Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
The Fiery Trial
In his times of discouragement, David could not figure out why he was so cast down. He asked, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (Psalm 42:5, NKJV). Yet his questions were not doubts about God. David actually begins the psalm by expressing his deep thirst for the Lord: "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalm 42:1-2).
In the midst of his discouragement, David cried out for a revelation of the Lord. He was saying, "God, there's never been a time when I have loved you more, so why am I suffering such overwhelming discouragement?"
At times, David experienced despair and depression because of his sin. He endured the Lord's chastening for his pride when he numbered his fighting men, which was against God's law. He felt the pain of God's rod when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged to have her husband murdered. His heart broke over the judgment he brought upon his family because of these sins.
Many believers today are depressed because the Holy Spirit has wanted to bring them into victory, but they resisted. They have chosen the way of the flesh, and that always leads to pain and discouragement.
However, I am addressing repentant believers here, those who seek God with all their hearts. These faithful servants are gripped by a different kind of discouragement, the kind that comes upon them suddenly, out of nowhere, for no apparent reason.
When the attack comes, do not think it is unusual. God allows this kind of fiery testing with all his saints. Peter writes, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you" (1 Peter 4:12). If this is true of you, you can be absolutely sure you are under attack. Satan has sent a cloud of discouragement to overwhelm you. It has been the enemy's weapon of choice for centuries against God's elect, but the Lord always has the victory!
__________________
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
|