Discouragement is the devil’s most devastating tool in his attacks on Spirit-hungry saints. It has always been the enemy’s weapon of choice against God’s elect, and from the day you became serious about the things of God — determining in your heart to know Christ in his fullness — Satan has sought to discourage you. He has watched you dig deeper into God’s Word every day. He has seen you growing, changing, overcoming all worldliness, and he has made you a heavy target.
Right now you may be able to praise God loudly in church but watch out for what comes tomorrow. Satan will use his most powerful weapon to try to bring you down, so don’t think his attacks are unusual. God allows this type 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). God’s people have been enduring discouragement for centuries.
When you’re under attack, you won’t feel like praying but you must still go to the secret place and into the presence of Jesus! Don’t try to pray your way out of despair — this is the time for God’s Spirit to go to work for you. He will lift you out of the pit!
You can be honest with the Lord and tell him how weak and helpless you feel. “Jesus, my spirit is dry and I have no strength left. I’m coming to you for help!” In such times, the Lord is very patient with us. He doesn’t expect us to exert some intense, fervent effort in prayer, so just sit in his presence and trust his Holy Spirit to do in you what he has been sent to do. He will never forsake you but you must give him time to do his work.
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Dare to believe the incredibly good things the Holy Spirit is going to tell you. The Lord has glorious promises for all who wait on him!