Scripture is a powerful tool to fighting against the evils of this world that overcome us. It offers nothing but truth, wisdom, and knowledge in countless situations. The advice it gives is timeless. Regardless of the situation, there will be a verse to offer help. A problem that many of us face is discouragement in various situations, but no matter the version, the verse rings true. Here are a few verses to read and remind yourself of when you're feeling discouraged.
1. 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 them out of them all."
You are not alone in your struggles, and you will be delivered from them.
2. 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."
Right now, maybe you're in an unfamiliar place. You aren't sure which way to turn, but you do know you just want away from it. It seems like there is no end, but believe that you are being led in a direction of growth and a place much better than you could ever imagine. The future may feel dim and distance, but it's actually so bright and close. Just hold on.
3. 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."
Perhaps your place of discouragement lies in that you feel that everything you're doing right now is in vain. Maybe you feel like you've been trying and trying, but you aren't seeing any results. You're frustrated and discouraged because you don't believe that it's going to get better, mostly because you haven't seen it get better yet. Maybe you're about to give up and quit so you can stop feeling so disappointed each time it doesn't go well. Remember that it is not in vain. Remember that you reap what you sow, and it takes time for a good crop to grow. Be patient. Your results are coming.
4. Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Remember that even when you're discouraged, or feel like giving up, or feel like you're at your breaking point, there is someone there to pick you up. There is someone there encouraging you to keep going and is helping you each step of the way. Take courage.
5. Deuteronomy 31:8
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Again you are told not to be dismayed, or not to be discouraged. The Lord is going before you and paving a path for you to walk safely down with Him right there. Don't be afraid to keep trying. Keep your head high.
6. Isaiah 41:10-14
"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. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel."
I think this one speaks for itself. Your enemies will not overcome you, whether your enemy is a chemistry test or someone you're convinced is not a fan of you.
7. Proverbs 4:25
"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you."
When you pay attention to the background noise, your mind can wander and become discouraged. If you keep your eyes forward, you're focusing on what truly matters, and keeping the background noise where it belongs -- in the background.
8. Ephesians 4:27
"And do not give the devil an opportunity to work."
It's easy once you start to think about the bad things to continue on that path until you're overthinking everything. Overthinking is the most sure-fire way to find yourself discouraged by the end of it all. This is the perfect opportunity for the devil to come in and sabotage your thoughts and corrupt your thinking. When you feel yourself spiraling, remind yourself that those things you're thinking are not the truth, and they are not you talking -- it's the devil.
9. Romans 15:4-5
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."
Find encouragement. Encourage others. Keep hope. It will get better.
10. Isaiah 43:18-19
"Don't remember the former things; don't dwell on things past. Watch! I'm about to carry out something new! And now it's springing up don't you recognize it? I'm making a way in the wilderness and paths in the desert."
It's easy to be discouraged by something when it never seemed to work out in the past, despite your best efforts. However, take heart, because a new thing can spring forth. Focus on the now and not the past, because the past does not dictate the now.
Remind yourself of these verses each time you're feeling down and discouraged. If they mean something else to you or speak to you in a new way, embrace it. Memorize your favorite one to remind yourself when you don't have a Bible with you. Pray about these verses. Remember -- the future is bright.
