The term "heartened" refers to the act of being encouraged, uplifted, or strengthened in spirit. In the context of the Bible, being heartened often involves receiving divine encouragement or reassurance, leading to renewed faith and courage in the face of challenges. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, where God, His prophets, and His followers provide encouragement to those in need.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, the concept of being heartened is frequently associated with God's promises and His presence with His people. For example, in Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses encourages the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This assurance from God serves to hearten the Israelites, reminding them of His unwavering support.

Similarly, in Joshua 1:9, God Himself heartens Joshua with the words, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This divine encouragement is pivotal as Joshua assumes leadership and faces the daunting task of leading the Israelites into Canaan.

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, the theme of being heartened is evident in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus often heartens His disciples, preparing them for the trials they will face. In John 16:33, He tells them, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world." Here, Jesus provides a profound source of encouragement by affirming His victory over the world.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of being heartened through faith. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, he writes, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Paul's words serve to hearten believers by focusing on the eternal promises of God rather than temporary hardships.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in heartening believers. In Acts 9:31, the early church is described as being "strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit," which allowed it to grow in numbers and live in the fear of the Lord. The Holy Spirit acts as a comforter and encourager, providing believers with the strength and courage needed to persevere in their faith.

Practical Application

For Christians today, being heartened involves seeking encouragement through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. The Bible serves as a rich source of encouragement, offering countless examples of God's faithfulness and the strength found in His promises. Believers are called to hearten one another, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In summary, the concept of being heartened is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, providing believers with the assurance of God's presence and the strength to face life's challenges with courage and faith.

The Transfiguration.
... They, who should have cheered and heartened Him to face the terrible prospect,
were hindrances, were an additional burden and anxiety to Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/the transfiguration.htm

Homeward Bound
... first he went to Avalon Castle, where his stout backers and brothers, William and
Peter, ruled over their broad lands, who always had heartened and encouraged ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

God's Promises Tests
... which his own 'word' rested"did what? Encouraged, heartened, strengthened
him? No, that unfulfilled promise might encourage or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/gods promises tests.htm

Nearest to Christ
... are told nowadays that it is a very selfish thing, far below the lofty height to
which our transcendental teachers have attained, to be heartened and encouraged ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/nearest to christ.htm

Measureless Power and Endless Glory
... He is gazing on God confident that he has not asked in vain. Let us look with him,
that we, too, may be heartened to expect great things of God. Notice then". ...
/.../measureless power and endless glory.htm

The Nativity
... help from a woman's sympathy, as soon as the Angel of the Annunciation had spoken,
and the hymn of exultation which Elisabeth's salutation heartened her to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the nativity.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... So, here, the kingless band of exiles, painfully striving to rear again the tabernacle
which had fallen down, are heartened for their task by the thought of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

The Secret of victory
... The sharp, short cry from thousands of agitated men ringed round by foes, and the
blare of the trumpets were both prayers, and heartened the suppliants for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the secret of victory.htm

Where to Carry Troubles
... entreating his prayers. When he received the menacing letter, his faith was
greater, having been heartened by Isaiah's assurances. So he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/where to carry troubles.htm

Whether the Sacramental Species Can Nourish?
... species do not nourish as though they were changed into the human body, but merely
refresh and hearten by acting upon the senses (as a man is heartened by the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the sacramental species can 2.htm

Heartened (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Heartened (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 20:36 Then said
he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of ...
/h/heartened.htm - 6k

Hearted (9 Occurrences)

/h/hearted.htm - 9k

Heartfelt (3 Occurrences)

/h/heartfelt.htm - 7k

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