*Inadequacy for a called task or responsibility?
*Weariness of mind, body, and spirit?
*Battle fatigue over spiritual warfare?
*Discouragement over an unmet goal or unanswered prayer?
*Doubts about God’s love and faithfulness?
*Conflict with someone you love?
*Lack of fruitfulness in your ministry?These are just a few of the factors that threaten our joy or cause us to lose heart.

As a frail, depression-prone disciple of Christ, I’m especially susceptible to discouragement. But I’m not without weapons.  The weapon I wield most often to keep me from losing heart is the Word of God, particularly its promises.  Below are eight promises that I’ve memorized and which I repeatedly preach to myself.

I’ll let these verses speak for themselves, without my commentary.  But I urge you tp ponder these questions in relation to each promise:

What truth in this text encourages me?  Why?
What typical situations do I face during the week when I need to preach this promise to myself?

1.   2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

2.   1 Corinthians 15:58
“My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that you toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

3.   Revelation 21:4
“He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain.”

4.   Isaiah 41:10
“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.”

5.   Jeremiah 29:11-13
” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you shall seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.’ ”

6.   Lamentations 3:22-25
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I have hope in Him.’  The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.”

7.   Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

8.   James 1:5
“But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Which promises encourages you most right now?
What Bible promise would you add to this list?
With whom can you share this post as a means of encouragement?