"Put on" Praise

Good morning friends

I pray that God will encourage and comfort you wherever you are in your Christian walk today. I pray God will give you the peace that passes all understanding for each day.

There are times when we may feel discrouraged because of the hardships we may face in life. There are different seasons in our life, in each season we can Praise God

Our Christian walk should be one of a faith journey where we live a purpose filled life with eternity as our focus, this doesn't mean we will be unmoved by circumstances, as long as we live on this earth we still wrestle with our human fleshly components of our emotions and thoughts. Let us be mindful though of these facts at all times - God allows hardships to strengthen and to sanctify us (make us more like Him) for service. Also, anything we experience in this life is temporary. Anything that God allows in our life, he will use for his glory and our good and he will definitely turn it around to be something beautiful in his time.

Sometimes our responses to challenges though can result in a Spirit of heaviness coming upon us - we all walk through this at some time or other.

Here is a good adaptation (from the Bible Study tools website) as to what causes a Spirit of heaviness:

What Causes a Spirit of Heaviness?

In Psalm 142, David laments from a heart of deep sorrow and anguish. On the run from King Saul and his men, the future king of Israel longs for God to see and respond to his despair. In this case, David’s dire circumstances lead to his suffering spirit.

Our spirit of heaviness can also be caused by unconfessed sin in our lives. Disobedience to God and His Word puts a wall between us and our Lord and only a heart of repentance will bring restoration. If we’re in doubt about the cause of our suffering spirit, the prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 is a beautiful, humble way to approach God. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Our Heavenly Father will respond to the sincere, seeking heart.

Other causes of heaviness or sadness include poor health, family conflicts, worry, and grief over the loss of a friend or family member. Living in a broken and fallen world is enough to shake the resolve of even the strongest follower of Christ. Remembering to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and to lean on His promises and precepts is vital in our journey of faith.

Amen (here ends the Adaptation)

So what do we do about a Spirit of Heaviness.

I listened to my Bishop in church yesterday and his words were profound.

GIVING THANKS REPOSITIONS US FOR BREAKTHROUGH.

No matter where we are

No matter how hard it gets we still have much to thank God for.

Sometimes we don't feel like it but we still bring God the sacrifice of praise. He is truly worthy of the best praise we have to offer. Whether times are good or bad. As we enter the gates with thanksgiving, then into the courts with Praise, continue to "press in" because we will automatically come into the place of true Worship bowed before God.

That is the place my friends where Restoration takes place

Amen

We have got to proactively shake of and renounce that Spirit of heaviness and put on the Garments of Praise, we cannot stay in the place of being "broken, busted and disgusted"

GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED IN ALL IN JESUS NAME.

Think of this God remains the same despite life’s changes.

He is a Faithful, merciful, forgiving loving kind God who extends grace and mercy to his children.

That is enough to prompt us to begin to give thanksgiving and praise.

Here are some verses that should encourage us

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17).

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Here is the key though into really "breaking through" and staying Robed in Praise

COUNT IT ALL JOY!

James 1:2 - 4 Amplified

2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [b]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Amen

Lets follow these additional steps to "Put of Praise" and keep it on

(Count it all joy was step one)

2. Focus on Worshipping God, our circumstances become miniscule compared to our great big wonderful heavenly Father

3. Ask God to help you there may be different seasons where we need extra help eg. Facing trauma or loss, grieving, changes in the physical body as one may battle illness or for women menopause. God will help us - he really is near to the brokenhearted. Don't be impatient with yourself if you're walking through the process, it takes time to heal

4. Surround yourself with Christian brethren who will support you (not condemn) you in your time of need. Corporate Prayer makes a big difference

5. "Wash" yourself daily with biblical affirmations. You will build faith and set the tone for each day. Speak the word of God it has power

   
   

   Amen

   My Dear friends please feel free to contact me for prayer and counselling if you need help to "walk through"

   I am confident you will overcome in Jesus name

   
   

Walk good in Christ

Till we meet again

Pastor J