Bible verses about encouragement: 19 passages for when you feel like giving up

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

In due time means the harvest has its own season. You cannot hurry it, but giving up is the one thing that guarantees you miss it.

He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

The promise goes from soaring to running to walking. It ends with the least dramatic one, which may be the strength you need most on an ordinary day.

Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.”

Elijah had just asked to die. God’s first response was not a lecture but sleep, bread and water, twice. Sometimes encouragement starts with rest and a meal.

But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.”

A prophet to King Asa as he began to clean up a nation. Faithful work that no one seems to notice is not wasted.

We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

Four pairs, each with a but not. Paul admits the pressure is real; he just refuses to let it have the last word.

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Said the night before the cross. Jesus promises trouble honestly, then speaks of overcoming the world as something already done.

Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.

Though I have fallen, I will rise. The prophet does not deny falling or sitting in the dark; he refuses to stay there.

Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!

Every source of income in a farming economy fails in this list. Habakkuk began his book with complaints, and ends it choosing joy in God rather than in circumstances.

And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

His town burned, his family taken, his own men talking of stoning him. With no one on his side, David found strength in the LORD his God.

For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Scripture itself is described as a source of encouragement. The old stories were written with you in mind.

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.

Paul is sure of this about a church he loved from prison. God does not start things he does not intend to finish, and that includes you.

The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”

A picture of God singing over his people with joy. On the days you feel like a disappointment, this is how he sees you.

The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.

It assumes you will fall. The promise is that you will not be thrown down for good, because the LORD is holding your hand.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),

Joseph was so encouraging the apostles renamed him Barnabas, son of encouragement. He later vouched for Saul when others were afraid of him (Acts 9:27).

But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”

God told Moses to encourage Joshua. Encouraging the next person is an assignment, not a nice extra.

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Paul adds just as you are already doing. He encourages them for encouraging, which is a lovely way to do it.

But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Daily, as long as it is called today. Encouragement is meant to be a habit, and today is the only day you can do it.

And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Consider how means give it thought. Good encouragement is specific, planned and often happens when people meet together.

Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

One good word can lift a heavy heart. It does not need to be long or clever to make a difference.