But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us with the coming of Titus.

It was not only his coming that cheered us, but also his report of how you encouraged him. He told us how much you want to see me, how sorry you are, how ready you are to defend me; and so I am even happier now.

Show me proof of your goodness, LORD; those who hate me will be ashamed when they see that you have given me comfort and help.

A day is coming when people will sing, "I praise you, LORD! You were angry with me, but now you comfort me and are angry no longer.

they will never be hungry or thirsty. Sun and desert heat will not hurt them, for they will be led by one who loves them. He will lead them to springs of water.

"I will show compassion to Jerusalem, to all who live in her ruins. Though her land is a desert, I will make it a garden, like the garden I planted in Eden. Joy and gladness will be there, and songs of praise and thanks to me.

The LORD says, "I am the one who strengthens you. Why should you fear mortals, who are no more enduring than grass?

Break into shouts of joy, you ruins of Jerusalem! The LORD will rescue his city and comfort his people.

The LORD says, "I will bring you lasting prosperity; the wealth of the nations will flow to you like a river that never goes dry. You will be like a child that is nursed by its mother, carried in her arms, and treated with love.

I will comfort you in Jerusalem, as a mother comforts her child.

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever.

"When I go, you will not be left all alone; I will come back to you.

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope,

encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.

Just as we have a share in Christ's many sufferings, so also through Christ we share in God's great help.

If we suffer, it is for your help and salvation; if we are helped, then you too are helped and given the strength to endure with patience the same sufferings that we also endure.

Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you, and you forgave all my sins.

You are my hiding place; you will save me from trouble. I sing aloud of your salvation, because you protect me.

I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad!

I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears.

The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles.

Come and listen, all who honor God, and I will tell you what he has done for me.

"Comfort my people," says our God. "Comfort them!

When you see this happen, you will be glad; it will make you strong and healthy. Then you will know that I, the LORD, help those who obey me, and I show my anger against my enemies."

And my being in prison has given most of the believers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message fearlessly.

So then, encourage one another with these words.

And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.

Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees!