One of the biggest needs we face in our contemporary society is the need to be encouraged. Especially during the Christmas season, it seems as if discouragement is rampant, and finding ways to stay encouraged is difficult.

One of the simplest things you can do is develop a consistent habit of spending time in God’s Word.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 states:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Can you imagine anything more encouraging than God himself taking the time to comfort you? That’s exactly what this passage says. God himself encourages us. Why? So that we can pass on that encouragement to others. And we draw that comfort and encouragement from his direct communication with us, the Bible.

There are several reasons for this. God’s Word brings us life (Matthew 4:4). God’s Word brings us understanding (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:18). God’s Word brings us salvation (1 Peter 2:2, Romans 10:13). God’s Word brings us delight (Psalm 1:2), and strength (Isaiah 40:31). And much more.

But God’s Word also brings us encouragement.

Look at what Romans 15:4 has to tell us:

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

I think that God’s Word encourages us in at least five ways.

Spending time in God’s Word draws my focus to his power instead of my problems

It’s really quite simple. My problems are nothing in the grand scope of things. Notice that I didn’t say that I am nothing in the grand scope of things. But my problems are nothing. When I spend time in God’s Word, I gain a sense of how important I am, and how trivial my problems are. God’s power can take care of any issue I face, and more. And when I see his power displayed through the word, it changes my focus from me, to him, bringing him the glory. My trust become more firmly placed where it should be, and my hope is secure.

Spending time in God’s Word draws my focus to what I have instead of what I do not have

Most of the time, my discouragement comes from seeing what others have or have done, and comparing that with my own achievement, possessions, or blessings. But when I spend time in God’s Word, I understand that God really has given me every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), and I can draw my attention back to what really matters.

Spending time in God’s Word draws my focus to God’s truth rather than the lies of the enemy

Most of the time our discouragement is unfounded and based upon lies that we have believed. These lies come straight from the enemy, and he will do anything he can to keep us down. When we focus on the truths we find in Scripture, over the lies of the devil, we draw strength and support that will help us stand strong. Choosing to invest in the truths we find in God’s Word helps us to identify these lies quickly and purge them from our thinking.

Spending time in God’s Word helps me focus on God’s strength over my own strength

All too often, I find myself trying to do things on my own instead of relying on God’s help. When I spend time in God’s Word consistently, I learn to step out of the way and allow God to work through me. After all, as John the Baptist stated, he must become greater and I must become less (John 3:30).

Spending time in God’s Word keeps my focus on growth instead of stagnation

God’s Word is inspired, God-breathed, and helps me in several ways. It teaches me. It shows me where I need to grow. It corrects me when I am wrong. It teaches me how to live right. It equips me to be successful in serving Christ with my life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

In order to stay encouraged, one of the first, key steps is to stay consistent in soaking up God’s Word with my life. Without Scripture speaking into my life, discouragement is lurking around every corner, ready to annihilate me when I least suspect it. A consistent, daily Bible reading routine will help tremendously in keeping discouragement at bay.

And this is just the first way that we can stay encouraged. There are several more ways that we can build this into our lives. We’ll examine some of these in the coming days.

How do you spend time in God’s Word consistently? What resources or methods have you found to be helpful? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.