Everyone knows someone who is going through tough times. It could be your best friend, brother or sister, mother or father, wife or husband — even son or daughter. You may not always understand what has caused them to feel this way, but you can be there for them when they ask for help and encouragement.
Bible Verse to Encourage a Friend
When a friend or family member has fallen into a slump, it’s tough to cheer them up. The truth is, we’d all love an instant fix for depression. But there is no quick fix; sometimes, our best efforts aren’t enough to pick them up and help them find joy again.
That’s why I’ve gathered 31 Bible verses full of encouragement, hope, and strength to give you the push you need to get another person back on track.
Isaiah 41:10 – We are not alone.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
It is important to remember that we are not alone in the world. We have a God who is always with us and desires that we be strong and confident.
Things in our lives may appear to be becoming more difficult at times, but they are simply becoming larger. That’s when it’s important to remember that God has your back—and that.
He’s still working things out for your good. He understands what you’re going through and wants to help you.
And even if everything seems to be falling apart around you, one thing will always be true: God will strengthen and uphold us with his mighty hand.
Philippians 4:6–7 – Be reminded that God is in control.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
When anxious, we may feel as if we are carrying the world’s weight on our shoulders. We may be concerned about our jobs, families, finances, or health, and we may even wake up at night worrying about what the day will bring.
We do not trust God when we are anxious. When we pray, however, we are reminded that God is in control.
He knows what we require and will supply it. He is our comfort and will keep our hearts and minds safe.
Matthew 6:31–34 – He knows what we require and will provide for us.
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:31–34 (NIV)
When we are anxious, it can feel like the world’s weight is on our shoulders. We may be concerned about our jobs, families, finances, or health, and we may even lie awake at night, worried about what tomorrow will bring.
When we are anxious, we are not trusting God. But when we pray, we are reminded that God controls us and knows what we require and will provide for us. He is our peace and will keep our hearts and minds safe.
So, the next time you feel anxious, remember to pray. Thank God for His peace, and ask Him to help you trust Him more.
Romans 15:13 – He is the only one who can give us hope.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
It’s not been easy. But, amid it all, there has been one constant: God.
He is the God of hope, and He is always with us. He tells us in His Word to trust Him, and He will give us joy and peace. That is precisely what He has done.
Despite the uncertainty, we can believe that God is still in control, is still good, and continues to love us.
So, today, I’d like to encourage you to keep your faith in God. Amid all this darkness, He is the only one who can honestly give us hope.
As you put your trust in the God of hope, may He fill you with joy and peace. Amen.
Lamentations 4:17 – God hears His people’s cries and is faithful to respond to them.
“Our eyes failed, ever watching vainly for help; in our watching we watched for a nation which could not save… (5:21) Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!”
Lamentations 4:17 (ESV)
This cry for restoration was more than just a plea for their physical well-being; it was a cry for God to restore their hearts and a prayer to God to restore their hope.
God hears His people’s cries and is faithful to respond to them. He is a God of restoration and longs to bring us back to Himself.
Let us remember the words of Lamentations 4:17 when we are discouraged. And let us pray to God, “Restore us to you, O Lord, that we may be restored!”
2 Chronicles 7:14 – Be humble and pray.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
This verse reminds us that God is still in control no matter how bad things appear, and he is still the King and remains eager to forgive us and heal our land. We only need to humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face.
So I encourage you to do so today. You should be humble, pray, and seek the face of God. And repent of your evil ways. And observe how He works in your life and the world.
Isaiah 40:3-4 – God is always with us, even in the darkest times.
“A voice cries, ‘In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 40:3-4 (ESV)
When we feel lost in life’s wilderness, it can be comforting to remember that God is always with us, even in the darkest times. And, just as God prepared the Israelites to flee slavery in Egypt, He will prepare a way to escape whatever situation we find ourselves in.
No matter how dark and lonely the road ahead appears, we can have faith that God will make way for us. So, instead of giving up hope, let us trust the Lord to lead us through the wilderness to a place of safety and peace.
Zechariah 9:9-10 Our King will return soon.
“Shout and cheer, Daughter Zion! Raise the roof, Daughter Jerusalem! Your king is coming! a good king who makes all things right, a humble king riding a donkey, a mere colt of a donkey. I’ve had it with war-no more chariots in Ephraim, no more war horses in Jerusalem, no more swords and spears, bows and arrows. He will offer peace to the nations, a peaceful rule worldwide, from the four winds to the seven seas.”
Zechariah 9:9-10 (MSG)
This is God’s encouraging message to the prophet Zechariah for His people. They had been through so much turmoil, and now their King was finally coming to establish His righteous rule.
What a beautiful image this is for us today! We, too, can have hope and confidence that our King will return soon. And He will put everything right and establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace.
Let us raise our voices and cheer for our mighty King! Let us raise our glasses to the King of Peace! He’ll be there soon!
Psalm 38:9-10 – He sees and hears our every longing and sigh.
“Oh Lord, all my longing is before you my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes – it also has gone from me… (15) But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.”
Psalm 38:9-10 (ESV)
We can always find comfort in knowing that God is with us, no matter what we go through. He sees and hears our every longing and sigh.
