In 1 Samuel chapter 30, David faced a dire situation where his own men, devastated by the Amalekite raid that destroyed their town, spoke of stoning him. Everything valuable had been taken, their town was in ruins, and women and children were captured. Despite this bleak circumstance, David chose a different path. Instead of succumbing to despair, he found strength in the Lord, assuring his own heart.
In the midst of loss—his wives, children, and home—David persisted for 13 challenging years since his anointing by God. Despite the adversity, he refused to give in to bitterness or complaints. Less than 48 hours away from the fulfillment of his dreams, David could have quit, letting discouragement take over. Yet, he chose to encourage himself in the Lord.
The key to David's resilience lay in maintaining faith and refusing to be governed by his emotions. He understood that even in the face of hardship, encouraging oneself in the Lord was essential. Praying in tongues emerged as one powerful method, forcing the mind to stay focused on God and engaging in a spiritual exercise that required faith.
Praying in tongues, when done in faith, acts as a switch that activates the working of the Holy Spirit in one's life. It's not about turning on the Holy Spirit, who is always present, but about turning oneself on to the influence of the Spirit. Some individuals, despite having the Holy Spirit, find themselves distant from regular spiritual practices, such as praying in tongues. This can lead to a lack of encouragement and a sense of being stuck in survival mode.
David's example serves as a reminder that encouraging oneself in the Lord is crucial, and there are various methods to achieve this, including speaking the Word of God and praying in tongues. Consistency in these practices, done in faith, opens the door to experiencing the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in one's life.
When God is with you, you gain the strength to overcome challenges—running through troops and leaping over walls becomes possible. This truth is empowering, and you can achieve anything, amen.
However, it's crucial to take deliberate steps to assure your heart. As mentioned earlier from Jude chapter 1 verse 2, one effective way is to engage in speaking in tongues. While some may view this practice as a one-time event to prove the presence of the Holy Spirit, its ongoing significance is often overlooked.
Speaking in tongues may seem nonsensical to the mind, as noted in 1 Corinthians 14:13, where it's emphasized that your spirit prays while your understanding remains unfruitful. Despite the initial resistance from your natural mind, persisting in praying in tongues, not just for brief moments but for extended periods, prompts a shift into the realm of faith.
Praying in tongues for an hour, for example, requires pushing beyond the limitations of the physical and natural realm. During this time, you may need to consciously assure yourself, disregarding what your brain tells you. The Bible affirms that when you pray in an unknown tongue, you edify yourself, promoting spiritual growth. This form of prayer engages your spirit, the part of you with the mind of Christ and understanding of all things.
To maintain this practice, you must push into faith. Prolonged periods of praying in tongues necessitate a shift away from dwelling on personal circumstances, negative opinions, or physical ailments. Instead, you enter into a realm of faith, believing in God's promises. Speaking in tongues becomes a powerful tool in this journey.
Regrettably, some readers may possess the gift of speaking in tongues but are experiencing challenges in their bodies, finances, or emotions. Despite seeking solutions in various places, they may have neglected the potent tool within—the ability to speak in tongues. This dynamic force within can be activated by simply engaging in speaking in tongues consistently. Over time, this practice becomes a source of self-encouragement in the Lord.
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