Encouraging Bible Verses

Life is a series of ups and downs, and each one of us has gone and will go through periods of trial. Knowing that, what is it that gets us through these times, to come out better (not bitter) and stronger? I believe it is faith, hope and love; faith that the Lord will be with you and bring you through these times, hope in the Lord's perfect plan for you, and realization of the God's great love for you. However, when troubles come in plenty and the soul is weary, most of us find our spirits drooping. At times like these, encouragement can come from many sources, the bible being one of them. Encouraging bible verses can be very effective in raising our flagging spirits, and giving us the strength to carry on. I have heard many people testify for the Bible's unfailing power to speak to you, and provide you the exact message that you need. Personally, in times of strife, these words resonate in my mind, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Even if you are among those to whom the scripture verses are just words, you cannot deny the strong message of love and encouragement that is carried consistently throughout the holy bible. Here are some verses of encouragement in the Bible that may speak to you. It is also a good idea to use (quote, send, etc) encouraging Bible verses for women and men, to give hope to others. All the verses quoted here are as per NIV.

Encouraging Bible Verses for Hard Times

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.
Isaiah 40:11

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:3-4

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31-32

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God...
Romans 8:38-39

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1

But those who hope in the LORD, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

I hope you find comfort in these encouraging bible verses for the sick, weary and brokenhearted. For all those who need encouragement, seek the Lord in prayer, for He is your greatest comforter.