Levo
Bible verses about strength and hope
When I feel like giving up
The lie
Nothing will ever change, so why try.
The truth
Your feelings are real, but they're not the final word. God is close to the brokenhearted, and the story isn't over.
More truth
- Tired is not the same as finished.
- Rest is not quitting. Sometimes it's obedience.
- Small faithful steps still count.
Pause
Stop. Breathe slowly. You don't have to fix everything today. You only have to take the next step.
My verses
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Pray
God, I'm worn out and discouraged. I don't have much left. Be close to me now. Give me strength for the next step, not the whole road. Remind me that You haven't let go of me. Amen.
Your way out
- Eat something, drink water, step outside for ten minutes.
- Do one small thing you can finish today.
- Text someone and tell them it's a hard day.
- Write down one thing God has done for you before.
- Go to bed early. Things look different after sleep.
If it's more than a hard day
If you feel hopeless, or you're thinking about not being here, please talk to a real person now. You're not a burden, and help is there.
Not safe, or thinking about hurting yourself?Get help nowAll countries
New Zealand
Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865
If you're thinking about suicide, or worried about someone. 7am to midnight.
Australia
United Kingdom
Ireland
United States
Canada
Germany
Austria
Rat auf Draht 147
For children and young people, free and anonymous. Also if someone threatens to share your pictures. Any time.
Switzerland
Pro Juventute 147
For children and young people. Also WhatsApp and chat at 147.ch, and if someone threatens to share your pictures. Any time.
Somewhere else? Call your local emergency number, or find a free helpline for your country at findahelpline.com.
Look after the body too
Discouragement often travels with exhaustion, poor sleep or stress. If it lasts for weeks, see your GP or a counsellor as well as praying.
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Go deeper: Strength for the next step
Five days in the Bible on this, one passage a day.
- Elijah under the tree 1 Kings 19:1-8
- Talk to your soul Psalm 42:1-11
- Renewed day by day 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
- Strength for the weary Isaiah 40:27-31
- Don't give up Galatians 6:7-10