55+ Uplifting Words of Encouragement to a Friend Feeling Down

You are a loving Christian woman and you are often called upon to be there for your friends and loved ones.  Sometimes their lives are joyful, peaceful, and without a care in the world.   But most of the time the people we love and care about, have a struggle or two and they need some compassion and kindness. Every once in a while, those struggles are heavy and sometimes too much to bear. 

It’s important to have in your “good friend arsenal” a handy stack of resources to call on in those times when you need to encourage those around you.

Have you ever been in a situation where a friend has received horrible news and you just haven’t known what to say, so you avoid making that phone call or stopping by?  Sure you pray for her, but she really needs to see your face or hear your voice. 

Before I proceed, I recently listened to a radio discussion about building a long-distance relationship with our grandchildren.  Since I’m a new Memaw with my first granddaughter living 7 states away, I listened intently for some helpful ideas.  Well low and behold, her neatest idea is called “Grammy’s Magical Bag.”  This is a bag filled with fun goodies so that each new time you see your grandchild, they can choose an item from the bag. 

Consider making a “Magical Bag of Encouragement” to be ready and able for when your friend needs a pick-me-up.  Wouldn’t it be a great idea to have a virtual bag full of Scriptures, quotes when feeling low, note cards, books, recipes, and inspirational doodads to perk up your friends when they’re feeling down or discouraged?   I encourage you to use the resources in this article to fill your bag. Never again will you be at a loss for words or ideas when you get a notification that one of your friends needs you to swoop in with an encouraging pick-me-up.

What Can I Say?

When we go through our own personal struggles, we don’t always know what we need or what lifts us up. Kind words of motivation for a friend, something silly our kids do, a joke, or even a smile can turn a sad or depressing day into a positive one. There’s no doubt that we need more positivity, and inspiration in our lives. 

But what about our friends and loved ones? Have you ever spent time thinking about how you can offer encouragement or comforting words for a friend in need? I make it a personal challenge to reach out and encourage at least one person every day. It can be as simple as sending a text message or making a quick phone call to let them know I’m thinking about them or praying for them. 

While not everyone is feeling down in the dumps, we all can use some kindness and encouragement.  And everyone can use more hope, compassion, and positivity in their life. 

I have gathered some of my favorite Christian words of encouragement to a friend feeling down.   Most of these messages of support come from the Bible because truly, who better to encourage us than God?   Any one of these or even all of them would be great to add to your Magical Bag of Encouragement.

Ways To Share Comforting Words of Encouragement to a Friend Feeling Down

We often wonder about the best ways of sharing encouragement for a friend. Coming from someone who has had many situations where I needed encouragement, I know what it feels like to be sad, scared, and feel like the future looks hopeless. It’s important to let her know that you care about her and you are there for anything she might need help with.  Here are some brief examples:

1. I love you. I care for you. I’m here for you. 
2. It’s okay to feel sad, down, and frustrated. You may even feel like things are a bit hopeless right now.  But you don’t have to hang on to those feelings. You have a bright and happy future.
3. “Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know.” – A.A. Milne  
4. You are beautiful, wonderful, and loved by not only those who know you but by God.
5. The struggles you face now, don’t define your future.  We can get through this together.

Related Post: Gift Basket Ideas for Surviving Challenges

Spiritual Words of Encouragement to a Friend Feeling Down

My favorite go-to words of encouragement and strength come from Proverbs 3:5-6.  This Scripture is a reminder of God’s promise that He will be with us through any struggle. And He will guide us in good times and bad. So when offering encouragement for a friend, remind them first, of this Scripture. It is a guiding light that if we trust Him and don’t try and figure things out for ourselves, but completely trust God, He will guide our lives.  As a loving Father, His desire is not to lead us into disaster but to grow us spiritually to be in closer fellowship and to live focused on Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

My second favorite Scripture comes from Romans 8. We can never see the big picture, but we do know Who can. That is our Creator and Heavenly Father. Sometimes what we think can’t possibly be meant for our good, God knows better.  Our friend might not want to know that what she’s going through is for her good, but if she puts it into a Godly perspective, she’ll know that God has a much better plan for her.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Comforting Words for a Friend in Need

Here are some quotes to give you strength that are suitable for any situation. These are great quotes to put in a notecard or to express verbally. The important thing to remember for any Christian words of encouragement to a friend feeling down is, would it be uplifting if it were said to you? 

Remember, love and compassion is the objective when offering some encouragement for a friend. Let’s first look at some Scriptures, then some popular quotes when feeling low.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Believe you can and you are halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”  – C.S. Lewis

As children of God, we are called to encourage our brethren (1 Thess. 5:11,) and bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2.) #Christianlove #encouragement #Jesuslovesyou Click To Tweet

“Every day may not be a good day, but there is good in every day.” – Alice Morse Earle

“And you ask ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”– Erin Hanson

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”– Albert Einstein

How do you Uplift a Friend? Quotes When Feeling Low

How often do we find that our friends and family members need a bit of encouragement or inspiration?  Challenges are a part of our daily lives. As children of God, we are called to encourage our brethren (1 Thess. 5:11,) and bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2.)  As you can see, encouragement is scriptural.

