We live in a world where encouragement can be hard to find. We know the feeling of no encouraging words...and yet,also the sometimes startling results of an uplifting word given. I have found that there are three sources of encouragement. One can come internally, from our own selves. You know the kinda "picking ourselves up and thinking positive" kind of thing. The second type is from external influences. Some one blows you a kiss or blesses you with a nice word. Both of these, generally speaking, can be a fleeting thing. But the third source is just divine. It is a God thing. He provides it as we need it with an unexhaustable flow from His heavenly fountain. God has it set up so that we can overcome discouragement through an unending source of care and provision from the Holy Spirit. When we get baptized in the Holy Spirit and use our prayer language we actually have the resources to overcome most any emotional trouble that ails us. We just have to use it!
In Jude 20 the scripture says, 'But ye, beloved, building up yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,'....you're praying in the Holy Ghost 'builds you up.' What you put out in prayer comes back to you in the form of spirit-enhancing energy. You are 'built up' and made stronger. Why or How? When you pray in tongues, or in the spirit, it is done through God and He knows just what you need and what your requirements are at every point of your life. When you pray in the spirit you are connecting directly to God's spirit and He outsources what you need to keep you on track in His work.
Isaiah prophesied not only about the coming Messiah and the great plan of redemption which Jesus would consummate, but also about the Holy Ghost and speaking in other tongues. In Isa 28:11-12 it says, 'for with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 to whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear, (KJV)
There is a very real spiritual rest and refreshing from the Holy Ghost. Being refreshed and getting rest or quieting down are two powerful tools you can use to destroy disappointment, discouragement and other things that ail you. The Holy Ghost has everything we need to stay emotionally and spiritually fit to walk a powerful, God-led journey and to fulfill the life He has purposed us to do. You can't get your assignments done and fight the mind games, and attacks that come with that purpose if you don't have the right tools. So today be encouraged, trust in God, work your prayer language and let the Holy Spirit build you up, rest and refresh you. Now 'That's Encouraging'.
