Bible Verses for Discouragement
The short answer
Galatians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Psalm 31:24, Joshua 1:9 and Psalm 42:11 speak to discouragement. Galatians 6:9 is the most fitting: do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. The promise is a harvest, and the condition is only continuing.
Discouragement usually comes from effort without visible result. Scripture speaks to that directly, and does not pretend the results have arrived.
Where to begin
Three passages for when you are tempted to stop trying.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up.
Biblical context
Closing instructions to churches in Galatia, using a farming image of sowing and harvest.
Selah’s reflection
Due season is not this season. The verse assumes a gap between effort and result.
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.
Biblical context
Paul writes this after listing the pressures of his ministry, including being troubled on every side.
Selah’s reflection
Renewal is described as daily and internal, which is slower and quieter than most people want.
Psalm 42:11
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.
Biblical context
The refrain of a psalm written in exile from the temple and from community.
Selah’s reflection
Yet is the load-bearing word. It admits that praise is not currently happening.
Further passages
Psalm 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.
Biblical context
The closing verse of a psalm largely made up of distress and pleading.
Selah’s reflection
Courage is addressed to people still in the situation, not to people who have come out of it.
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Biblical context
Spoken to Joshua as he takes over leadership from Moses, facing a task he did not choose.
Selah’s reflection
The reason given is presence, not ability.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait for Yahweh 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.
Biblical context
Addressed to exiles convinced their situation had been overlooked.
Selah’s reflection
Walking without fainting is the promise that matters on a discouraged day.
A short prayer
God, I have been at this a long time and I cannot see that it has made any difference. Keep me from giving up out of tiredness. Show me what is growing where I cannot see it.
A question to sit with
If the result of this effort will not be visible for years, what would keep you going in the meantime?
Try Selah
Tell Selah what tonight actually feels like, and it will help you find relevant passages for this moment.
Open the Selah verse finder