerful weapons of our own that Jesus has given us, prayer and His Word. 

So often the power of prayer is sadly underestimated. But it is THE most powerful weapon Jesus left us with. Think about it, through prayer you have a DIRECT CONNECTION to the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE!! King Jesus wants to hear you and all the concerns you have. He loves listening to us talk to him and talking to us through his word. There have been many times that I've been facing a particularly trying issue or fear and I didn't know what to do about it. I took it to Jesus and often times WHILE I'm PRAYING the answer will miraculously appear or the issue will resolve itself. Granted, that doesn't happen with all the things in my life, however, I know that when I take it to God through prayer, I'm relying on him, not myself. 

Likewise, God's Word is an equally important weapon. By studying the Bible and hiding its words in your heart, you strengthen your defenses. God's Words are powerful and when spoken in faith they make the demons flee in fear. Think about it, if you steep you life in God every day and carry his words into battle with you, you'll be a powerful warrior. Nothing will be able to stand against you. The very thing that is making you afraid will be AFRAID of YOU!  

In addition to empowering us, God's words give us comfort and rest. When you're tired and the battle raging unseen around you has left you weary, immerse yourself in God's word. It's the best place to find comfort. Over and over again he tells us in the Bible that he will give us rest, that he will give us his strength, that he is a safe haven.  I think it was because he knew what we'd be facing and wanted to make sure we had everything that we needed to conquer it including places of respite.

In the book of Ephesians Paul is emphasising the importance of prayer and God's Word: 

"Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

Ephesians 6:13-18 (The Message)

Final Thoughts: Prayer and God's Word are essential tools against ALL weapons the enemy has. Discouragement can strike anyone at any time, it doesn't discriminate. We have been charged to encourage one another. So if you have the chance today to encourage someone, don't let the fear of making little impact hold you back. Your words may be just what that person needs to hear. What to us is a simple text, phone call, kind word, or note could mean the world to them. Even if they don't show it on the outside, it probably will mean a lot to them. 

Also a warning, if you are feeling discouraged yourself, take it to God as soon as you can and fight to get out of that discouraging place in your mind. Discouragement is a very slippery slope and if we let ourselves linger in its grasp for too long it will be harder to climb up the slope again, not impossible, but harder. (And I give this warning to myself as much as I give it to you...if not more so) 

 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (AMP)

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

"You will keep in perfect peace

    those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you."

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

 "So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (MSG)

"It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.

Share the work, share the wealth.

And if one falls down, the other helps,

But if there’s no one to help, tough!

11 Two in a bed warm each other.

Alone, you shiver all night.

12 By yourself you’re unprotected.

With a friend you can face the worst.

Can you round up a third?

A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (MSG)

I love you, God—
    you make me strong.
God is bedrock under my feet,
    the castle in which I live,
    my rescuing knight.
My God—the high crag
    where I run for dear life,
    hiding behind the boulders,
    safe in the granite hideout.
Psalm 18:1-2 (MSG)

A cheerful disposition is good for your health;

    gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

Proverbs 17:22 (MSG)