10 Bible Verses to Hold on to When Life Feels Hard

This is the first post in a series, “Anchored in God: Spiritual Practices for Hard Seasons.

Not too long ago, I had a minor procedure, which stressed me because I didn’t know what to expect. God tells us not to be anxious, so I went to the Bible to find a verse to help me through the procedure.

Psalm 67:7-8 NIV, “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”

This is a beautiful verse, and I now use it regularly. God is my help, because of this, I can sing in the shadow of His wings. His right hand supports me as I cling to Him.

How wonderful is that? Have you had the same experience relying on God’s Word?

Do you feel like as a child of God, that you’re not suppose to have trials?

1 Peter 4:12 NIV “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Peter tells us in chapter 4, verse 12, not to be surprised at trials in your life. He also uses the words “has come on you to test you”. Yes, Christians have trials.

This post is about:

• How God helps us hang on when life is hard?
• 10 Bible Verses to Hold on to When Life Feels Hard

How Can We Hold on When Life Feels Hard?

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

1. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” – There are times when we forget that trust is essential in every situation, not just when we accept Jesus as Savior.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

“The exhortation to love with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” indicates the totality of one’s commitment in the purest and noblest intentions of trust and obedience toward God. The words taken together mean that the people are to love God with their whole selves.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament

God wants us to love Him with all our being. Not just a portion we set apart for Him. There are Christians who leave the Lord at church on Sunday. They categorize God to fit the life they want to live.

It’s much easier to hold on to God’s truth in hard times if we are in step with Him.

2. “Lean not on your own understanding”

1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

As humans, the world around us influences us so profoundly that we often struggle to discern the best course of action. For example, we’ve decided to volunteer at a shelter for women. When it comes time to go, we talk ourselves out of it for whatever reason suits us. If we listen to the world around us, it would agree, after all, we have to take care of ourselves.

Going to the Lord for guidance would tell a different story. There are times when we need to prioritize ourselves, but not when helping someone else is more important.

It’s always best to go to the Lord because His understanding far exceeds ours.

3. “In all your ways submit to Him“

Yes, we are to commit to the Lord and live for Him. Did you realize that means all parts of your life? It’s your husband, family, job, emotions, planning, and so on.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Is this different than what you thought? God says everything we do, should glorify Him.

Have you submitted your whole life to Jesus Christ? This will help you develop the strength you need to fight life’s battles.

4. “He will make your paths straight.”

God promises that if you trust in Him with everything, rely on His understanding, submit to Him fully, then He will guide you in all parts of your life.

Hebrews 12:1 NIV “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”

God has a plan for our lives. When we depend on Him for guidance, He helps us overcome obstacles and make the right decisions.

God will make your path straight. Are you trusting Him that He will do that for you?

Are you talking to Him every day and reading His Word? That’s how the Lord gives you guidance.

Plan a time you can go to the Lord. Talk to Him, let Him know what’s going on in your life. Take a favorite Bible verse, read it, and listen to what God is saying in the verse. If you need guidance, there are online commentaries that can help. Bible Hub

Here are 10 Bible verses to help you when life feels hard:

You Can Overcome in Trials Because Jesus Did

John 16:33 NIV “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.”

You Do Not Have to Fear in Trials

Isaiah 41:10 NIV “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.”

Trials Have a Purpose

James 1:2-4 NIV “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,  whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

4. God is Aware of Your Pain

Psalm 56:8 ESV “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.  Are they not in your book?”

5. You Can Have Peace in Trials

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

6. God’s Help is Always Present

Psalm 46:1 ESV “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

7. Comfort Comes From God

2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,”

8. God Promises His Love and Comfort

Psalm 119:76 NIV “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.”

9. God Will Deliver You in the Day of Trouble

Psalm 50:15 NIV “and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

10. You Will Receive a Crown of Life

James 1:12 NIV “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.”

Conclusion

We all face trials, but as Christians, we have the Lord to help us overcome the pain. When we depend on Him, He guides us on the right path.

We looked at Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV to find direction when we need guidance:

• Trust the Lord with all your heart, soul and strength.
• Don’t rely on your own understanding.
• Submit to God in all parts of your life.
• Result? He will guide you on the right path.

The 10 Bible Verses given can help comfort and guide your heart. Read and meditate on them. Committing them to memory is a great idea.