When you’re trapped in addiction or battling emotional pain, suffering can feel endless. Maybe you’ve asked yourself: Why is this happening? or Where is God in all of this? If you’re struggling with alcoholism, substance use, or grief, it’s easy to believe you’re alone in your pain.
But Scripture tells a different story.
Throughout the Bible, suffering isn’t ignored or dismissed—it’s acknowledged as part of life. Yet over and over, we’re reminded that suffering isn’t the end of the story. In Christ Jesus, pain can produce growth. Struggle can build strength. And there’s always a promise of eternal glory waiting on the other side for those whose faith and trust is in Him.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul!”
– Horatio Spafford, Traditional Hymn
(Read the story about the circumstances under which this hymn was written.)
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Why We Need Verses About Suffering
When life hurts, it’s natural to want to numb the pain. For many, this could mean turning to alcohol, drugs, or unhealthy behaviors just to get through the day. But while substances offer temporary relief, they can’t offer the eternal hope that is found in Christ alone. That’s why so many people find comfort in Bible verses about suffering—because God’s Word speaks directly to the brokenhearted and offers hope that endures.
At LINKS, the Christian recovery program within Northbound Treatment, we understand that addiction often grows out of untreated suffering. That’s why we focus on healing the whole person—spirit, mind, and body—with faith as the foundation.
Bible Verses About Suffering to Bring Comfort
If you’re struggling, here are some powerful verses about suffering to remind you that God is sovereign–and although it may not feel like it right now, the things that are happening in your life are ultimately happening for your good (Romans 8:28).
1. “For our light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
This verse reminds us that the suffering of believers is an opportunity for God to reveal His glory. And keeping our hearts set on eternity with the Lord helps us endure pain and suffering with greater hope and purpose.
2. “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:13
As Christians we may be persecuted for our faith, making us a partner of sorts in the same kind of suffering as Jesus endured. The Biblical promises of future reward for this can help us rejoice as we’re going through persecutions.
3. “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Those who believe in Christ Jesus will suffer on this earth because of our relationship with Him. This suffering can produce spiritual benefits.
4. “Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” – James 1:2-3
The book of James was likely written to Jewish believers who were being severely persecuted for their faith. Christians benefit from standing firm under trial; their faith strengthens and their endurance improves.
5. “The Lord Jesus Christ Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
The verse before this one reads, “But resist [the devil], firm in the faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished among your brethren who are in the world.” Live your life according to God’s word, and take comfort in knowing that Christians all over the world are suffering various trials and tests.
Why Christians Struggle With Suffering and Addiction
Even believers can feel overwhelmed by the pain of present sufferings. Addiction often starts as an attempt to escape grief, trauma, or disappointment. But God’s word tells a different story and can help you find a comforting perspective on the troubles in life.
At LINKS, we meet people every day who are tired of numbing the pain and are ready to heal. Our faith-based program blends clinical treatment with biblical truth, providing care that aligns with your spiritual values.
How LINKS Helps People Heal From Addiction and Suffering
LINKS is more than a treatment center—it’s a place where suffering finds purpose and brokenness meets grace.
At LINKS, you’ll find:
Christ-centered addiction treatment
Daily Scripture and prayer to soothe your spirit
Professional counseling to help you process grief, trauma, and addiction triggers
A compassionate community where your pain is acknowledged—not ignored
A recovery plan grounded in the hope of eternal life with Jesus Christ
We know that God intended healing for you—not suffering without purpose.
How to Endure Suffering When You're Tired
Here are small but meaningful ways to hold on:
1. Read Bible Verses About Suffering Daily
Let Scripture reframe your pain with God’s perspective.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit for Comfort
Invite the Holy Spirit to quiet your anxious thoughts and strengthen your faith when you’re weak.
3. Lean Into Community
Whether it’s your church, a small group, or a Christ-centered program like LINKS—surround yourself with people who remind you of God’s goodness.
A Prayer for Those in Pain
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray. Here’s an example of a prayer for grief to get you started:
“Lord Jesus Christ, I’m tired and hurting. Please meet me here. Remind me that this is not the end of my story. Let my suffering build endurance and my endurance produce hope. Help me trust that this light momentary affliction is preparing me for a glory I can’t yet imagine. Fill me with God’s love and teach me to persevere in faith. Amen.”
There’s More Ahead
Whether you’re grieving, hurting, or stuck in addiction, remember:
Christ suffered, too.
God’s love has not left you.
Your suffering is preparing you for an even more beautiful life.
When you’re ready to stop numbing the pain and start healing, LINKS is here to help.
Call LINKS today at (866) 434-1330 or reach out online. Together, we can find meaning in suffering and hope for a new beginning.
Get Help Today
Help and healing are possible through our Christian rehab programs.
If you are ready to take the next step and learn more about how a Christian rehab center can aid in your recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
FAQs About Suffering in the Bible
What does the Bible say about light and momentary troubles?
Paul says that his light and momentary troubles were achieving an eternal glory that far outweighs his afflictions (2 Corinthians 4:17).
A few chapters over, in 2 Corinthians 11:23 – 38, Paul lists off some of those “light and momentary troubles”:
He had been whipped (39 lashes each time) five times, beaten with rods three times, stoned once, shipwrecked three times, and he even spent a night and day “in the deep”. In addition, on his journeys he was in dangers from rivers, from robbers, from his own countrymen, from Gentiles, from cities, from desolate places, from the sea, and even from false brothers.
He concludes in 2 Cor 11:27, “I have been in labor and hardship, in many sleepless nights, in starvation and thirst, often hungry, in cold and without enough clothing. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.”
But even though all of this suffering had happened (and continued to happen) to Paul, he called them “light and momentary troubles.”
Jesus Christ’s exaltation followed His humiliation (Phil 2:6-11), and Paul’s perspective was influenced by Jesus.
We can imitate Paul’s perspective in our own lives. He wrote in 1 Cor. 11:1 “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”
How does suffering produce perseverance?
According to Romans 5:3-4, suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character leads to hope. In recovery, every painful moment becomes part of your strength as God shapes you into who He created you to be.
How can my suffering glorify God?
One way your suffering may glorify God is that your perseverance becomes a testimony of His goodness, showing others that God’s love sustains even in hard seasons.
Does faith really produce perseverance?
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith brings about perseverance. And let perseverance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
What does it mean that God rests?
When Scripture speaks of how God rests, it often refers to the Sabbath rest, a model for us to pause, reflect, and renew. The late pastor John MacArthur says this: “… to enter God’s rest means that for the rest of your life in eternity, you can lean on God. And you can lean on Him and be sure that He’ll never topple over.
“So, when it talks about rest in the Bible, it is talking about a new relationship to God that is available to a man whereby that man can lean on God, even repose on God. That means totally depend on God for support, for help, for power, for everything he needs.”
