Encouraging scriptures during difficult times
If there is one thing that this life promises, it’s that you cannot leave this Earth without going through trouble. Wealth, status nor people will spare you from life’s curveballs. The hardships of life, also known as trials and tribulations, are something that Jesus was very much aware of.
He warns us in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world.
As He walked the Earth fully human, he experienced all the negatives life has to offer. This is why His being God is not the only reason He knows precisely what we’re going through when we face trials and temptations of our own.
In this article, we’ll explore bible verses for strength and courage in difficult times.
But first, I want to touch on a burning question that many Christians have as they endure trials. I also want to share with you how God answered this question for me.
Why does God allow hard times?
We may have all asked this question at one time or another. Why does God allow bad things and suffering if He’s such a good God?
The simple truth is that we live in a fallen world. God never intended for the world to be as it is. If we go back to Genesis and read about the times of Adam and Eve prior to The Fall, THIS was God’s intention. Everything working together in perfect harmony with no sickness, heartaches, or death.
However, he is also not a dictator so He gives free will. He gave clear instructions. Yet, the deceptive enemy took an opportunity to stab God where it hurt most, His children.
God sent Jesus to restore what had been lost. With Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God returned us to a relationship with Him while also ensuring the promise of eternal life.
So while this life promises difficulty, God promises life and life more abundantly.
At this difficult time, know that as long as our Father sits on the throne (which will be always and forever), we can take solace in His provision, guidance, and love. He is for you and not against you.
Ok, are you ready to explore some bible verses for hard times, now? May your heart be open to receive.
Comforting, yet important bible verses offering strength and courage in difficult times
All scripture was kindly taken from biblegateway.com. NIV translation is used.
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Psalms 121:1 (NIV)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
In hard times, it’s crucial to remember who God is. This is not the time to put Him in a box. Know that God is beyond capable of handling whatever situation you’re facing.
This is what the writer of this Psalm, David, is doing. He is remembering whose team he belongs to He knows the God who created the heavens and the earth will come to his aid.
This is exactly what He did during his fight with Goliath. He wasn’t focused on Goliath’s strength, height, or reputation as a warrior (i.e. the problem). He was focused on God’s might, strength, and sovereignty (i.e. his solution).
I encourage you to do the same.
Psalm 91
In a blog post about bible verses to encourage people during hard times, I’m noting all of Psalm 91.
As a front-line physician and a person who lived during the pandemic, God’s words in this Psalm kept me. It provided light during dark times, offered his peace and protection, soothed my aching heart, and strengthened my faith in Him.
Although the World Health Organization has declared an end to the COVID global public health emergency as of the time of this writing, still the world faces many challenges.
You turn on the news and you hear of gun violence, wars, and concerns about the U.S. economy just to name a few.
God knew what would come and left notes like these throughout His word to give comfort, peace, and strength during these trying times.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
There is a good reason that God wants you to persevere through your trials.
Undergoing trials is God’s way of showing you who He is. He’s also helping you to go deeper in your faith while building some spiritual muscle. You’ll need that for whatever season is coming next for you.
He is a God of order and He will never let you suffer beyond what you can bear. Sometimes what we see as an unwinnable battle is God setting the stage for victory.
Let me give you an example. Remember when the Israelites were on their quest to enter the land God had promised them?
When they scouted out the land in Numbers 13, all they saw were giants and those who were stronger than them. Thus, it was a hard no for them in the conversation about taking on their enemies in battle.
They made the mistake of forgetting the authority, sovereignty, might, and power of the God who had just rescued them from Egypt. By the book of Joshua, we see that God had allowed this small, seemingly nonthreatening nation to amass a reputation that put fear into the hearts of their enemies.
Let God set the stage for you. Persevere through your trials and learn what it is that He’s trying to teach you.
Have the mindset that Joshua and Caleb had. When everyone else grumbled against God and others for a seemingly difficult task, they had a kingdom mindset trusting God and not their own strength.
