God promises continual support for his people, particularly when they become weary, depressed or disillusioned.
God's encouragement affirmed
Psalm 10:17–18 See also 1 Chronicles 29:12; Psalm 89:20–21; Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 49:13; Jeremiah 29:11; Zechariah 1:17; Acts 20:32; 1 Peter 5:10
You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.
Means by which God encourages believers
Meditation on his law and word
Joshua 1:8–9; Romans 15:4 See also Psalm 1:1–3; Hebrews 12:5
This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
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.
Experience of the Holy Spirit
John 14:16–17 The word used for Spirit here means “Counsellor” or “one who encourages or comforts”. See also Acts 9:31; Romans 8:18–27; Philippians 2:1
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.
Experience of God's encouragement
2 Corinthians 4:16–18 See also 1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 86:17; Isaiah 52:9; Daniel 10:18–19; Acts 9:31, Acts 23:11; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; 2 Timothy 4:17; Hebrews 6:18, Hebrews 12:5; 1 Peter 1:3
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
God's encouragement experienced through the words and actions of others
Judges 7:11 Gideon and the dream of the Midianite soldier; 2 Chronicles 15:8; Ezra 6:22 the returned exiles helped by the king of Assyria; Acts 28:15; 2 Corinthians 7:4, 2 Corinthians 7:13
Commands to be encouraged
1 Corinthians 16:13 See also Deuteronomy 31:6–8; Joshua 1:6–8, Joshua 1:18, Joshua 10:25; 1 Chronicles 22:13, 1 Chronicles 28:20; 2 Chronicles 19:11, 2 Chronicles 32:7 King Hezekiah; Ezra 10:4; Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 54:2 growth of the nation of Israel after the exile; Matthew 14:27 parallel Mark 6:50ACT Mark 27:22, Acts 27:25, Acts 27:36
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
Effects of being encouraged
Isaiah 40:30–31 See also Psalm 25:3; Romans 15:5; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 2 Corinthians 3:12; Philippians 2:1–2; Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12
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.
Prayers for encouragement
2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 See also Nehemiah 6:9; Psalm 119:28; Isaiah 38:14; Romans 15:5–6; Colossians 1:10–12
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.