Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8414 encouragement  »  8416 encouragement, promises of God's

God promises continual support for his people, particularly when they become weary, depressed or disillusioned.

God's encouragement affirmed

Psalm 10:17-18 See also 1 Chronicles 29:12; Psalm 89:20-21; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 49:13; Jeremiah 29:11; Zechariah 1:17; Acts 20:32; 1 Peter 5:10

Means by which God encourages believers

Meditation on his law and word

Joshua 1:8-9; Romans 15:4 See also Psalm 1:1-3; Hebrews 12:5

Experience of the Holy Spirit

John 14:16-17 The word used for Spirit here means “Counsellor” or “one who encourages or comforts”. See also Acts 9:31; Romans 8:18-27; Philippians 2:1

Experience of God's encouragement

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 See also 1 Samuel 30:6; Psalm 86:17; Isaiah 52:9; Daniel 10:18-19; Acts 9:31; Acts 23:11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 4:17; Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 12:5; 1 Peter 1:3

God's encouragement experienced through the words and actions of others

Judges 7:11 Gideon and the dream of the Midianite soldier; 2 Chronicles 15:8; Ezra 6:22 the returned exiles helped by the king of Assyria; Acts 28:15; 2 Corinthians 7:4,13

Commands to be encouraged

1 Corinthians 16:13 See also Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 1:6-8,18; Joshua 10:25; 1 Chronicles 22:13; 1 C 20; 2 Chronicles 19:11; 2 C 7 King Hezekiah; Ezra 10:4; Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 54:2 growth of the nation of Israel after the exile; Matthew 14:27 pp Mark 6:50

Paul to his shipmates:

Acts 27:22,25,36

Effects of being encouraged

Isaiah 40:30-31 See also Psalm 25:3; Romans 15:5; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 2 Corinthians 3:12; Philippians 2:1-2; Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Prayers for encouragement

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 See also Nehemiah 6:9; Psalm 119:28; Isaiah 38:14; Romans 15:5-6; Colossians 1:10-12

See also

1449  signs, purposes
5691  friends, good
8144  renewal
8413  edification
8602  prayer
9610  hope