If worry or depression have crept up on you or you’ve felt your faith in God being shaken, stop worry. You’re not alone. This world has thrown just about anything and everything at us, and God knows that there will be times in life where we’re thrown off our balance. But every time, we have the opportunity to come back to who we are and speak God’s truth over our lives. We have the opportunity to disregard our fleeting emotions and stand on God’s word. Because unlike our human emotions, God’s word never changes..never waivers…never gets overwhelmed or confused….and never fails. All that to say, here are 5 bible verses about strength in hard times.
JEREMIAH 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.’” (NIV)
No matter what your present circumstances are, and no matter how uncertain your future may seem, God already has everything planned out.
He already knows what your career will look like, He knows when you’ll meet your spouse…He knows everything! So, trust that He is making it ALL work for your future benefit.
God wants great things for you. He knows present times may bring you trouble (and that trouble has purpose), but He always plans for good. God is our hope, even and especially when everything else fails.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (NIV)
It’s impossible for us to see the future. No matter how much time we spend planning or going over every possible choice we could make, there’s no way we can predict what will happen. This year proved that more than anything.
And though it’s frustrating…and at times frightening… living in the unknown, it’s how God called us to live. We are to live by faith that God is steady at work and that His plan is our best option.
We live in such an uncertain world, but we have to be rooted in something sure and certain. When we say we belong to God, we declare that we belong to an amazing power that is unshakeable and will never fail us. Blind faith is the best faith. We may not know anything, but He knows everything, and that’s more than enough to find rest in.
Step outside of your worry, stand on God and recite these bible verses about strength in hard times.
ROMANS 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (NIV)
God puts us through trials for reasons. Sometimes we may not know the exact reason, but we can trust that each one is meant to make us stronger and more deeply rooted in our faith.
Even though we can be overwhelmed by all the problems in the world, God calls us to be joyful and to look towards the future with hope. Surely you’ve heard the saying “The best is yet to come.” Well, this can speak directly to faith. We can always look forward to the good that’s sure to come when we commit ourselves to God’s plan for our lives.
True, this is all a lot easier said than done. But remember, you can ask God for literally anything , even the courage and faith to be completely trustful in Him. He doesn’t judge us for not immediately feeling comforted by faith. He knows life can get way too tough sometimes. You can always turn to God and ask Him to increase the faith in your heart.
EPHESIANS 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (NIV)
In tough and trying times, God wants us to give Him our troubles and go out into the world with love. He wants us to love others, but He especially wants us to love ourselves. Oftentimes, when we see so much wrong in the world, we begin to feel helpless and wonder how we alone could possibly solve everything. However, God doesn’t want us to fix everything; He wants us to walk in according to His purpose for our lives…. treat others as we would treat ourselves…and leave the rest to Him.
Maybe you’re waiting for God to move right now, or maybe you’re wondering if God is even there. Spoiler alert: He absolutely is! Even when you can’t feel Him there, know that He is still working on your behalf. Wait patiently on the Lord because He is so, so good.
Be the love that’s missing from the world. When people can’t feel God in their lives, show His love and kindness, and let everyone know He is absolutely still there.
PSALM 116:1-2
“I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.” (NIV)
God knows every deeply rooted and cleverly covered up problem in you, me, and your next door neighbor. He sees everything we’ve been going through, not just this year, but through our whole lives. He knows the trauma and hardships we faced, and He knows what trials we still have yet to endure.
So, when we turn to Him for help, He’s already caught up on the situation. You don’t have to try and find the right words to help Him understand. You can simply turn your attention to Jesus and and He’ll know what you’re asking for. And He will answer you.
So even when we’re wondering where He could possibly be, He is still working for your good. Let these Bible verses about strength in hard times reminds you that God hears the prayers in your heart, He hears your silent (or loud) cries, and He is right there with you. He is carrying you through, and His love will always stay the same.
