10 Bible Verses to Help When You Feel Discouraged
It’s natural to feel discouraged or defeated when facing personal or family struggles, doubts, failure, overwhelm, disappointments, inability to pay bills, failing a test, broken relationships, etc. All these things can wear us out mentally and physically, and sometimes it feels almost impossible to keep moving forward.
In such moments, you can always turn to the Bible for much-needed comfort and encouragement. The word of God offers powerful reminders of His love, faithfulness, and strength. We know God ultimately has everything under control, and He cares about us and what happens to us. He desires that we have peace in any situation, no matter how difficult it is.
So let’s learn more about:
- How God encouraged His people in Scripture
- Bible verses to lift your spirits when feeling down
- How to trust God in life’s toughest moments
We’ll begin by examining how God encouraged His people in the Bible.
How God encouraged His people in Scripture
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The Bible often highlights moments when God’s people face difficult times. Let’s explore how Joshua, David, and Job found hope in trying times.
God’s promise of victory to Joshua (Joshua 7-8)
After Israel’s defeat by the city of Ai, the people were disheartened. Joshua turned to God for guidance who told him to regroup and acknowledge to God where they had strayed from His leading. Then, God assured Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged, telling him that He had already seen to it that they would defeat this enemy when they encountered them next.
Following the Lord’s command, Joshua sent part of his army to feign retreat from Ai, luring the enemy out. Meanwhile, another group of Israelites ambushed and took the city. The Ai soldiers, chasing the fleeing Israelites, found themselves surrounded, leading to Israel’s victory.
David encouraged during family trouble (2 Samuel 15-16)
David, a man after God’s heart, was Israel’s king. After some terrible family drama, David’s son Absalom rebelled and tried to take the throne from him. Downcast and disappointed, David had to run and hide and eventually mobilize for battle against his own son and his army.
Yet, David did not walk alone during this painful loss and betrayal. He learned some hard lessons and turned to God, and even though the tragic events couldn’t be undone, God restored David’s future and reinstated his kingship.
Job loses everything but gains more (Job 1-2, 42)
Perhaps no other individual in the Bible (except for Jesus) experienced as much discouraging hardship as Job. In one day he lost everything. Most of his beloved family was killed and he lost all his property and possessions.
He even lost his health, breaking out in painful sores all over his body and his wife even suggested that he curse God and die. Yet, in all this, he prayed to God with a cry for help, telling Him all his anguish and grief.
Ultimately, God showered him with even greater blessings, doubling his wealth and gave him another chance to build a family. His end was even better than the beginning.
These examples show how God encourages His people in tough situations. Let’s also turn to the word of God, which uplifts us and reveals Jesus’ character as a trustworthy friend who genuinely cares about us. The same God who helped the heroes of the Bible can help us today.
Bible verses to help when you feel discouraged
Every day brings its own set of challenges and hurdles. Life throws unexpected punches at us, but how we respond truly defines our journey. Even now you may feel like you’re carrying the world’s weight on your shoulders, and that no one is around to help.
Whether it’s stress, disappointment, or loss, these moments leave you with discouragement and anxiety.
But the good news is that you’re not alone.
Here are some Bible verses from the NKJV reminding us that God is with us, cares deeply, and wants to help us through our challenges. He sees our struggles and supports us in our toughest moments:
1. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Explanation:
These words were addressed to the Jews when they were captives in Babylon. Just like them, you might feel trapped by negative circumstances or influences like toxic relationships, debt, addiction, etc. All while the world seems to await your downfall. However, God’s intentions are always of goodness, hope, and a brighter future.
2. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Explanation:
Despite all his struggles, the secret of Joshua’s success as a leader was making God his guide. This passage reminds us that there’s nothing we go through that God doesn’t see. He knows everything and wants to stand by our side and support us.
3. Psalm 27:3, 5
“Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.”
“For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.”
Explanation:
Just like David, sometimes we’re surrounded by enemies of every kind. Those who speak ill of us, might be jealous of us, or might even harm us to get to something they want. But even in the worst of situations, we can remember God is with us and never, ever leaves us. He is our shield and protector.
4. Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Explanation:
Life often brings us pain and heartache, which can lead us to feel lost or broken. Like David, when we pray to God, He is eager and ready to help, restore, comfort, and bring peace.
5. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Explanation:
The residents of Judah often rejected and turned away from God, yet He never abandoned them. So even if we’ve made many mistakes or poor decisions, we don’t need to worry that God has abandoned us. If we reach out to Him, He always reaches back. And He is eager to help any one of us that asks for His guidance and strength.
6. Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Explanation:
No matter what struggles or worries you’re facing, we are encouraged to bring them to God. The weaker and more helpless we feel, the more we are able to recognize His strength. The heavier our burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon our heavenly Burden Bearer.
7. John 14:1-3
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Explanation:
These words by Jesus invite us to trust in something greater than our circumstances—our faith in God. Jesus tells us He is preparing a place for us, a home where we will find peace and rest. No matter what trials we face here, we are assured that a place of eternal peace awaits us.
8. John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Explanation:
As Christians, we have the promise of salvation and eternal life. But life on this sinful earth will continue to have its challenges. But the good news is that we don’t have to let these trials define us, and God will be with us even in the midst of them, helping us come out of them even stronger.
Jesus’ words are not just a promise of peace, but a reminder that our struggles are not the end of the story. Since He overcame everything for us, He has the power to help us get through anything we face.
9. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
Explanation:
We often worry about what the future holds—especially life after death. Paul gives us a glimpse of this glorious mystery. Those who died having accepted Jesus will be raised and together with the righteous living will be given new bodies that won’t die or decay when Jesus returns at the Second Coming. Then, we’ll be taken to a new life in heaven and the New Earth, where we will suffer no more (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
This is a promise that those who follow God experience an eternal, incorruptible life with Him.
10. Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Explanation:
It’s so easy to worry about the future, the things we cannot control, and the pressures that never seem to end.
Instead of carrying our burdens alone, Paul reminds us to turn to God with our concerns (Psalm 55:22), bringing them to Him in prayer. In doing so, we receive peace beyond our own understanding. When we surrender our worries we release them from our minds and no longer dwell upon them, He helps us find relief and peace.
There is hope for you
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God tells us there is hope for every single human being through His Son, Jesus (John 3:16). If you approach Him in prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), claiming these Bible promises you shall find peace. If you surrender to Him today and now, you can enjoy life through Him who gives us perfect peace.
Jesus’ words in the four Gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) reassuress us that:
- Worry is blind and can’t predict the future, but Jesus sees the end from the beginning
- In every difficulty, Jesus has already prepared a way to bring relief
- Our heavenly Father has countless ways to provide for us, many of which we are unaware
- Those who make God their highest priority find their troubles and worries fading away and the way clear
We encourage you to make these promises part of your daily life. Whether through:
- Devotionals on God’s promises
- Meditating on Bible stories of hope
- Bible study individually and with others as you share each others’ uplifting experiences
- Praying by humbly presenting your needs before God
You might find comfort in exploring this page if you’re worried, fearful, or anxious. You’re not alone in this journey. It highlights how the Bible can provide hope during challenging times.
Additionally, enjoy an inspiring video on how to trust God during life’s toughest moments. We hope it brings encouragement and hope to your heart.
Video
How to trust God in life’s toughest moments –
Description: In this video, Pastor Mark Finley shares heartwarming Bible-based principles designed to uplift us during worry, anxiety, and fear. Discover how to find peace and strength through his powerful insights.
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