Strong Reasons against Spiritual Discouragement (1)

There is no reason, which the wisdom from above allows to be a reason, why believers should be discouraged. There is not only no reason for it, but there are strong reasons against it. Consider:
(1) Discouragement indisposes a man to all good duties; it makes him like an instrument out of tune, and like a body out of joint, that moves painfully. It makes one unfit for duties to God, who loves a cheerful giver, and especially a thanks-giver. Also, in our duties to men, if the spirit be dejected, they are unwelcome, and lose the greatest part of their life and grace; a cheerful and a free spirit in duty is that which is most accepted. We observe not so much what is done, as from what affection a thing is done.
(2) Spiritual discouragement is a great wrong to God himself, and it makes us think dark thoughts of him, as if he were an enemy. It is like injuring and calling into question a generous father, who has given many gracious evidences of his favour and love!
(3) So it makes a man forgetful of all former blessings and stops the influence of God's grace for the time present and for that to come.
(4) So, again, for receiving of good, it makes us unfit to receive mercies. A quiet soul is the seat of wisdom; therefore, meekness is required for the receiving of that 'engrafted word which is able to save our souls' (James 1:21). Until the Spirit of God meekens the soul, say what you will, it minds nothing; the soul is not quiet enough to receive the seed of the word. It is useless to sow in a storm; so, a stormy spirit will not allow the word to take root. When we cast ourselves down sullenly, and neglect our spiritual comforts, or undervalue them, it proceeds from pride. When we think to ourselves, 'Why should it be so with us?’ As if we were wiser to dispose of ourselves than God is. Satan has never more advantage than when we are discontent.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Soul's Conflict with Itself, Works, vol. 1, pp. 143-44
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