There are seasons that are hard. I just don’t feel right. Discouragement comes easy. The dark cloud looms and lingers.
I begin searching for what’s missing. Maybe if I start running, or eat better I will feel better about myself? Or, am I lonely and just need to find a new friend? Get more sleep? A better schedule? Time alone? A date night?
I’ll try a few things, and when the newness wears off I turn to what energize me. Teaching the Word, blogging, time with good friends, time alone to plan. While they do help recharge me, they will never be enough.
9 Bible verses for discouragement
Only God’s word brings me life.
- My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! Psalm 119:25
- Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37
In uncertainty, His word alone is my good counsel.
- Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. Psalm 119:24
- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
When my soul cries out, His promises alone bring comfort.
- This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:50
- Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165
Though there are moments of overwhelming sorrow, His word under-girds with strength.
- My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Psalm 119:28
His mercy and grace is what I truly need. Not a smaller jeans size, or a better organized house. Not a new friendship or time to myself. He is my missing piece.
- Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. Psalm 119:77
- Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Psalm 119:132
Which verses do you cling to when the dark cloud looms?
I love this post! Clinging to His word, the only true hope during hard seasons!
Such truth-filled words! Thank-you for this gentle reminder! I often cling to Psalm 62:5-8!
Jessica
Love. This! So true, friend. His word is life.
There are so many scriptures that bring me comfort during stormy seasons in my life. Here is one of my favorites, Psalm 121:
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Love this one, too! Love that you shared it with us, thanks!
Thank you for writing this post! I needed to read this, I’ve been under a bit of a dark cloud lately, too.
I like Psalm 18, Psalm 62 and I today I added Psalm 69 to my list as well. =)
So many great pieces of encouraging scripture here. Bookmarking for future reference! Love how you described the process of trying to “fix” things when we are discouraged with our own efforts (running, diet, etc) instead of the source of true and lasting strength. Don’t know if I already shared this verse on your blog but Josh 1:9 has been playing in my mind the last couple weeks. Particularly the last phrase that He will be with you wherever you go. No reason to be discouraged or anxious or afraid.
Oh, such a great, heartfelt post. I love clinging to Scripture (and yet still need to do it more and more!).
So, so many verses regularly encourage me. Psalm 103:2-5 is one I’ve studied recently. Verse 5 would fit with your last point, too, I think: “[God] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms are always a good place to go for a boost!
Love this post! How true of me, feeling low & empty many times, searching for what will complete. When all the while, it is His Word that will fill & change & mold, & comfort.
Thanks for reminding me of some beautiful scriptures in Psalm 119 🙂
Love this.
I have so many verses that I cling to — run to in those moments of trial and need. One of my favorite is simply the words — Be still and know that I am God.
There’s power in knowing — not wondering, not maybe-ing, not doubting — but in knowing that God is God and He is who He says He is. And then we’re commanded to be still. Calm the mind.
Thank you for sharing, my friend!
Prov 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
JUST this morning I wrote in my journal how scattered and anxious and unorganized I feel this summer with three children home all day, no real schedule but lots of activity, little time to blog, and having avoided rich time with Him alot of days simply because I am tired or am just choosing to “live life apart from Him.” Then when I open up His Word, connecting to the only One Source of life, it’s as if the scattered pieces of my “puzzle” get gathered by Jesus and lovingly placed back where they go.
Thanks for the reminder!