What steps do you take when you feel the world closing in? Or when you can’t imagine tolerating one more thing and just want to give up. We get to this point and assume there must be a better way to deal with our struggles.
First, we’ll look at information that teaches us how to trust God instead of carrying the load. Then, we’ll see why we can lean on Him, how to get relief, and even review a healthy mindset to keep during difficult times. Finally, you’ll find Scripture that covers multiple situations.
*All Scripture verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV).
In This Article
Good News in Your Struggles
How can you find good news during your struggles? The first step is to realize who God is. We know that God sees all and can help you in any situation. Because He is the Author and the Finisher, He knows everything you’re going through and even what’s to come.
The mindset that God is bigger than all of our issues sets a foundation for Scripture. Instead of simply reading it, allow it to come alive by realizing who He is.
In Exodus 3:14-15, God tells Moses, “I am who I am.” He then calls himself “Lord.” We learn that Lord means that God is the One over everything. So, we can count on Him for anything we need, and He’s there.
Names of God That Cover Your Struggles
We see numerous examples throughout the Bible that show God’s faithfulness and power. Since we know He covers all, we can understand some of the many names that are used to celebrate God. These are based on who He is or His characteristics, and they pertain during your struggles.
Jehovah means Lord which encompasses power, authority, and influence. God possesses all of these and more. Let’s look at nine names that show God is prepared for anything and is with us always.
Jehovah Jireh: the Lord our Provider
Jehovah Rapha: the Lord our Healer
Jehovah Nissi: the Lord our Banner
Jehovah Shalom: the Lord our Peace
Jehovah Raah: the Lord our Shepherd
Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord our Righteousness
Jehovah Mekoddishkem: the Lord our Sanctifier
Jehovah Sabaoth: the Lord of Hosts
Jehovah Shammah: the Lord is There
While there are many other names that we call God, the final one we’ll mention is El Roi. In Genesis 16 the angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar when she was in distress and struggling. The angel told Hagar that God understands her situation. El Roi is the God who Sees Me. This is true regardless of what we’re doing or how we feel. He always knows and is for us. After all, what good are His amazing names if we assume they don’t apply to us?
Worship God During Struggles
As we gain deeper understanding of who God is and what He wants to do for us, it’s important to honor Him. While we’re thankful for the actions He’s taken—including the cross—we also celebrate God for who He is.
When we worship for this reason, a glorious exchange takes place. Your negative emotions are replaced with appreciation, honor, and hope. Worship opens your eyes and heart to see and hear what His Word provides. Counting on God creates amazing benefits for all your hardships and struggles. View this article on spiritual healing to gain a deeper understanding.
Wisdom and Understanding
Incredible blessings take place when you know who God is, realize what He can do, and celebrate Him. These steps lead to gaining understanding and wisdom of the truths in Scripture.
One place that wisdom and understanding are addressed is Proverbs 3:13-26. We see that these two concepts help us become profitable, precious, have a long life and honor. They also make us pleasant and peaceful, are a tree of life, and bring blessings (verses 13-18).
The chapter refers to our Lord creating the heavens, Earth, and seas by His wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Then, in verses 21-26, we see that by seeking wisdom and understanding, we can have sound judgement, discretion, safety, courage, rest, no anxiousness, and even protection.
But how do we gain understanding and wisdom? We ask. God already knows your heart. Rather than struggle alone, He wants you to ask Him for help. Pray for hunger and understanding of the Word then for revelation which increases your power. This creates space for wisdom which can then be used in your life and to teach others.
Proverbs chapter four highlights further explanation. “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” This shows that by staying aligned with God’s Word, His light shines into your life and becomes brighter the more you use and understand it. Rather than live in the shadows, He keeps your steps illuminated. There is amazing Scripture for action steps.
Proverbs four goes on to say, “turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body” (verses 20-22).
The benefits are there. Why not lean in and understand the truth?
Scripture for Times of Struggle
We’ll look at a variety of Scripture divided into 5 categories. These are structured by topics of need during times of struggle.
Let’s start with two verses that help us grow in wisdom through reflection. These are great to remember no matter the situation to build your faith.
Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Luke 1:37 “For no word from God will ever fail.”
When You Need Courage and Confidence
Joshua 1:9 “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 27:1 “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?”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “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.”
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.”
2 Corinthians 4:8 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.”
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
When You Need Rest and Comfort
Exodus 33:14 “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Psalm 62:5-6 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Isaiah 40:31 “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.”
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
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.”
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
When You Need Protection
Exodus 14:14 “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Philippians 4:6-7 “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.”
1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
When You Need Hope
Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”
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.’”
Matthew 8:16 “and healed all the sick.”
Luke 14:4 “But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way.”
John 16:33 “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.”
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.”
When You Need Joy
Lamentations 3:21-23 “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 11:25-26 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Final Thoughts About Bible Verses for Life Struggles
Not only is it important to gain understanding and wisdom from God’s Word, but it’s first helpful to know who He is. We looked at characteristics and names of God and identified Him as Lord, the One who covers everything.
When times get tough, there are numerous verses in the Bible that bring courage, peace, protection, hope, and joy. It simply takes intentional effort spending time immersed in the Word. Then, you can experience how it comes alive to move mountains in your life.