When You Feel Like Giving Up: Bible Verses About Strength And Perseverance

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope. – Romans 15:4, NIV

Are you in a tough season of life that seems overwhelming? Do you feel drained by your circumstances, beaten, and ready to give up? If so, take heart. This article may be just for you.

Life in this fallen world is hard. We all face seasons when the weight of our challenges makes it difficult to keep moving forward, and we feel discouraged and defeated. You may be in one right now and wondering if it will ever end.

If so, know that the urge to give up in the face of ongoing battles and seemingly endless tests is a common human reaction. Instead of throwing in the towel, however, turn to your Bible for hope, encouragement, and the strength to keep going.

God doesn’t want you to try to handle life’s burdens on your own. He wants you to give them to Him and lean on Him. If you have put your hope in Jesus Christ and accepted His gift of salvation, you can be assured that He will be right there with you in the midst of your trials and tribulations. He will give you the strength, peace, stamina, and courage you need to make it through any situation.

Bible Verses About Strength and Perseverance

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33, NIV

Jesus warns us that in this life we will have trouble and pain, but we need not be afraid because He is in control. If you put your hope and trust in Him, He promises you peace regardless of your circumstances.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. – Hebrews 10:36, NIV

Perseverance is faith in motion. It precedes the promise. Giving up may feel easier than pressing on, but remember that growth takes place under the ground before you see the harvest. God is always at work behind the scenes, and the promise might be right on the other side of the wall you’re facing.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

God wants you to bring your concerns to Him and talk to Him about them instead of being anxious or afraid. When you acknowledge that you can’t solve your problems in your own strength, ask Him for His help, and thank Him for all that He has done, He promises to fill your heart with His peace that surpasses understanding.

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? — the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless…You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. – Psalm 18:31-32, 36, ESV

When you feel like giving up, don’t focus on the magnitude of the circumstances. Instead, remind yourself that you do not need to figure it all out. All you need is the strength to take one more step. God is in control and will enable you to do it. You can rely on His strength instead of your own.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”2 Corinthians 12:9a, NIV.

Jesus wants you to rely on His strength, not your own. Your weaknesses provide a space for His power to shine through. Even if He does not remove the obstacle or struggle you are facing, He promises to be with you and give you His supernatural strength to see you through.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. – Psalm 46:1-2, ESV

God is not a distant, far-off God. He promises to be there for you during hard times and see you through any circumstance. Even when everything feels like it is falling apart all around you, He is right there with you, ready to provide strength and refuge if you turn to Him.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:11, NIV

Focusing on who God is, on His unchanging nature, and on all that he has done in your life can help turn your perspective around. In times of darkness, think of how God has come through for you in the past, and praise Him for being your Savior and your source of strength and hope.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1b-3, NIV

When you feel like giving up, think of Jesus who ran the race and persevered until He crossed the finish line. Let that motivate you to persevere as well. Fixing your eyes on Him instead of your circumstances, and focusing on the final reward, will help you make it to the end.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:29-31, NIV

No matter who you are, part of your humanity is that you will, at some point, feel physically or emotionally drained. However, God promises to be your strength and help you through whatever you are facing. If you put your hope and trust in Him and wait on Him when you feel tired, powerless, and discouraged, He will renew your strength.

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. – Isaiah 41:10, NIV

You do not have to face your trials alone. God promises to always be with you and give you the strength and help you need to get through any challenge.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8, NIV

Discouragement and the desire to give up are fueled by focusing on the challenges of your situation and all the things that are wrong. The deeper you allow yourself to sink into that pit, the dimmer your glimmer of hope will become. Choose instead to focus on what is good (no matter how small), and fan the flames of hope by counting your blessings and reminding yourself of the faithfulness and goodness of God.

If you have questions about this article on Bible verses about strength and perseverance, would like to know how you can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, or would like to set up an appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors in our online directory, please give us a call.