And even when our strength fails us and the light in our eyes goes out, we can still have faith that God will respond to our prayers.
So, no matter what you’re going through today, know that God is with you. And He will respond. Never stop waiting; he is nearby.
Isaiah 49:13 – Be considerate of one another.
“Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted.”
Isaiah 49:13 (ESV)
There are those among us who are in difficulty. Perhaps they are going through a difficult life or simply having a bad day.
Whatever the case, we must remember to be considerate of one another. We must not forget that we are all fighting our own battles. So we sing for joy today.
We take comfort in knowing that we are not alone, no matter what trials and tribulations we face. We are loved by a God who is always present and has our best interests at heart.
So let us raise our voices in song and show the world that even in the face of adversity, we can find reasons to be joyful.
Isaiah 29:19 – God has reserved a special place in His Kingdom for you.
“The castoffs of society will be laughing and dancing in God, the down-and-outs shouting praise to The Holy of Israel.”
Isaiah 29:19 (MSG)
This verse beautifully depicts what God has in store for those rejected by society. They will be vindicated and given their proper place in God’s Kingdom.
Those who were thought to be a burden to society will be vindicated and given their rightful place in God’s Kingdom. So, if you’re facing rejection, don’t give up hope. God has reserved a special place in His Kingdom for you.
Bible Verses to Encourage a Friend Who is Hurting
When someone you care about is hurting, the Bible will show you how to be an encourager.
God knows the heart and wants to encourage you in your time of need. Don’t just read these verses; memorize them so you can share them with your friend when he is hurting and needs support, no matter what he says.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)
There may have been times when we felt utterly alone while dealing with a difficult situation. We may have had family or friends nearby, but we thought no one could truly understand what we were going through.
Perhaps we were going through a breakup, had recently lost a loved one, or were dealing with a difficult situation at work. Whatever the case, it is essential to remember that we are never truly alone.
Even when we don’t feel God’s presence, He is always present. He is always there for us, even when we don’t realize it.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV)
The Lord is a mighty God who rescues His people. He is delighted over us. He is content with His love for us and sings with delight over us. These are just a few ways God demonstrates His love for us.
We can find solace in knowing God is with us in our trials. He is our constant source of assistance in times of need. He will deliver us from our enemies and rejoice over us.
So, when you’re feeling down, remember that the Lord thy God is in your midst, and He is mighty. He will save, He will sing over thee, He will rest in His love, He will rejoice over thee.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (KJV)
It gives us great joy to encourage and comfort you, as a father would his children, to walk worthy of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.
We understand how difficult it can be to maintain such a lifestyle in this fallen world, but we have faith in your ability to do so because of your faith.
We pray that you will never forget how important it is to live a life worthy of God’s calling and that you will inspire others to do the same.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)
As Christians, one of the most important things we can do for one another is to comfort and edify one another. We all must be relaxed and encouraged and strengthened in our faith.
We are following in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ when we comfort and encourage one another. Jesus was an excellent model of someone who consoled and inspired others.
He went about doing good and healing the sick, and he was always kind and compassionate to those in need. He was always willing to assist anyone in need.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
When you’re down, it’s difficult to remember that God is with you and will help you get through whatever you’re going through. But this Isaiah verse reminds us that we need not be afraid because
God is always with us and will help us. This verse is an excellent reminder that no matter what we’re going through, God is there to help us.
So, if you’re feeling down, remember that God is with you and will help you get through whatever you’re going through.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 (KJV)
We can always find comfort in the Lord when the days are dark and nothing makes sense. He is our light in the darkness and our salvation in despair. There is no reason to be afraid because the Lord is our strength and protector. We will find peace and hope in Him.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
God does not tell us to be courageous in and of ourselves when He says to be strong and brave. Instead, He tells us that He will always be with us, even in the most challenging circumstances.
We do not need to be afraid or discouraged because we can have faith that God will be with us every step of the way. This is a promise from God on which we can always rely, no matter our difficulties.
When we feel weak or afraid, we can remember that God is with us and will provide us with the strength and courage to face whatever lies ahead.
Lamentations 3:22-23
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
The Lord is compassionate and merciful to His people. He does not want our problems to consume us and desires that we experience His peace and joy.
When we trust Him, we will discover He always keeps His promises and will never abandon us. We can always count on Him to be our rock and our source of strength.
Every morning, the Lord’s mercies are new and should never be taken for granted. We should always be grateful for His steadfastness. Every day, we should beg His mercy and compassion. We must never forget that we require His understanding daily.
Matthew 6:34
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34 (KJV)
It’s easy to get caught up in the worry and stress of tomorrow in a world that’s always moving at a million miles per hour. And before we know it, tomorrow has become today, and we’ve returned to square one.
Worrying about the future does not affect the outcome; it usually worsens the situation. Worrying is a vicious cycle from which we can’t seem to break free. But this Matthew verse tells us to break the cycle and not worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will look after itself. We need to be concerned about today, which is all we have control over. We must believe that God has a plan for our lives and knows what we require and will supply.
Mark 10:27
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:27 (KJV)
Man can’t accomplish what God can. With God, anything is possible. When his disciples were struggling with the idea of Him leaving them, Jesus said this to them, and it’s still true today.
