How do we find consistent encouragement in the bible? It’s easier than you think. Every story was carefully planned by God Himself, for our instruction, edification, and uplifting.
Every part of the bible has a lesson that we can draw encouragement from, to help us keep going. But what about in the most difficult times in our lives? Do these encouraging bible stories feel the same?
Let’s find out in Psalms 3…
Scripture
Psalms 3
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.”
Observation
How often it seems that the wicked prevail over the good.
When Psalms 3 was written, David was in great turmoil. His own son, Absalom, led a rebellion against him and his enemies surrounded him. Feeling hopeless, he even wondered if he was beyond God’s help.
In 2024, it can feel that way too. Is there no help for us? Is there no sanctuary? Some even questioning, “Does God see us?”
Application
Have you ever asked yourself, “If God exists, why do bad things happen?”
Me too.
I feel like every time I turn around some awful circumstance or fear-striking outbreak has happened. Deception surrounds us. And death feels like a constant presence, lurking around us like a dark cloud.
In fact, just a couple weeks ago there was yet another horrific tragedy. A school shooting occurred at Feather River Adventist school, where two innocent kindergarteners were mercilessly shot.
How do these things keep happening? And why?
Maybe you too have felt the weight and gravity of these times we are living in..
Maybe you have wondered, “Where are you God? Where is our safety?”
Nothing New Under the Sun
But, just as David is later reminded, there is nothing new under the Sun before God. Though this world may feel “new” to us, and these tragedies as horrific as they come (especially when it comes to our innocent ones), this is simply a repeat of what has already been.
You see, Satan is not clever.
In fact, he’s one of the most boring wannabes ever to walk this earth. He never has any new tricks up his sleeve…
And so, if we study closely the Word of God, we will have incredible insight to the weapons he tries to use against us: fear, doubt in God, doubt in ourselves, greed, lust, anger, bitterness, self-pity, murder, theft…. etc.
But JESUS – oh boy. That was one trick Satan did not see coming.
I imagine his face as he saw Jesus draw His last breath thinking, I’ve won! Only to hear the sound of the stone rolling away on Sunday morning!
Victory is His!
Can you imagine it?
Jesus walked right out of that grave – VICTORIOIUSLY!
And if Jesus can conquer death – the one thing humanity collectively fears – what else do we have to be afraid of?
Destruction is going to come, sure. But so is Jesus. So is our promise of salvation. And so is the joy, hope, and peace of never having to face the fear of death, destruction, or sorrow again. Amen?
I hear my brother’s voice echo in my head as he lets out a roaring and raspy, AAAAAAMMMMEEEEN!
So many times, the bible reminds us that we are saved:
John 14:6 ESV
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Ephesians 2:8 ESV
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…”
Romans 10:9 ESV
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Titus 3:5 ESV
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”
And if God is for us, who can be against us?
If Jesus can conquer death—the one thing humanity collectively fears—what do we have to fear?
I don’t know about you, but the thought of seeing Jesus riding on a white horse through the clouds to bring us home, gets me EXCITED!!
And truthfully, if death comes for me before that day, so be it. We cannot live our lives in fear because then we give Satan power over us – but Jesus has already overcome him. The power that we carry without fear is given by the Holy Spirit because “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (1 Timothy 1:7)
Amen?
Encouragement in the Bible: Fear Not, for God Is With You
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 1 Timothy 1:7
Psalms 3 reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is with us. He is our shield, our sustainer, and the One who lifts our heads high. Through His Word, we find the courage to face each day, no matter how overwhelming it may seem.
Jesus’ victory over death assures us that no matter the struggles we encounter, they are temporary compared to the eternal joy and peace we have in Him. If God is for us, who can be against us?
So, whether you’re walking through fear, heartbreak, or uncertainty, remember: Encouragement in the Bible is not just a comfort—it’s a powerful reminder of God’s unfailing love and the hope we have in Jesus.
Practical Steps to Finding Encouragement in the Bible
Encouragement in the Bible is always available, but it requires intentionality. Here’s how you can seek it out:
- Pray Honestly: Talk to God about your doubts and struggles. He welcomes your questions and listens with love.
- Reflect on Scripture: Meditate on passages like Psalms 3, John 14:6, and 1 Timothy 1:7 that affirm God’s promises and presence.
- Journal Your Journey: Record times when you’ve experienced God’s faithfulness. Reflection deepens trust and reveals His hand in your life.
- Seek Community: Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and remind you of God’s truth.
- Focus on God’s Promises: Memorize verses about salvation and deliverance to strengthen your faith during challenges.
Final Reflection: God’s Word Is Your Anchor
Encouragement in the Bible isn’t just for the good days—it’s for the storms. Like David in Psalms 3, we may feel surrounded by foes or weighed down by life’s trials. But God is our refuge, our strength, and our deliverer.
So, when fear threatens to overtake you, remember: Jesus has already conquered the grave, and His promises are unshakable. Lift your head high, knowing that the God who sustained David will sustain you too.
We’d Love to Hear From You
What part of God’s Word has encouraged you the most? How has encouragement in the Bible shaped your faith during difficult times?
Let’s walk this journey together. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your story could inspire someone else to find hope in God’s Word.