Hebrews 10:24-25 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

There are many ways to use quotes in loving ways as encouragement for a friend.  Here are just a couple of ideas to help get you started: 

1. Add a quote or Scripture to a note or card you send to a friend
2. Encourage your friend to write their favorite quote in their daily gratitude journal
3. Memorize their favorite Scriptures, to recall them when they need some encouragement
4. Write them on a colorful Post-It Note and hang is strategic locations in their home to stay motivated
5. Create positive affirmations out of their favorite quotes – hang those where they’ll be encouraged 
6. Practice your calligraphy with your favorite quotes
7. Create positive quotes for friends feeling down, the artwork to hang in your home
8. Use your favorite quote as wallpaper on your phone or laptop 

One of my favorite Scriptures, as well as our purpose in comforting our friends and family members, comes from this verse:

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

After working with many people to help them move past the challenges that they face in their lives, I found myself stumbling across this Scripture in one of my morning Bible studies.  It jumped out at me like a sore thumb when I was digging into God’s Word for ways that I could serve my audience.

Oh my goodness!!! THIS SCRIPTURE is why I had to go through my illness and amputations!  God comforted me in my struggles so that I can be a faithful witness for Him, and comfort others in their struggles.  It did not take me very long to realize the answer to the question I had had for so long… Why did this have to happen to me? 

So again, consider what would be helpful to you if you needed some encouragement or inspiration. Here are some more ideas to share and more positive quotes for friends feeling down. 

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”– Michael Jordan

“Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value.”– Albert Einstein

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same,” – Carlos Castaneda

“Those who say it can not be done, should not interrupt those doing it.”– Chinese Proverb

“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right!”– Henry Ford

“When you change your thoughts, you change your world.”– Norman Vincent Peale

Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

2 Corinthians 12:10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Offering positive quotes for friends feeling down are great ways to encourage her. #encourageoneanother #showkindness #showyoucare Click To Tweet

Matthew 19:26  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

What to Say to Encourage Someone Who is Down?

For our friends who are going through difficult times, you have plenty of options.  A simple phone call, a visit, or a handwritten card our simple ways to show you care.  There are also many physical products that show your love and compassion. These small adorable signs, Sending Big Hug candles, and this mug, and are perfect examples.  Plus they’re physical reminders that you are always there for her.

You can use any one or a variety of these quotes when feeling low or Scriptures from this post and include them either in a card or something you make.  Your friend really just needs to know that you care.  

She needs to know that you believe in her ability to move past this current challenge in her life.   Whether she has a devastating health diagnosis or financial troubles, leaning on the Lord and focusing on what she can control and not on what she can’t control, are the best remedies for her hardship. Offering positive quotes for friends feeling down are great ways to encourage her.

“Defeat is simply a signal to press onward.”– Helen Keller

“Refuse failure. No matter how difficult the obstacles, find a way to around them.”– JJ Goldwag

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”– Robert Louis Stevenson

“It’s not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life; it is how you handle what happens to you.”– Zig Ziglar

“Happiness is the real sense of fulfillment that comes from hard work.”– Joseph Barbara

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”– Colin Powell

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Matthew 6:34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Deuteronomy 31:6  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Great Biblically-Based Affirmations

The following affirmations are based on scripture.  We often will take a single verse from the Bible and try to apply it to our life or a specific situation.  While it’s important to take Scripture in its proper context, there are still times we can glean comfort and use individual Scriptures to meditate on. The following are a few affirmation examples that you can use as spiritual words of encouragement to a friend feeling down.

God has equipped you for everything you need to do what He has called you to do. Hebrews 13:21

You can act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Micah 6:8

Being justified by faith, you can have peace with God through your Lord Jesus. Romans 5:1

You can take pleasure in your trials for Christ’s sake, for when you are weak then you are strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

God has not given you a spirit of fear. He gives you power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Always rejoice and pray without ceasing. Give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Lord has chosen you for himself as his special treasure. Psalm 135:4

When you are afraid put your trust in Him. Psalm 56:3

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

God is your salvation, You can trust and not be afraid: for the Lord, Jehovah is your strength and your song; he is also your salvation. Isaiah 12:2

And if it seem evil to you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve;… but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

If God is for you, who can be against you? Romans 8:31

It All Boils Down to This

Often we give Scriptures to our friends who are going through hard times and we tell them things like “lean on the Lord” and “all you need is faith.”  But we have to do more than that. We have to back up our efforts with prayer, and acts of service.   A friend who needs encouragement also needs prayers. She also needs a meal cooked for her once in a while, a ride to the grocery store, or companionship.

Telling someone that all you need is faith is an empty promise. I will leave you with a final quote to put in your Magical Bag of Encouragement that wraps up the whole suggestion of faith in a nutshell, and it’s based on Luke 1:37. 

“Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem, Faith takes you through the problem.

Faith doesn’t always take away the pain, Faith gives you the ability to handle the pain.

Faith doesn’t always take you out of the storm, Faith calms you in the midst of the storm.”

Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible.” 

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

Sometimes we think that we need to do these grand gestures for people who are struggling. One of my favorite memories of a friends encouragement is simple. I was in the hospital after my amputations and she would visit me every morning before work.  She didn’t say or do anything specific. She just visited because she knew having someone to talk to about something other than my situation would be helpful. 

She brought me one of the gifts that I remember most. I had just lost my hands and I was trying to figure out how to do normal things. And she brought me an electric toothbrush.  It sounds funny but it was a practical gift that I continue to use 11 years later. Just remember positive words of encouragement for a friend will never fail. But the best thing to put into your Magical Bag of Encouragement is the idea to just be present, to listen, and to love on your friend as much as she will let you.

Your Turn

What are your favorite words of encouragement to a friend feeling down? Share in the comments below!