The Weekly Encourager – November 7, 2014 – Jesus Prays for Us

I haven't written an Encourager in some time, but today, while trying to encourage a depressed friend, I was myself encouraged by the Scriptures. There may be others who need to hear the same things, so here is some of what I wrote to my friend.

After my recent visit with my dad, I am feeling sharp sorrow over unsaved relatives who are headed to hell. In addition, we've had some ongoing health issues, marriage issues, church issues, and other concerns. I am just trying to keep positive and focus on the promises of Scripture. My devotional life is sagging...both Dave and I are fighting depression. My prayer is: Lord, heal my unbelief, and restore unto us the JOY of Thy salvation.

I know that physical health is intimately tied to spiritual & mental health, so I am trying to get good sleep, exercise, etc. Also trying to sing to the Lord, listen to godly music, go to church, and spend time with believers, no matter how I feel. Reminding myself and others to be thankful, no matter what God sends. All of these are vitally important to fight the good fight.

This morning I read what Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." - Luke 22:31-32 Have you ever felt like Satan was sifting you? Me, too. Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him, yet He had full confidence that Peter wouldn't lose faith entirely.

Combine this with Hebrews: "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16

As my son Austin recently reminded me, giving up is a sin which reveals a lack of faith. Yet if Christ was tempted in ALL things, that must include those dastardly Ds: denying God, discouragement, doubt, depression, and despair! Somehow it helps to know that even the Son of God was tempted to give up at times, yet He stood fast. He did what was right, and He did not grow weary of doing good.

Reading on in Hebrews, we come to a similar passage: “Since we have a great priest...let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together...but encouraging one another...” - Hebrews 10:21-25

Romans tells us that “Christ Jesus is He who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” - Romans 8:34. Ever wonder what Jesus is doing in heaven? He's interceding for the saints.

The amazing truth striking me today is that Jesus was not only tempted to get depressed, but He is praying for me right now about that very temptation! And if you are a Christian, that is true no matter what your area of temptation is. We're all different, but Jesus understands each one perfectly, because He's been there. He gets it, and He loves us, and He prays for us, right now. I may be sifted, but I'm safe.

The second truth I got from these verses is the command to encourage others. Jesus knows our weakness, prays for us, and is confident that we'll overcome – that in itself is encouraging. Then we are called to strengthen our brothers and sisters. Not only is it good for them, but it's good for us. When I tried to lift up my friend today, I was myself lifted up by Christ. “He who waters will himself be watered” is a sweet promise for every Christian. Thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, and goodness.

God is faithful and good,