2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

v16: Though it is usual to direct our prayers to God the Father through the mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may also direct our prayers to our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.  Eternal encouragement has been given to us by Him because, along with God our Father, He has given us the hope of eternal life.  This "hope is founded on the love of God, the promise of God, and the experience [we] have had of the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God."

v17: "The more pleasure we take in the word, work, and ways of God, the more likely we will be to persevere in them." It is hardly surprising that when we lose our joy in the faith, we start to waver and have many doubts, or fail to do good works He has called us to do.