Strength and Encouragement

Acts 9:31

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”

When we are in bondage of any kind, there are plenty of days we especially need strength and encouragement. Great peace indwells us in the form of the Holy Spirit; and, He provides these needed qualities if we let Him.

As we have already learned, the Holy Spirit administers all of God’s power on this earth, and since He lives in us, this power is available to us. He is our Helper, Strengthener, Teacher, Encourager, Counselor, Friend and Guide. What is the secret for us to be able to allow Him to work freely in our lives?

I believe this verse tells us that the fear of the Lord is key. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” See Proverbs 9:10. The fear of the Lord is reverence, respect, and awe.

We host the very presence of God! As we develop an intimacy of relationship with the Father, because of the Son, through the Holy Spirit, we will know Him better. In this knowing, we will want to honor, love, revere, and respect the awesomeness of Him. As a result, we will want to do our best to obey Him.

The more in tune we are with the Holy Spirit, the more peace, strength and encouragement He provides.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Take time to dwell on the many magnificent attributes of God, and ask the Father to teach you the fear of the Lord by His Spirit. Wisdom, knowledge and understanding will increase, and you will be strengthened and encouraged in Christ by His Spirit!

Dive Deeper: Study Acts 9; Proverbs 9:10.