If you do a quick Google search for encouragement, you’ll find an array of affirming messages that will probably tell you things you want to hear. Like, “You are doing a good job!” “You’re beautiful just the way you are.” or “Just do it!” While those messages may contain elements of truth, the Bible offers a richer and more meaningful definition of encouragement. To encourage is to literally give courage. Encouragement is not simply to console, or compliment, or rally the troops, but an intentional effort to strengthen another person in God’s truth.
Isn’t this the kind of encouragement we really need? Instead of “positivity” or “motivation,” we need a fresh infusion of courage to keep trusting and believing in God. We especially need encouragement when we’re enduring suffering, rejecting temptation, and persevering in hardship. The most encouraging people I know are those who are so steeped in God’s Word that their words of encouragement remind me to keep going, keep trusting, and keep clinging to God’s promises. True encouragement flows from Scripture because Scripture reveals the God who strengthens weary hearts.
Do you need encouragement today? Or, are you seeking to encourage someone else? The Bible is full of encouragement, but consider these 20 Verses to start your study.
20 Bible Verses About Encouragement
- Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)
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.”
- Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
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.”
- Psalm 55:22 (ESV)
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
- Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
- Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
- Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
- Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
- Isaiah 50:4 (ESV)
The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
- Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
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.
- John 16:33 (ESV)
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
- Acts 4:36 (ESV)
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 (ESV)
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
- Romans 15:4 (ESV)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
- Romans 15:5 (ESV)
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
- Colossians 4:8 (ESV)
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,
- Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
- Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Courage, Dear Heart
The world’s version of encouragement often tells us to think nicer thoughts or cheer ourselves up, but biblical encouragement is the fuel we need to courageously carry on. We are to be people who spur one another on as long as it is called “today” (Heb. 3:13). This requires that we see beyond today’s troubles to our eternal, living hope (1 Pet. 1:3-6).
In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, when the sea turns black and visibility disappears, Lucy is overwhelmed by fear. It’s then that she hears Aslan’s encouraging voice say, “Courage, dear heart.” It’s in her deepest fears, where she feels most alone, and Aslan is there, providing her with the courage to carry on.
Like Lucy, we often cannot see our way forward, but encouragement comes when we hear the voice of our true King, reminding us we’re not alone. Our King is Jesus, and we’ll find the encouragement we need when we meet with him in his Word.
So for now, take heart, friends. Whatever is before you, our King has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Cara
P.S. If you need encouragement in your walk with Christ, I’ve written The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places, for you. It will encourage you to see your time with the Lord not as a duty to perform, but the delight of your heart.