Whatever struggle, trial, or hard time you find yourself going through right now, it will face its end, bowing to the goodness of God.
Many Bible passages are our go-to for encouragement, such as “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This is the most popular Scripture I come across when I’m in need of encouragement. Joshua 1:9 is a great Scripture on encouragement; however, there are many, many more underrated Scriptures about encouragement that often go unseen by modern readers that offer a powerful, uplifting message:
1. John 16:33
“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).
These words were spoken by Jesus during His earthly ministry to His disciples. Even though Jesus told these words to His disciples two-thousand years ago, His words are still applicable to us today. Jesus’ words should be a source of encouragement to us.
John 16:33 reminds us that we will have troubles in this world, but we can have peace because Jesus has overcome the world. This should give us encouragement in our own tired, weary lives. Ever since the fall of man, there has been sin in the world. Sin causes troubles, hardships, and difficulties in our lives, but we do not have to be weighed down by these hardships because Jesus is with us. As believers in Christ, we have also overcome the world because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Death, sin, and the devil no longer have a hold over us. We will all continue to sin throughout our lives; however, sin is no longer our master. The Lord Jesus is our master. He gives us lasting peace, security, and redemption.
We can be encouraged because Jesus has overcome the world and we do not have to be afraid of the future. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:31-39). All believers can rest in Jesus’ peace in their daily life. The Lord has overcome the world and that should give us great encouragement. When life becomes too hectic to control, we can relinquish control to our Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him.
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
This passage is another underrated Scripture verse on encouragement. Paul tells us here not to lose heart despite our seemingly hopeless situations. Even though we might be outwardly wasting away by anxieties, turmoils, and fear, we are being renewed day by day because of Jesus. This passage has given me much encouragement over the years, although it is not normally highlighted as a verse of encouragement. In the same way, you are being renewed day by day because of Jesus.
Reading the Bible and praying to Jesus are great ways to be renewed in your daily life. The Bible is the infallible Word of God, which contains everything we need to live a life in devotion to God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Our daily life will be difficult until we are with Christ; however, we can be renewed each day by turning to the Lord, reading His Word, and reflecting on His goodness.
3. 2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
This passage of Scripture is immensely encouraging to me. Maybe you will find it encouraging too. This passage reminds us that the problems we are experiencing in our lives are only “momentary.” In other words, they will not last forever. Whatever struggle, trial, or hard time you find yourself going through right now, it will face its end, bowing to the goodness of God.
Anxieties, illnesses, and broken relationships can make us feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but there is. Eternal glory awaits us when we leave this earthly world to be with God. Every difficult day, every tough decision we make, every time we choose to do the right thing rather than the easy thing, God sees it. These momentary troubles are nothing compared to the surpassing eternal glory of spending eternity with the Lord. I hope this truth gives you peace today.
4. Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2).
This is another underrated Scripture verse on encouragement. Romans 15:2 instructs us with the importance of building others up—not tearing them down. We should never insult, hurt, or tear another person down (Galatians 5:15). Even if a person is not a believer in the Lord Jesus, we should encourage them and share the truth of the Gospel with them. Back-biting, manipulation, and gaslighting should not be practiced by Christians. It is too often that believers are more focused on their own lives rather than other believers’ lives. The Lord wants us to genuinely care about others and build them up for His good.
5. Revelation 7:16-17
“‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’” (Revelation 7:16-17).
Revelation 7:16-17 is another highly underrated passage of Scripture concerning encouragement. This passage is very encouraging to me because it gives us hope for the future. In eternity, there will be no more hunger, thirst, extreme heat, pain, mourning, or death. There will literally only be good days, where we are worshiping our Savior and Lord. Jesus will be at the center of the throne, He will be our gentle Shepherd, and He will lead us to springs of living water. All of our tears will be wiped away by the Creator of the world. There is nothing more encouraging than to know that the Lord of Lords and King of Kings will wipe away every tear you have ever cried.
In our dark days, it can be hard to see the light. It might look like your entire life is crumbling under your feet, but know that the Lord is there. He has seen every single tear you have cried and one day in the future, He will wipe every tear away from your eyes. As I write this article, I am going through a difficult season of life, and encouragement from God is something I have needed immensely. Getting out of bed in the morning, opening the blinds, letting the sun in can feel like an insurmountable task. Maybe you have felt this way in the past or maybe you are feeling it now. Take heart, dear friend, and rest in the encouragement of the Lord. The Lord has promised to always be with us and He will give us strength until the very end. Encouragement is something we all need and it is found throughout the words of the Bible.
I encourage you to read through the Bible on your own and discover other passages of Scripture that can give you encouragement. Write them in a journal or place them somewhere you can easily see them. Remind yourself each day of the Lord’s promises and may His love fill your heart with encouragement.
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