Feeling Defeated? 5 Scriptures on Overcoming Discouragement
Outside the window, the goldenrod fields have shifted from emerald to buttery gold. Frost will come soon, and any hint of color will be swallowed up by the monochrome beige of winter. I open my Bible in search of Scriptures on overcoming discouragement because I sense I’ll need them throughout the long months ahead.
Perhaps you need these words, too.
Maybe you’re facing an uncertain future or feeling defeated in some area of your life today.
Regardless of what your discouragement looks like, let’s soak in these truths together today.
Scriptures on Overcoming Discouragement
1. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear” (Isaiah 59:1 NASB).
Do you wonder if God has forsaken you? Cling to this promise: The Lord’s arm is not too short to save you, no matter how far you have fallen.
When you begin to feel like you might sink, lift your eyes to the One who holds the power to immediately reach out and save you.
2. “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over you” (Isaiah 42:6).
In the darkest seasons of my life, I have cried out to the Lord from the lonely valley of isolation.
Friend, when you feel all alone, hold onto this promise: The God who made you will hold you by your hand. He has not left you.
He is watching over you, and he hasn’t missed a moment of the journey you are facing. Keep drawing near to him. Continue talking to him and opening your Bible. He is present with you.
You Are Not Alone
3. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you” (Isaiah 43:2).
Perhaps you feel like you’re walking through a refining fire.
If so, cling to this promise: God is able to pull you out of the refining fire in an instant.
He is using this fire to purify you and help you grow. Affliction is God’s primary tool for helping us grow into emotional and spiritual maturity. We miss the gifts hidden in affliction when take offense toward God for permitting the fires.
Ask God to help you keep a soft heart. He uses life’s fires and floods to transform us into the image of his Son.
God might not dry up the waters or put out the fires in our lives. Instead, he offers a better promise. He offers his presence with us. #Godspresence Click To Tweet4. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
God is inviting you to continue spending time in his Word. His Word guides our feet and directs our paths.
When you start to wonder which direction to take, turn back to the Living Word.
Open your Bible and find the encouragement and direction you need in times of discouragement. Stand on his promises instead of standing on your emotions. God’s light will guide you.
5. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
God is not done writing your story.
He is not finished with you.
Hold onto this Bible promise when you feel discouraged: God will finish what he starts in your life. Your role is to trust him as you continue to put one foot in front of the other—one day at a time.
God Sees
Do you notice what all of these Scriptures have in common?
God sees every tear you shed, every dark night, and every difficult day.
He is present.
Bring him your emotions. Tell him how you feel. Let him encourage your heart and speak hope over you, and then stand on his promises. He will carry you, and he will not leave you alone.
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