You can check out my article on the power of having a mind like Christ here.
But, just know perseverance is not always an easy task. But, God is asking it of you for a reason. Who knows what’s on the other side of your obedience.
1 Peter 1:6-7
In all this, we greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Not only are we blessed when we go through hard times, but we should also rejoice. Why?
Because God is using this opportunity to refine your faith.
Your faith is important to Him. The only times (that I am aware of) that Jesus was impressed in the Bible was when someone showed great faith. This was the catalyst for Him to move.
If you want to see God do something He’s never done before, exercise your faith, which is made stronger through our various trials.
Joshua 1:9
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.
God knew that Joshua would be facing some hard times as He would be taking Moses’ place in leading the Israelites into the promised land. He spoke some words to Joshua that still remain just as powerful and just as true today.
As you walk your journey, know that He is with you. No need to be afraid or discouraged, the God of angel armies fights for you.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Sometimes we make the mistake of trying to face battles in our own strength. This leaves us worn out, irritable, and feeling like throwing in the towel.
This is because we were never created to do this. When we are not enough, Jesus is. It’s by his grace, strength, and power that we can accomplish all that He has for us to do.
Here’s a real-life example.
With this blog, I sometimes feel that I’m not enough. Trying to get an article out every Tuesday (at least during my first year) while running a business, being a wife, and practicing physician sometimes seems like an insurmountable task.
But, this is likely exactly where God wants me. Depending on His instructions, strength, and wisdom and not my own.
So if the obstacle you’re currently facing seems huge, don’t make the same mistake that the Isrealites made. Trust that his power is perfect in your weakness.
Psalms 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Sometimes the best thing we can do during difficult times is to be still and let God be God. I know this is a hard thing to do when you feel like you HAVE to do something.
But, I ask you these questions. Are you smarter than God? Can you see past, present, and future at the same time? What’s your score for winning battles by yourself to God’s alone?
I’m sorry if that was harsh. But, it’s the same questions that I have to ask myself as a type A personality.
It’s a privilege to be able to put our circumstances in the trust of the One who holds everything in His hands. Remember nothing happens without his approval. Even Satan had to go to Him before putting Job through trials.
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
God doesn’t sleep and he doesn’t take breaks. His eyes and His love are always upon you.
So whatever you may be going through today, know that he cares and He is right there with you. An ever-present help in trouble.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Mark 4:35-41 describes the event of a storm arising while Jesus and His disciples were traveling by boat. As the waves crashed onto them and everyone was running around afraid, Jesus was in the stern sleeping.
When they woke Him, He rebuked the wind and waves and everything became calm.
This is how much peace Jesus has. Peace that allowed Him to sleep during a deadly storm. He offers this same peace to you as you face your trials. In fact, it’s one of your inheritances.
You have the privilege of resting in whatever season you’re in today knowing that the wind and waves of life still know and obey His name.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
And finally, know that what the enemy meant for harm, God will work it for your good. You will get through this. Hold on and keep the faith.
A Prayer For Going Through Hard Times
Father,
I come before you as your child struggling through this difficult time.
Even when everything around me tries to convince me otherwise, I know that you’re sovereign and you’re working all things for my good.
Help me to remember your goodness so that I may persevere through my trials. Help me to access my inheritance of peace that Jesus promised. Let no fear or doubt overtake me, but help me to be strengthened in my faith.
Give me a kingdom mindset and perspective so that I may see things as you do. I put my trust in you knowing that in my weakness you are strong.
In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.
Final thoughts on encouraging scriptures for going through difficult times.
No one likes going through hard times. It’s uncomfortable and in some moments you feel like you won’t make it. But, I want you to remember that you are NOT alone and there is purpose in everything God does.
I hope the scriptures and the breakdown of them I have provided above remind you of who God is, what He can do, and how He has your back
You will make it.
Until next time,
-Dr. Jay
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