When faced with the seemingly impossible, we must remember that with God, anything is possible. We must trust that He will help us get through whatever situation we are in. He is always there for us, even when we don’t realize it.
So, when you’re ready to give up, remember that with God, anything is possible. Have faith in Him and trust that He will see you through whatever you are going through.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtCxg2AkPww
Bible Verses to Encourage a Friend Who is Sick
What can a person do to encourage a friend who is sick? There aren’t many Bible verses that address this situation directly.
However, a few Bible verses talk about showing love to others and how important it is to be supportive of people in their time of need.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Those who wait on the Lord will be renewed in strength. They will mount with eagle wings. They will run without becoming tired. They will walk rather than faint.
This is the power that comes from trusting in the Lord. It is a strength that cannot be obtained through gym training. It’s a kind of strength that can’t be found by being big and muscular. It is a strength found only in waiting on the Lord.
If you need strength, turn to the Lord. He is the source of all power. And if you wait on the Lord, He will replenish your strength.
Psalm 118:14-16
The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.
Psalm 118:14-16 (KJV)
When we consider the Lord’s strength, we are reminded of how He has demonstrated His strength throughout history and repeatedly delivered His people from their enemies.
He has given them victory after victory, kept them safe, and provided for their needs.
Our true strength and song come from the Lord. He is our only hope. We can rejoice in His might and power and put our trust in His right hand to act bravely on our behalf.
Psalm 37:39
But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
Psalm 37:39 (KJV)
The righteous are those who have been reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They are not without flaws but have been forgiven and given a new lease on life.
The Lord is in charge of righteous salvation. In times of trouble, he is their savior. It is easy to believe that God has abandoned us when we go through a difficult time.
We may feel isolated and as if no one understands what we are going through. But the truth is that God is always with us and our refuge in times of adversity.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mark 11:24 (KJV)
When we pray for healing, we must believe we will receive what we ask for. Our prayers may not be answered otherwise. When we pray, we should have faith, according to the Bible.
We will receive what we ask for if we believe. This does not imply that God will always give us our desires; however, it does mean that if we ask in faith, He will respond. We must also be willing to accept whatever God provides.
He may not heal us in the way we desire or anticipate. But we can be confident that He knows what is best for us. Don’t give up hope if you’re dealing with a health issue.
Pray with faith, knowing that God will respond. He is trustworthy and will always do what is best for you.
Psalm 9:9-10
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
Psalm 9:9-10 (KJV)
In our lives, the Lord is a healing presence, a refuge in times of trouble and oppression. When we put our faith in Him, we know He will never abandon us. His love for us is eternal, and He longs to heal us and set us free from everything that bothers us.
If you are experiencing difficulties today, remember that the Lord is your refuge. He is patiently waiting to heal and set you free. Seek Him with all your heart; He will provide you with peace and healing.
Bible Verses to Encourage a Depressed Friend
Depression has a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. It can be a personal, private experience that few people outside your immediate circle will understand or help you with.
But there is something greater than just trying to get through it alone. God promises never to leave us nor forsake us.
As such, you need to know that he loves you and is always there for you — even when the road ahead seems impossible to navigate.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him
Psalm 28:7 (KJV)
We’d all like to feel better, don’t we? We want to look at the world and see more than shadows and sadness. We want to laugh, smile, and dance again.
But before we can even begin, we need assistance from somewhere, which is where God comes in. He is our fortification and shield; he strengthens us when we are weak and guides us when we are lost. He is always ready to comfort us when we need him the most.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)
Are you having a bad day? First and foremost, remember that God is with you. You may not always notice his presence in your life, but he is there and has your back! When you need it the most, you can feel his comfort.
He is the one who brings us joy when we are sad and brings us peace when we are troubled. Second, keep in mind that God is merciful, and he does not expect us to be flawless.
He desires for us to be good people, but he understands how difficult it can be at times—so he gives us the grace to forgive others when they have wronged us or hurt us in any way.
Finally (and most importantly), remember that God is also the God of all comfort and is always willing to provide you with the strength and courage you need to face whatever life throws at you.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
This verse is so simple, but it has such a powerful impact. It reminds us that we are not alone on this journey—that we have each other, friends and family, and even strangers who care about us. And remembering that gives us the strength to persevere through whatever life throws us.
I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to reflect on what is most important in your life and then pass it on to someone else who may benefit from it. It will also make them feel less alone!
Psalm 121
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. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalm 121 (KJV)
The Lord is our keeper. He is our creator, provider, and protector. His will is for us to hope and come to Him whenever we need Him.
He has allowed us to commit all that hails us to Him, and he will take charge and heal whatever ails us.
You do not have to do it alone.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)
It can be challenging to stay strong when things aren’t going well, or we don’t feel like we’re getting what we need from others. But remember that God wants us to be strong, so he gives us strength!
So, as you go about your day today, remember to take a deep breath and remember how God wants you to be strong—in his will and for his glory. And if you need a little extra motivation, remember Psalm 40:8: “I am aware of your great works; they bear witness to your righteous and blameless ways.”
