The Holy Bible Verses

50 Bible Verses About Discouragement

Explore Bible verses about discouragement, with a focus on Joshua 1:9. Find hope and strength in God's promises and presence.

By The Editorial Team

Verses sourced from the World English Bible (public domain). Selection follows our editorial policy. Last reviewed 2026-04-23. See all sources.

Discouragement is addressed throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's promise to provide strength and courage. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His presence. This theme of divine support encourages believers to find hope and resilience in challenging times, trusting in God's unwavering commitment.

“Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your GodThe Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). is with you wherever you go.””
— Joshua 1:9 WEB

The night feels endless, and discouragement seems to weigh heavily on your heart. At such times, it’s comforting to know the Bible speaks directly to our struggles. It acknowledges the reality of our emotions but also offers a path to hope. In Joshua 1:9, God commands, “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.” This is not just a suggestion but a powerful reminder that we are not alone.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently reassures us of His presence. Deuteronomy 31:6 encourages us, “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.” These words remind us of God’s unwavering commitment to being by our side, no matter the circumstances. When discouragement hits, these verses provide a foundation of strength and courage, urging us to trust that God walks with us, guiding us through each challenge.

50 verses

  1. 1

    “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.””

  2. 2

    “Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.””

  3. 3

    “Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your GodThe Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). is with you wherever you go.””

  4. 4

    “Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Be strong and courageous, for Yahweh will do this to all your enemies against whom you fight.””

  5. 5

    “Then you will prosper, if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Yahweh gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed.”

  6. 6

    “David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed; for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of Yahweh’s house is finished.”

  7. 7

    “But if you will go, take action, and be strong for the battle. God will overthrow you before the enemy; for God has power to help, and to overthrow.””

  8. 8

    ““Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude who is with him; for there is a greater one with us than with him.”

  9. 9

    “Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Won’t one be cast down even at the sight of him?”

  10. 10

    “Many there are who say of my soul, “There is no help for him in God.”The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). Selah.”

  11. 11

    “Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men.”

  12. 13

    “Don’t hide your face from me. Don’t put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don’t abandon me, neither forsake me, God of my salvation.”

  13. 14

    “Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.”

  14. 15

    “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.”

  15. 16

    “Don’t forsake me, Yahweh. My God, don’t be far from me.”

  16. 17

    “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.”

  17. 18

    “My God, my soul is in despair within me. Therefore I remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizar.”

  18. 19

    “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.”

  19. 20

    “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God.”

  20. 21

    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

  21. 22

    “Oh, my Strength, I watch for you, for God is my high tower.”

  22. 23

    “With God is my salvation and my honor. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”

  23. 24

    “Your God has commanded your strength. Strengthen, God, that which you have done for us.”

  24. 26

    “Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.”

  25. 27

    “My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word.”

  26. 28

    “Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.”

  27. 29

    “Yahweh, be gracious to us. We have waited for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.”

  28. 30

    “Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong. Don’t be afraid. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.”

  29. 31

    “You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength. Lift it up. Don’t be afraid. Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold, your God!””

  30. 32

    “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.”

  31. 33

    “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”

  32. 34

    “For the Lord Yahweh will help me. Therefore I have not been confounded. Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed.”

  33. 35

    “You were wearied with the length of your ways; yet you didn’t say, ‘It is in vain.’ You found a reviving of your strength; therefore you weren’t faint.”

  34. 36

    “Yahweh, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be disappointed. Those who depart from me will be written in the earth, because they have forsaken Yahweh, the spring of living waters.”

  35. 37

    “Yahweh says: “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work will be rewarded,” says Yahweh. “They will come again from the land of the enemy.”

  36. 38

    ““For these things I weep. My eye, my eye runs down with water, because the comforter who should refresh my soul is far from me. My children are desolate, because the enemy has prevailed.””

  37. 39

    “You, son of man, don’t be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you do dwell among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.”

  38. 40

    “Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree bears its fruit. The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.”

  39. 41

    “Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says Yahweh. ‘Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says Yahweh, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says Yahweh of Armies.”

  40. 42

    “It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Don’t be afraid. Let your hands be strong.””

  41. 43

    “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart”;Deuteronomy 30:14 that is, the word of faith, which we preach:”

  42. 44

    “Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. Bow down their back always.”Psalm 69:22,23”

  43. 45

    “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

  44. 47

    “We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.”

  45. 48

    “Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, Isaiah 35:3”

  46. 49

    “So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”Psalm 118:6-7”

  47. 50

    “Because it is contained in Scripture, “Behold,“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה” or “ἰδοὺ”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed.”Isaiah 28:16”

For your week

Reflect

Consider the words of Joshua 1:9. God’s presence brings strength and courage. Even when the path seems unclear, trust that He walks with you. His steadfastness offers hope.

Pray

Heavenly Father, in moments of discouragement, draw near to us. Strengthen our hearts with Your presence. Help us lean on Your promises and find courage in You. Amen.

Apply

This week, write Joshua 1:9 on a card and place it where you'll see it daily. Reflect on its promise of God's presence and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about discouragement?

The Bible acknowledges discouragement but calls us to be strong and courageous. In Deuteronomy 31:8, we read, "Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged." God’s presence and faithfulness provide a foundation for overcoming discouragement.

How do I get encouraged again?

To regain encouragement, immerse yourself in Scripture and prayer. In Joshua 1:9, God commands us to "Be strong and courageous." Meditate on this verse and others like it. Connect with a supportive community, sharing and hearing testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Lean on God’s promises, trusting that He is with you and will guide you through difficulties.

Why do I feel discouraged?

Discouragement can stem from unmet expectations, personal failures, or external pressures. The Bible reminds us that challenges are part of life, but God’s presence offers hope. In 1 Chronicles 22:13, "Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed," God reassures us. When we focus on His promises, we find strength to face discouragement.

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