Bible Verses about Finding Strength in Hard Times

One of the most common misconceptions about Christianity is the belief that Christians are destined to lead lives devoid of trials and hard times and where prayers are swiftly answered. In reality, however, it can often be quite the opposite. As Christians, we frequently find ourselves contending with a multitude of challenges on various fronts. In this article, we’ll look at several encouraging Bible verses about finding strength in hard times.

Satan takes pleasure in causing hardship and suffering, particularly among Christians. His efforts are made hoping to lead us away from our faith, creating despair and doubt. Throughout the Bible, we see Satan being depicted as a tempter and disruptor of the lives of believers. A well-known biblical account that illustrates this is the story from the Book of Job.

Because of Satan, Job endured a series of profound misfortunes in a short space of time, including affliction with a terrible disease, the loss of all his possessions, and the tragic deaths of all his children in a single day. For Job, anything that could have gone wrong did go wrong.

As challenging as hard times are, it is important to remember that God’s power ultimately prevails over Satan. Throughout the Bible, we witness God offering strength and resilience to those who are facing hard times. The Bible also offers comfort, encouragement, reassurance, wisdom, and guidance. However, there are Bible verses about finding strength that you can draw strength from whenever you face hard times.

Bible verses about finding strength

When hard times cause anxiety

It is common to be worried, nervous, and apprehensive about the future when facing hardships. However, excessive worry can lead to anxiety, which can have negative effects on your physical and mental well-being. Worry often arises from our attempts to solve the problems we encounter when we realize that none of our solutions will make the problem go away.

As believers, however, we should always remember that there is no situation good or bad that the Bible does not address. In 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) the Bible says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This verse serves as an important reminder that God cares for us and is deeply concerned about our well-being.

We can find strength and peace by trusting Him with our situation. By releasing our burdens to Him, we are declaring that we trust in His ability to support and sustain us through whatever situation we may be facing.

When hard times cause you to doubt

There are times that we go through, times so hard, that we become convinced that God has forgotten us. We may believe He is not hearing our prayers. That is another one of Satan’s strategies to get Christians to doubt God’s presence in our lives and God’s ability to help us.

Even Jesus had a feeling abandoned. Matthew 27:46 (NIV) records, “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).”

In Joshua 1:9 (NIV) the Bible says, “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 is a powerful message of both reassurance and encouragement. We are reminded that even as we face challenges, we must remain confident that God is with us. We must not be afraid but rather exercise faith and trust in God.

No problem is too big for God

Often we find ourselves facing situations that we classify as insurmountable. Shocking news from the doctor, a teenage child acting out, debt, homelessness, and many other challenges are a few examples. In our moments of despair, we sometimes limit what God is capable of because we cannot fathom how we can get out of the dire situation.

The Bible proves to us, however, that no problem is too big for God. Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)  declares that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, and the mountains quake with their surging.”

This verse uses extreme imagery of the planet Earth giving away, mountains falling, and sea waters roaring, yet also reassures believers that they need not fear. God is ever-present and can provide protection and support amid life’s hardest seasons.

God will give you strength

Hard times can be draining. Sometimes we don’t even have the strength to face each day that comes. However, in God, we find comfort and sustenance, if we trust him and allow him to guide us through the turbulence. Through faith, believers are strengthened and can find the courage to face each passing day.

In Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This is an affirmation that we can draw strength from God in our times of despair and hardships.

Trust in God in hard times

Throughout the Bible, we learn that those who trust in Him are never put to shame. God fortifies and sustains those who believe that He is their strength. In Psalm 27:1 (NIV) we hear the psalmist declaring with conviction that, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?”

The Apostle Paul, a significant figure in Christianity, authored many books in the Bible. He often declared how he trusted in God with all his heart. Paul epitomizes faith. Many times, God strengthened and sustained him when he faced numerous persecutions.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) Paul declares, “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.”

In Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) Paul asserts, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Through these verses, we witness how cultivating an intimate relationship with God leads to unwavering trust in Him. His ability to guide us throughout our lives without succumbing to fear relies on the truth that He will never abandon us.

Remember God’s promises

When you are going through challenging times, it is easy to feel hopeless and defeated. If you spend time reading His word, you will realize that the Bible is full of teachings, promises, and assurances that are meant to give us hope and reassurance. We are never alone. Hold on to God’s promises and draw courage to face difficult times.

Psalm 121:5-8 (NIV) reminds us that “The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Seek support today

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Are you not sure who to turn to for help and support? A Christian therapist can help you. Feel free to contact our offices today for an appointment. These skillful, compassionate counselors will help you face your challenges with renewed strength.