In a world that is ever-changing, we need someone and something reliable and dependable. In this world with continually reporting pain and devastation, we need someone and something to keep and inspire us. We find all this and more in God and in His Word. I love the Word of God because, in His wisdom, God addresses all our needs. When we need inspiration, we can find it in the Word of God. Looking for instructions on sound doctrine? Go to the Word of God.
We find correction and instructions for right living in the Bible. The fact that God intentionally includes scriptures to encourage believers presupposes that there will be times of discouragement, but it comforts me to realize that when we are down in our spirit and need to be lifted, God had the foreknowledge and prepared scriptures for such occasions. During times of discouragement, there are many popular go-to scriptures to keep us motivated and even inspired.
(All verses are translated from the KJV unless noted otherwise.)
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The Go-To Scriptures
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:2-4).
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Praise the Lord for the above scriptures that many of us run to countless times when seeking encouragement. These scriptures are at the center of attention during many sermons, Sunday School sessions, and small group meetings, which keeps them at the forefront of our minds. All good things, of course. After all, these are powerful weapons and I do not want to take them away from your arsenal, but I just want to add a few more to your quiver. Let's dive into other scriptures in the Holy Text not preached or cited very often, those that are still full of might, power, and encouragement.
But, before sharing the underrated scriptures with you, it behooves me to pause here. I heard a quote many years ago from a preacher who said, “The only part of the Bible that works is the part that we believe.” I believe this is relative to this article. The Word of God supports this thinking in Matthew 13:58: “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” Jesus’ power is not in question. The works were limited because of the unbelief of the people. Sometimes discouragement can impact us deeply and cause us to question the value and validity of God’s Word in our personal lives; in other words, we walk in disbelief. If this is your experience, here are important truths to reaffirm your confidence in the Word of God:
Go-To Scriptures Continued
The word of God is God-breathed and has instruction for every area in our lives.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
The Word of God is powerful and able to penetrate even in the deep, difficult places!
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
All, not just a few, but all of the promises of God are Yes! in Christ.
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
Like Abraham, we do not need to hesitate to believe the promises of God. God can make promises we can depend on because He is able and willing to bring them to pass.
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20-21
No matter how you are feeling, the Word of God is powerful and will always accomplish what God has intended for it to do!
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 Selah
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When you are seeking loving mercy and compassion:
1. “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22
God’s faithfulness to you:
2. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23
Find peace and strength:
3. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:1
4. “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NRSV)
Rid yourself of fear of people:
5. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
God is your Divine avenger and will save you:
6. “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Isaiah 35:3-4
God IS God and He is in control:
7. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me." Isaiah 43:10
Cheer Up:
8. “Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25 (NRSV)
God hears our cry and takes us out of trouble:
9. “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
Speak blessings over yourself:
It might seem odd, possibly selfish, to speak blessings over yourself. Yet, without Christ's blessings on us, how are we to benefit the kingdom of God?
At the closing of sermons and other special Christian services, the clergy gives the benediction for the people which is a pronounced blessing. Whether you've never heard the benediction or it's a consistent part of your church's worship, I encourage you to pronounce the following blessings over yourself, especially during times of discouragement.
10. “The LORD bless you and keep you;” Numbers 6:24 (NRSV)
11. “the LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you... Numbers 6:25 (NRSV)
12. the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:26 (NRSV)
13. “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
14. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
The last verse of encouragement I want to leave you with is short but powerfully reaffirms our confidence in all the other verses:
15. “...Amen.” Revelation 22:21b
The Greek translation meaning of Amen is “so be it.” Amen, or so be it, to all your prayers of faith according to the Word of God. Amen, or so be it, to all your meditation and confession of the scriptures.
Be encouraged.
Amen.
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Originally published Sunday, 23 January 2022.
