Discouragement is an emotion that is common to everyone. We all face disappointment and hopelessness, probably more often than we’d admit.
It could simply be disappointment at failure in an event, such as an exam, or, sadly, shame at how one’s life has turned out. Depending on how badly the failure or experience hurts us, we may stay despondent far longer than we should.
So if we all face discouragement, then it is not special. What sets us apart individually is our ability to pick ourselves up and move on.
I have my regular go-tos when I need encouragement. I have done it for so long that I do it now almost without thinking.
Today I’d like to share 5 Bible verses that pick me up from the pit of discouragement and fear every time.
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.
As a Christian, I’ve grown to understand that God cares about everything that concerns me. So when He says we should bring everything to Him, He means it. The small, the big, the shameful, the exciting, the disappointing, and the fearful. All of it.
And the promise at the end is what we look forward to. The peace of God, not the false sense of peace we get from money or that we derive from having a sense of control. God gives us peace that defies the chaos around us.
Romans 8: 28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Listen, if you want to live life free of baggage, regrets, what-ifs, and all of that, this is the scripture to hold on to.
Often we spend a lot of time crying over what should have been, what others did or didn’t do, or why the world is the way it is.
We cannot control much of what goes on around us, but the one who can, God, assures us that all things will work together for our good.
The path ahead of us may not always be smooth or clear; we may be victims of other people’s wickedness. I’m not saying it’s alright for others to mistreat us or for life to be cruel. Also, God is not the author of wickedness. What this verse is saying is that God can, and He will, use all of our experiences and churn out something good for us.
The key here is to align yourself with God and His purpose.
Isaiah 54: 17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.
A lot of us are fearful. Christians are too. I get it; there are innumerable things to be afraid of. Trust me when I say, I get it.
Apart from the danger that I fear may come to me, I also have to worry about my children and the harm around them.
But imagine for a second what a state of wreck I would constantly be in if I always carried these fears in me. I would not be able to function.
When God says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” He means it. The weapons may be formed, but they will fail. And you know what, I believe it.
Who or what else can give me that confidence? Absolutely nobody or thing.
2 Kings 6: 16
So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.
Isn’t it fascinating that in a time where we appear to be more connected to people all over the world, we seem to be in truly lonely times?
A lot of people feel unseen, pressured, lonely, and unsure if their lives matter. I’m not one to join a pity party; on the other hand, I can tell you that whatever you’re going through, you are not alone.
Your feelings are there; we’re not denying that, but let this verse sink in and bubble back up when you feel deserted.
God is with us always. He himself said He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13: 5).
The prophet Elijah was once depressed when Jezebel was after him, and he cried to the Lord that all the prophets were dead and he was alone. The Lord told him that there were 7000 others in Israel ( 1 Kings 19:18).
Sometimes we think our situation is unique and we’re alone in our suffering. Apart from the Lord always being with us, other human beings around us may be able to relate to our experiences.
We grow in community, first with God and with others. You’re never alone.
Finally,
2 Chronicles 20:15
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
I am an overthinker. Most days I problem-solve until the cows come home. I am still learning that the best way to win sometimes is to surrender. I can never win all my fights by myself. Half of the time I do not even know what I’m up against until it’s right in front of me.
It is humanly challenging not to fret when we’re faced with betrayal, pain, and malice, but if you’re a child of God, best believe our Father in Heaven is more capable of winning your battles for you than you can ever imagine. Not only is He capable, but He also wants to.
Will you let him?
I wish I could tell you that once you encourage yourself today, you are good for a lifetime. It does not work that way. To stay uplifted and edified, you have to take your daily dose of “happy verses”. I made that up. Some people have “ happy pills,” so why don’t you go through a Bible and get a refill of encouraging verses?
I have listed only five, but there are so many more.
Reflection: Share with me one of your favorite Bible verses for moments when you feel despondent.