“Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”– Joshua 1:9
Where do discouragements come from?
(1) NOT from the Father, for He has bound Himself by covenant to pity us as a father pities his children(Ps. 103:13- “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him.”). Because of His covenant and His pity/compassion He also accepts, as a father, our weak endeavors. What is wanting in the strength of duty, He gives us leave to take up in His gracious supply. In this way we will honor that grace in which He delights as much as in perfect obedience.
(2) NOT from Christ, for He by office will not quench the smoking flax (Is. 42:3- “…a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick/flax He will not quench…”). We see how Christ bestows the best fruits of His love on persons who are poor in condition, weak in abilities, and offensive in infirmities. This He does, first, because it pleases Him to confound the pride of the flesh, which usually measures God’s love by some outward excellency; and secondly, in this way He delights to show the freedom of His grace and confirm His royal prerogative that “he that glories” must “glory in the Lord.” (I Cor. 1:31). In Hebrews 11, among that cloud of witnesses, we see Rahab, Gideon and Samson ranked with Abraham, the father of the faithful (Heb. 11:31-32- “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets…”). Our blessed Savior glorified His Father by revealing the mystery of the gospel to simple men, neglecting those who carried the chief reputation of the wisdom of the world (Matt. 11:25-26- “At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”). Augustine speaks of a simple man in his time, destitute almost altogether of the use of reason, who, although he was most patient of all injuries done to himself, yet from a reverence of religion (faith) he would not endure any injury done to the name of Christ. This shows that none have abilities so meager as to be beneath the gracious regard of Christ.
(3) NOT from the Holy Spirit. He helps our infirmities and by office is a comforter (John 14:16- “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper/Comforter, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…”). If he convicts of sin, and so humbles us, it is that He may make way for His work of comforting us.
Discouragement, then, must come from ourselves and from Satan who labors to fasten on us a loathing of duty and assurance in faith.
God Bless y’all…I hope you have discovered this to be as encouraging this morning as I did.
In His Grip,
Pastor Mike
