Be Not Discouraged
There are times in life when discouragement settles in and it feels easier to give up than to keep going.
When discouragement comes, we do not have to stay there. We can choose to look up, take the next step, and keep going.
Updated January 26, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer
There are moments when our efforts seem to lead nowhere, when plans fall apart, and when it appears that everyone else is moving forward while we remain stuck. In those moments, discouragement can quietly drain our hope and confidence.
But discouragement does not have the final word. One difficult season does not define your future. What matters is choosing the next small step, holding on to hope, and continuing forward even when the way feels uncertain.
In the poem Be Not Discouraged, Daniel C. Colesworthy reminds us to look up and press on. His words encourage steady effort, courage in the face of fear, and a faith that refuses to quit.
Be Not Discouraged Poem
Be never discouraged —
Look up and look on;
When the prospect is darkest
The cloud is withdrawn:
The shadows that blacken
The earth and the sky,
Speak to the strong-hearted,
Salvation is nigh.
Be never discouraged —
Mock, mock at the tears
That fall in your pathway,
And laugh at the fears
That sometimes will darken
The sunniest face;
Push on and be foremost
In the van of the race.
Be never discouraged —
The heart that will quail
And sink at a spectre,
How can it prevail?
From morning till sunset
'Tis cheerless and still,
As the shadows that slumber
On the bleak, icy hill.
Be never discouraged —
The true and the wise,
While others are waiting,
Secure the rich prize:
No object of terror,
No word of alarm.
Shall hinder their progress,
Or stay the strong arm.
Be never discouraged,
If you would secure
The earth's richest blessings
And make heaven sure,
Yield not in the battle,
Nor quail in the blast;
The brave and unyielding
Win nobly at last.
Be never discouraged —
By day and by night
Have glory in prospect
And wisdom in sight;
Undaunted and faithful,
You never will fail.
Though kingdoms oppose you
And devils assail.
Key Messages From the Poem Be Not Discouraged
-
Look up when life feels dark
The poem reminds us that when the outlook is at its worst, that is often when change can begin. We are encouraged to lift our eyes and believe the cloud will not last forever.
-
Do not let fear lead your choices
Fear and tears may show up on the path, but we do not have to stop because of them. Courage is choosing to move forward even when you feel unsure.
-
Keep pressing on with purpose
The poem calls us to push on and not fall back. It is a reminder that steady effort, repeated day by day, can carry us farther than we think.
-
Be brave and do not quit
The message is clear that giving up will never bring the prize. Those who stand firm through the battle are the ones who win in the end.
-
Faith gives strength for the fight
The poem points to the help of heaven and to spiritual strength when opposition comes. With faith and determination, we can remain steady and not be shaken.
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Conclusion
Discouragement will come to all of us, but we do not have to let it stop us. This poem reminds us to look up, to keep our faith, and to take the next step even when the way feels hard. When we choose perseverance, we give hope room to grow. Keep going, keep trusting, and remember that the brave and unyielding win nobly at last.
More Famous Poems Of Encouragement to Inspire
Do not measure your life by one hard moment. Keep moving forward, and let hope do its steady work.