Bible Verses for Encouragement

When you need courage, God’s answer is that He is with you.

Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for the Lord your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Lord, You told me to be strong and courageous, and that’s hard to do on my own. Thank You that You go with me wherever I go. Thank You that You will not fail me or leave me. Take the fear out of what’s in front of me today. Remind me that I’m not walking into it alone. I choose to believe You are with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you only have room for one verse today, start here.

Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Isaiah 41:10

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Psalm 34:18

Father, some days my heart feels broken, and I don’t have words for it. Thank You that You are near, even now. Hold me up with Your hand when I can’t stand on my own. Take away the fear that this is too much for me, or too much for You. Strengthen me, help me, and don’t let me go. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the friend, family member, or coworker who needs a kind word from you.

Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Lord, there’s someone in my life who needs encouragement, and I want to be the one who gives it. Show me what to say, and when to say it. Keep me from careless words, and help every word I speak build them up. Give me the courage to reach out, even when it feels awkward. Use me to remind them of Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the days when you're tired and running low.

Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

God, I’m tired, and I don’t have much left. I’m not asking You to make me look strong. I’m asking You to be strong in me. Where I’m weak, let Your power show. Renew my strength as I wait on You, so I can keep going without burning out. Thank You that Your grace is enough for today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the woman who carries a lot and doesn't always feel strong.

Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:25

The Lord, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. Zephaniah 3:17

Lord, I carry a lot, and I don’t always feel strong. Thank You that You are with me, and that You delight in me, even on the days I feel unseen. Give me the strength and dignity that come from You, not from getting everything right. Help me face what’s coming without fear. Quiet my heart with Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When the season is heavy and you can't see the way out yet.

Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Father, this season is hard, and I’m worn down. I don’t need You to explain everything. I need You to hold me together. Renew me on the inside, day by day, even while things around me fall apart. I trust that You can work this for good, even if I can’t see how. Help me take one day at a time. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the point where you've tried, you're tired, and you're not sure it's worth it.

Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Lord, I’m close to giving up. I’ve been trying, and I haven’t seen results. Be the strength of my heart when mine runs out. Keep me from growing tired of doing what’s right. Remind me that You see every small thing I do, and that You bring the harvest in Your time. Help me take one more step today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When you want to quit.

Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence. Psalm 42:5

Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

Lord, I’m discouraged. Help me get through it. Lift my eyes from what’s hard to what You’re doing. Give me hope, and the next small step. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before the day gets busy, ask Him to lift your heart.

Lord, before this day gets busy, I’m asking You to encourage me. Remind me who You are, and who I am to You. Give me one thing today that lifts my heart, and help me notice it. Make me an encouragement to someone else too. When I’m tempted to give up, bring Your words back to my mind. I trust You with this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.