We’ve all felt drained, discouraged, and alone at some point in our lives. We feel spent, exhausted, lethargic, and find difficulty getting out of bed. In times like these when we’re feeling discouraged, we encourage you to turn to your Bible for guidance.
The key to every stumble is getting back up. It’s what we do after the fall that determines our grit and resilience. And to help you be more hopeful for the future, try turning to Bible verses about discouragement.
If you’ve been wondering what does the Bible say about discouragement, we’ve compiled a few verses that encourage us — we hope they help you too.
However, sometimes encouragement may not be what you need, therefore, we’ve identified some of the best Bible verses for other situations as well. Whether you need strength, want to build more diligence, or are struggling with grasping forgiveness, we’ve got you covered.
15 Bible Verses For When You Are Feeling Discouraged
Psalm 34:17-19
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Interpretation: This verse reminds us that the Lord is omnipresent and is there to support us every step of the way. He is “near to the brokenhearted” precisely because He expects us to reach out and ask for help. If we do not surrender to Him, He cannot deliver us from the things that are holding us down. Vulnerability, acknowledgment, and acceptance of the issues at hand are required for Him to to help us during our lows.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Interpretation: Very simple – those who are broken, dispirited, in pain, and discouraged shall have their problems addressed by Him. He will remove the cause of your pain and restore your spirits.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Interpretation: A very powerful and direct message with no room for doubt. We are told, point blank, that there is no need to worry because He is right here next to us. If we have fear, it is because we have not fully embraced our faith, and that is our interference with what the Lord has said he will provide.
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Interpretation: Waiting for the Lord refers to placing your trust and faith in God, believing wholeheartedly that he is omnipotent and has an inexhaustible supply of strength to provide for us with. By renewing our faith, we’re afforded freedom from our restrictions with boundless energy and vigor.
Isaiah 42:16
And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.
Interpretation: This is the epitome of the concept of courage. Courage, by definition, involves one not knowing what may lay ahead of them, and yet, removing the fear and having the faith to continue to walk forward. This verse describes that courage. The Lord will lead us down paths that we have not seen, do not know exist, and may never be aware of, but we must trust that it is happening all the same. Whenever you feel discouraged, remember that he does this for each and every one of us, and it manifests for each individual in a different way and/or form.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Interpretation: Sometimes, we may not be privy to what’s happening behind the scenes. This is where faith becomes paramount – we need to trust and believe that He has plans for our future and that they are or will be set in motion in the ways that he deems most appropriate. Discouragement in the bible can mean lack of faith, and the bible says all we need is a little trust.
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Interpretation: This is another one of the bible verses about discouragement that’s widely shared. When we are weary and exhausted by the day-to-day, caught up in routine and the rush of the immediate world around us, we can always fall back onto the Lord to find rest and relief.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Interpretation: Everything that is good is interconnected and the universe works in ways that make us at harmony with each other. However, understand that “good” is not specifically for our situation, but rather in alignment with His purposes and intents for the world’s progress.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Interpretation: The point is not to suggest that only one believer can succeed in his faith. Instead, we should pursue our faith with the same amount of dedication and effort as if we were running for first place in a race.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
Interpretation: This is a beautiful representation of the resilience we are afforded through our faith in Him. No matter how many times we are beaten down, no matter what discriminations and hardships we face, we will always stand up and rise to meet another day because he gives us the strength to do so. Do not be discouraged. The fact that you are still standing here today is testament to your resilience through His strength.
2 Corinthians 5:7
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Interpretation: Oftentimes, we won’t be able to see the road that we’re walking down and the direction that our lives will take. This is where faith plays a critical role. God works in ways that, many times, will not be immediately obvious to us.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Interpretation: The reason we commit acts of kindness should not be because we expect reciprocation of some sort. Good deeds should be done for the sake of doing good deeds, and we trust that He will ensure that everything works in harmony and for the benefit of all, as He intended.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Interpretation: This scripture for discouragement says that He will provide for us in the ways that he deems necessary. The form that this takes on may not be immediately obvious to us, but in due time we will be able to see what He has been doing for us behind the scenes.
1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Interpretation: We’ll be put through many trials and tribulations throughout our lives. It will be constant fluctuation between the good and the bad. Amidst all of this, our faith in Him will be our most precious asset, and this is a reminder to continue to celebrate and rejoice in our ability to continue to have faith in God.
So what does the Bible say about discouragement?
It says that with true faith in ourselves and in Him, we can get through the most painful and uninspiring phases of our lives. His providence might not be as obvious, but He works in ways that are truly unknown to us. All we need is to keep the faith and turn to Him when we’re feeling discouraged. After all, challenging times are temporary and you will always persist.
Did any of these verses resonate with you? If so, grab a journal and jot these verses down so you can quickly turn to them whenever you’re struggling and discouraged. If you know someone who could use a little more support today, feel free to share this article via Facebook, Pinterest, or email by clicking one of the buttons below!
