Discouragement is a common human experience. Whether it’s due to personal struggles, disappointments, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, it’s easy to feel weighed down. Thankfully, the Bible provides us with powerful reminders of God‘s presence, faithfulness, and encouragement in times of discouragement. Through scripture, we can find hope and strength to persevere, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. In this article, we will explore 35 Bible verses that offer encouragement and guidance for those struggling with discouragement.
35 Bible Verses About Being Discouraged
1. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In moments of discouragement, it’s important to remember that God is with us, offering His strength and support. This verse reassures us that we are never alone.
2. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Moses encourages the Israelites to be strong and courageous because God’s presence is constant. No matter the challenge, we can be confident in God’s unshakable faithfulness.
3. Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
When we are discouraged, God is near to us. He hears our cries and is especially close to those who are hurting.
4. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him. When we feel discouraged, He offers rest and comfort, reminding us that His way is gentle and light.
5. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Even in moments of discouragement, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes for our good. His purpose for us remains steadfast, no matter the circumstances.
6. Isaiah 40:29
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
God promises to strengthen us when we are weary. His strength is available to all who seek it, especially when we are feeling discouraged.
7. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
The apostle Paul reminds us that though we may face challenges, we are not destroyed. God sustains us through every hardship, and our hope remains secure.
8. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
When we feel discouraged, we can rely on Christ’s strength to help us overcome any challenge. His power enables us to endure and succeed.
9. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
“As for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”
This verse encourages us to keep doing good, even when we feel weary. Our efforts are not in vain, and God honors perseverance.
10. Psalm 42:11
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
When feeling discouraged, the psalmist speaks to his soul, reminding himself to place hope in God. Praise and hope in God are antidotes to discouragement.
11. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Instead of carrying the weight of discouragement, we are invited to cast our cares on God. He promises to sustain and protect us.
12. Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
While anxiety can lead to discouragement, a kind word can lift the heart. We can be agents of encouragement, offering kindness to others in their times of need.
13. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Perseverance is key. Although we may face discouragement, if we continue to do good, God promises that we will reap the rewards in due time.
14. 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse reminds us to release our anxieties and discouragements to God because He cares for us. He is faithful to carry our burdens.
15. Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Community is essential in overcoming discouragement. We are called to encourage one another, especially during challenging times, and stay connected in fellowship.
16. Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
God promises to be with us through every difficulty, offering protection and presence, even when we feel overwhelmed.
17. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
God is the source of all comfort, and He comforts us so that we can in turn comfort others who are discouraged. Our experiences of God’s faithfulness become tools to help others.
18. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus offers peace that transcends the world’s understanding. His peace calms our hearts in times of discouragement and fear.
19. Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In times of discouragement, God’s joy, peace, and hope can fill our hearts. Trusting in Him enables us to experience this peace and share it with others.
20. Psalm 138:3
“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
God answers our cries and strengthens us when we are discouraged. His response empowers us to face challenges with boldness and confidence.
21. Matthew 17:20
“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'”
Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, is enough to overcome discouragement. With faith in God, nothing is impossible.
22. Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
God’s joy is a powerful source of strength, especially in moments of discouragement. His joy lifts our spirits and enables us to press on.
23. Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
God is our refuge when we feel discouraged. He provides safety and security in the midst of life’s storms.
24. Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
This verse calls us to maintain hope, be patient during difficult times, and remain faithful in prayer, trusting that God will provide the strength we need.
25. Isaiah 60:1
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
When discouraged, it’s easy to feel as though we are in the dark, but God’s light shines on us, calling us to rise up and step into His glory.
26. Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
In times of discouragement, God is our fortress and protector. He is our refuge, offering safety and strength.
27. Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Even when we face discouragement, we can trust that God will complete the good work He has begun in us.
28. Psalm 31:24
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
When feeling discouraged, we are called to take heart and remain strong, for our hope is firmly anchored in the Lord.
29. Luke 12:32
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
God reassures us that we have nothing to fear. His love for us is so great that He has given us His kingdom.
30. 1 Chronicles 28:20
“David also said to Solomon, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.'”
David encourages his son Solomon to be strong and courageous in completing the work God has given him. God’s presence will sustain us through every task.
31. Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
God delights in us and rejoices over us, even in our times of discouragement. His love for us is unshakable.
32. Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
In moments of discouragement, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus and run the race with perseverance, knowing that He will help us through.
33. Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Trusting in God leads to perfect peace, especially when we are feeling discouraged.
34. John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus acknowledges that we will face trials and challenges but encourages us to take heart, for He has already overcome the world.
35. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Even in our weakest moments, God’s grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect when we are weak, and in that, we find strength.
Conclusion
Discouragement is a part of life, but God’s Word provides comfort, strength, and hope. Through these verses, we are reminded that God is with us in our struggles, offering peace and strength. When feeling discouraged, we can draw on His promises and trust in His ability to sustain and uplift us. Let these scriptures encourage you to keep moving forward, knowing that God is faithful to help you overcome every obstacle you face.
You Might Be Interested In:
