There is nothing better for your heart when you are down than to hear encouraging words from a friend. Your thoughts are immediately lifted and your day better. If our words to each other are that important, how much more meaningful are God’s words of encouragement.
The Bible is a a wealth of words that are alive and quicken our spirit. When facing difficult situations, it is a wonderful place to spend our time to gain God’s perspective. There are answers for everyone among its smooth, thin pages.
God’s Words of Encouragement During Difficult Times
Knowing someone has our back when we are facing trials is important in our mental and emotional health. When we feel alone, the problems seem to be even larger and harder to conquer.
Having friends of counsel is great, but sometimes we need more. There are questions that we as humans have trouble answering. Going to the source of all knowledge is a game changer. Talking to God who can answer any question and deliver His love at the same time is a perfect solution. God’s words of encouragement beat the competition every time.
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,” Psalm 10:17 NIV
God’s Words of Encouragement for the Sick
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
When we are physically ill, our emotions are tied up in the way we are feeling. It’s difficult to sometimes discern between the physical and emotional. All we want is to be better, yet it seems everything is falling apart.
It’s even hard to think rationally what to do. Know that in these times you can go to God with this, even if your speech is not as controlled as you like. The Holy Spirit is there to speak for you and all that is needed is your thoughts to reach Him.
The verse above was originally written to Israel but these words contain the character of God which is always there to help us. Reach out for Him and He will help you. That is His promise.
God’s Words of Encouragement for the Brokenhearted
We lost my grandaughter two years ago at the age of twenty-one. Our hearts were broken, especially my daughter. Reconsiling the death of someone so young can add to sorrow especially from a senseless accident.
Heartbreak is very painful, something most people understand and have experienced. God is ready to help us in a very personal way to overcome the pain and turn it into a beautiful memory of the person we have lost.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NIV
The Lord is concerned about our welfare and heals our hearts. He wraps them in His love to help protect us from further pain. He is there to comfort and assure us everything will be ok in His loving hands.
When We are Depressed We Need God’s Words of Encouragement
Many times our depression comes from discouragement. If we can find the root cause, it can help our depression. Depending on our own thoughts usually doesn’t help. God has words to encourage us.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
The Lord tells us what we should think about instead of discouraging and depressing words. That’s not to say we never acknowledge our problems while living in a fantasy world. It is realistic and healthy to change our thought patterns and have joy in our life. Why should we be miserable instead of taking the Lord’s advice?
It may take some time for depression to pass but it will take a lot less time if we go to the Lord and ask for His help.
God’s Words of Encouragement for Loneliness
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16 NIV
David is appealing to the Lord for help. The particular event is not apparent but David had many problems with his enemies. Here he is overcome with his situation. Through His discouragement, fear and exhaustion he feels alienated and alone. His heart is heavy as He cries out to the Lord.
Loneliness is not a place any of us want to be, God created us to fellowship with others. Our life feels shortchanged when companionship eludes us.
God is able to help us by His presence and as we depend on Him, He provides others to help us out of our situations. He encourages our hearts and restores our lives with companionship.
God’s Words of Encouragement to Trust Him
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 NIV
Paul is talking to Timothy about staying loyal to him and Jesus Christ, continuing the Gospel message. Paul knows that its likely he will be executed soon.
Suffering as much as He did for Jesus, Paul’s faith was mighty. Under these conditions it would be easy to complain to God for his circumstances but because of his trust, he is loyal to the end.
He has experienced the presence of God and knows who He is. When our trust falls short, we should look at the life of Paul and his faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
God’s Words of Encouragement about His Love
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Romans 8:35 NIV
It is easy in difficult situations to wonder if the Lord loves us. Why has He allowed our suffering?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
Jesus is our example. Did He walk the earth without pain, loss or persecution? If God allowed Jesus to have trouble, wouldn’t it be the same for us?
God’s promise is good. He will be there for us through thick and thin, waiting for us to lean on Him for help. What can separate us from His love? Nothing.
God’s Words of Encouragement are Our Hope
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Paul is speaking to Hebrew Christians to perservere in their faith, continue to meet together and love one another. These factors along with their faith in Jesus Christ would be needed as they witnessed for HIm.
The reason or the “why” for their faithfulness is the hope of Jesus Christ and His promises to His followers. Without hope comes discouragement.
Jesus Christ is faithful to His Word and Paul is focused because he knows its true.
Seeking God’s Words of Encouragement
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
This verse was originally written to Israel but is words of wisdom to us all. The best place to seek Him is in His Word and with a prayerful heart. If we truly seek Him, He is there for us. He will not turn anyone down.
Reading God’s Word is the most valuable pursuit we can have. It is enlightening, refreshing and encourages our heart to the point of sharing it with others.
If you are going through a difficult time, reach out to Him and let His love surround and heal you.
This is so true, Jackie, “Going to the source of all knowledge is a game changer. Talking to God who can answer any question and deliver His love at the same time is a perfect solution.” I’m so thankful that His love is so deep, high, long and wide.
I am with you there, His love is the most precious gift.