This inductive study is designed to create a better understanding of finding and giving encouragement. For the next 30 days read the questions and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.

We do not live life in a bubble. We battle sin, struggle with our human frailty, and navigate minefields of difficult choices and circumstances. Our trials take their toll on our bodies, emotions, minds, and spirits. In our walk of faith encouragement is a necessity, making it easier to endure the Christian life.

1. Read Psalm 42:5. Discouragement is feeling disheartened and dispirited in response to opposition or difficulty. Are all negative feelings sinful or can they be neutral?
2. Read Nehemiah 4:1–3. What did the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem encounter as they worked? Have you ever been belittled? What is it about mocking that discourages people?
3. Read Nehemiah 4:4–5. In all the situations the Jews faced Nehemiah continually encouraged them. What was the source of his courage? Where does your courage come from?
4. Read Nehemiah 4:4–6. What was Nehemiah’s response to being mocked? What was the outcome and how is it an effective response to discouragement?
5. Read Nehemiah 4:7–9. How did Nehemiah respond to opposition? How does his example show you the importance of taking practical steps in fending off discouragement?
6. Read Nehemiah 4:10. What is the relationship between discouragement and fatigue? Have you experienced this? If so, what steps did you take to overcome it?
7. Read Nehemiah 4:10. The Jews became discouraged when they focused on the rubble. What’s the connection between what we focus on and feeling encouraged?
8. Read Nehemiah 4:10. For the Israelites, fatigue and loss of vision led to a lack of confidence. How can confidence be restored in this kind of situation?
9. Read Nehemiah 4:11. Enemies threatened death. How does insecurity sap courage and lead to being disheartened? Have you experienced this? What did you do?
10. Read Nehemiah 4:12. Sometimes negativity comes from those around us. How does this work to discourage? What is the antidote to negativity?
11. Read Nehemiah 4:13. What practical steps did Nehemiah take to combat negativity? How can these steps help with insecurities and bolster courage? How can you apply them today?
12. Read Nehemiah 4:14. What did Nehemiah say to encourage the people? What differences does the reminder of family and the Lord’s sufficiency make in your situation?
13. Read Nehemiah 4:15–17. What principle is at work in this passage? Why is it encouraging when leaders are involved with the people? Where can you encourage with your presence?
14. Read Nehemiah 4:18–23. Nehemiah instructed the people to be vigilant. How does vigilance relate to staying encouraged? What opposition do you have to watch out for?
15. Read Nehemiah 4:21–22. Half the people worked while the other half stood guard. How does engaging in helping others help ward off discouragement?
16. Read 1 Kings 19:1–3. In 1 Kings 18 Elijah had a great spiritual victory and then became discouraged. What is the correlation between spiritual victories and discouragement?
17. Read 1 Kings 19:3. How is Elijah’s fear connected to his despair and discouragement? What was he focusing on? How do you react when frightened?
18. Read 1 Kings 19:3–4. Elijah went away alone, leaving his servant behind. How does having someone around help ward off discouragement?
19. Read 1 Kings 18:46; 19:3–5. Elijah had travelled far and was physically and emotionally exhausted. When you feel discouraged how does taking care of your physical and emotional health help?
20. Read 1 Kings 19:5–7. Elijah took time to eat and rest. Have you noticed a relationship between hunger and discouragement? Why is it important to rest and stay well nourished?
21. Read 1 Kings 19:10–13. At his lowest, the Lord revealed Himselfto Elijah in a new way. How does seeking and experiencing the Lord help you move past discouragement?
22. Read 1 Kings 19:10,14. Elijah only focused on the negative aspects of his situation. In the midst of discouragement, how does Philippians 4:6–8 counteract a negative mindset?
23. Read 1 Kings 19:14–16. Elijah received a fresh assignment from the Lord. How is purposeful service an effective antidote to discouragement?
24. Read 1 Kings 19:16–21. The Lord provided Elisha to travel with Elijah. What role do companions play in staying encouraged? Who are your trusted companions?
25. Read 2 Corinthians 7:6. Who is the ultimate source of encouragement? What is one means God uses to encourage discouraged people?
26. Read 2 Corinthians 13:11. Encouraging others is a choice and something you must be intentional about. What are some encouraging biblical truths you can share with others?
27. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11. In verse 11 what command is given and why will it transform your life and relationships when you obey it?
28. Read Romans 15:4. What is a main source of encouragement and hope for believers? In light of this how can you be a source of encouragement to others?
29. Read Hebrews 12:1–13. What truths in these verses are meant to encourage you when facing adversity? What are ways you can encourage others with these same truths?
30. Read Acts 4:32–36. How did Barnabas, nicknamed Son of Encouragement, encourage fellow believers? What practical acts or gifts can you share that will encourage others?