“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19, NLT)
When we stifle the Holy Spirit, we are denying ourselves the very power we need to face the challenges of our days.
The Holy Spirit is wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge. (Isaiah 11:2)
The Holy Spirit is living and active. When the Spirit urges you to move, do not stifle its impulses — move! – Luther
“Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:16-19, NIV)
Reflecting on the role of power and influence in our world, comedian Woody Allen said: “The race may not go to the swift, or victory to the strong, but that’s how you bet.”
Today’s reading, however, reminds us that although the wicked co-exist with the righteous — and often have the stronger hand — God is the champion of the righteous.
Were it not for the Lord God’s help, we would be dead. When we slip or stumble, God’s unfailing love supports us. When we are severely anxious, God’s consolation fills our dreadful heart with joy.
The odds-makers and betters will always prefer the swiftest and the strongest. The Lord God backs the slow and the weak, when they put their faith in Him. – Luther
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!'” (Acts 16:25-28, NIV)
It is axiomatic: When praises to God go up, the power of God comes down.
This is illustrated by today’s scripture. Even in the midst of their pain, and the apparent wrongness of their situation (they were doing a good thing, remember; for God, no less); Paul and Silas found reasons to pray and to sing!
Allow your prayer and your praises to God to rise in every circumstance, and you will see the power of God arrive and transform sorrow into joy.
Remember: When praises go up; power comes down. – Luther
Daily Encouragement 