I am feeling really discouraged. Can God offer me any encouragement? Look in the Bible, I Peter 1:6, TLB. "So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here."

I?m discouraged about my future. Does God offer any encouragement about the future for me? For the answer look in the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11, TLB. "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Does God promise encouragement when I need it? He certainly does and you?ll find it in the Bible, Psalm 138:3, TLB. "When I pray, You answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need."

For your encouragement, remember God isn?t finished with any of us yet. It?s in the Bible, Philippians 1:6, TLB. "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."

We can be encouraged by the example of others. You?ll find it in the Bible, I Thessalonians 3:7, NIV. "Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith."

Someone has said that I can become encouraged if I encourage someone else. Is that true? Check it out in the Bible, Romans 1:11-12, TLB. "For I long to visit you so that I can impart to you the faith that will help your church grow strong in the Lord. Then, too, I need your help, for I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: Each of us will be a blessing to the other."

Encouragement comes from remembering how God has led in the past. You?ll find it in the Bible, Joshua 24:16-17, "And the people replied, ?We would never forsake the Lord and worship other gods! For the Lord our God is the one who rescued our fathers from their slavery in the land of Egypt. He is the God who did mighty miracles before the eyes of Israel, as we traveled through the wilderness, and preserved us from our enemies when we passed through their land."

How can I best help someone else who is discouraged?. The answer is in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:11, NIV. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Who needs encouragement? One of the first is new believers. You?ll find it in the Bible, Acts 14:21-22, TLB. "They helped the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecution, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations."

Encourage your church leaders. Look in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:12-13, TLB. "Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you."