Scripture for Discouraging Times

The holidays are over, school is back in session, and you’re only halfway through the school year. So you may be feeling a little down in the dumps the first week into the new year. Maybe your children are lagging behind in some of their subjects. Maybe you’re struggling with managing your school schedule. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed and stressed with everything going on in your family. Or you may be just plain worn out and tired! Whatever the case, we all face discouraging days. Platitudes such as “Hang in there,” “This too shall pass,” and “Everything will work out in the end” sound nice but fail to provide any real encouragement in the end. Only God’s Word can give us the consolation we need when we feel downcast.

Hope for Discouraging Times

I would like to share some of my favorite Scriptures—ones that I turn to whenever I face discouragement.

Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Psalm 94:17–19 “Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”

Psalm 121:1–2 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

More Encouragement

If you’re feeling physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually drained, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 is an excellent passage to meditate on:

“He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

What a beautiful paradox that the weaker we are, the more powerful Christ becomes in us!

Perhaps you’re tempted to believe you have failed as a parent. Even though you’ve disciplined, exhorted, encouraged, and prayed for your children, it seems as though nothing is getting through to them and you’re not seeing any visible changes in their lives. Galatians 6:9 is a verse I have turned to many times when I have felt this way:

“Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

We can confidently claim the promises of God’s Word because we know He is true and faithful and will always keep His promises. Our circumstances or children may not change right away, but our attitude will; and then God will be able to work in our hearts and change us. The next time discouragement attacks your soul, combat it with Scripture.

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

• • • • •

Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.