Ignorance is bliss, as the adage goes, and there’s much truth to this phrase. The less we know, often the happier we feel. With wisdom, we discover more things wrong with the world, whether in systems or with people, or with ourselves. One glance at the news or at social media gives us reason enough for pause, mourning, and outrage. Pay enough attention to those around you, or even yourself, and you’ll find reasons for the same.
As believers, we know that we exist in a fallen world. When others say things like, “There’s so much wrong with the world,” we respond with, “I couldn’t agree more.”
Though we approach life with an awareness of our fallen nature, that understanding is not always enough to keep us encouraged. In fact, that very acknowledgment is, at times, enough reason to become discouraged.
Add on top of that, dysfunctional relationships, an overburdening job, unyielding illness, frustrations with God, and we have a recipe for despair.
As much as you may want to remain hopeful, sometimes encouragement is hard to maintain.
Ideally, there’s a balance to strike between being aware of our fallen world, and being weighed down by the knowledge. Sometimes we find the balance, and sometimes we don’t, but whenever we find ourselves discouraged, we can find a way to lift up our heads again. In fact, God wants to restore brightness to our eyes.
If you’re searching for encouragement today, then there’s a certain book you should definitely read and there are certainly at least 12 verses to encourage you today!
12 Verses to Encourage You Today
“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
There are times in life when we feel defeated and unable, or unwilling, to continue trying. Jesus has the power to give us new life when we believe that what we have is draining away.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27)
Worldly peace is temporary and often based in distraction from the difficulty. We only lose the peace that Jesus offers when we ourselves become distracted from Him. Otherwise, we feel okay even in the face of adversity.
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Even when you don’t see a way forward, know that if you continue clinging to God, you will find your second wind again, or a third wind, or whatever wind you need.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Fear has a way of grasping our hearts, and if we are not careful, a way of laying down its roots within us. If we can learn to trust God, we will grow in our ability to dismantle and dismiss fears.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
We have the ability to uplift one another. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask, and if you see someone in need, see that as an opportunity to serve.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
God calls each of us to suffer for a duration at different times throughout our lives. We can remain confident that He will use all the good and all the bad for our spiritual development.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Giving into fear is natural, but not God’s desire for us. Rather, He offers positive alternatives instead.
“When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
In reflection, God created the cosmos, and then there’s us, you and I, individual people residing on a planet in a vast array of God’s creations. Yet, this reality doesn’t indicate our insignificance, but our significance. Despite all He has done and will do, He decided to form you and me and to love us more than those other creations.
“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Suffering, if we allow it, can shape us into people who better reflect Christ.
“Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
When you doubt, remind yourself that God’s provision is something you can count on. He takes care of the animals, and yet loves us more. Rest assured, He will take care of you.
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
You don’t have to be perfect to be loved by God. He sent His Son to die for the broken, the sinful, for those in need.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)
You cannot pick and choose how you will suffer or for how long, but you can choose whether or not to trust God. Peace is waiting for you, peace offered by the one who conquered death, conquered the world. Today we can follow in His footsteps towards a brighter future.
Conclusion
With wisdom, we come to see a lot of problems in the world, but our finite human perspectives don’t always prevent us from being weighed down by the knowledge. Thankfully, the encouragement we fail to give ourselves, we can find in God.
Life’s not always pretty, but we always make the decision about whether or not we want to be happy. And if we want to be happy, we can actively make choices to get there.
In the end, ignorance is indeed bliss, but ignorance is not how we find God. Wisdom may open our eyes to all that’s wrong, but we also learn to gaze upon God’s glory with much more appreciation and understanding. The tradeoff is well worth it in the end.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Bohdan Bevz