Life’s challenges touch everyone, including Christians, and Scripture never promises that we’ll be exempt from hardship. Knowing this doesn’t make hard seasons any easier, and the weight of stress, grief, or uncertainty can feel overwhelming at times. Yet in the middle of those struggles, God’s Word offers steady comfort, hope, and truth.
The Bible is filled with His promises and reassurance, and there are countless Bible verses about struggling in life that speak directly to the moments when we feel weak, weary, or unsure of what to do next. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most encouraging passages to help you anchor your heart in God’s strength and grace.
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Short Bible Verses About Life Struggles
We’ve gathered 16 Bible verses about struggling with life so you can find a few that resonate with you. You can also bookmark or print out this page to come back to on hard days.
God Is With You
Isaiah 41:10
“‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’”
When you face overwhelming challenges, remember that God Himself commands you not to fear. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and He promises to be with His people, including you. His strength is perfect, and His help is certain. You are never alone—God upholds you with His righteous right hand. Trust in His unchanging Word, knowing that His presence brings true peace and security, no matter how uncertain life may seem.
Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
God promises to hear and deliver those who trust in Him. When the righteous call out, He is attentive and faithful to rescue them. The Lord draws near to those who are brokenhearted and humble, offering His presence and salvation. No matter the depth of your pain or sorrow, God isn’t distant—He is close, ready to heal and restore those who come to Him with a repentant and humble heart. His Word assures us that true comfort and deliverance are found in Him alone.
Strength When You Feel Weak
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
This verse doesn’t mean that Christians can accomplish anything they desire, but rather that Christ gives strength to endure every circumstance, especially suffering or hardship for the sake of the gospel. Paul wrote these words while facing trials, explaining that he could be content in any situation—whether in need or abundance—because Christ empowered him to persevere. The focus is on enduring faithfully, not achieving personal goals.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
This is a promise you can lean on in moments of crisis. God is present and steady, and He is your protector. When challenges rise, you can take shelter in Him.
Comfort During Emotional Pain
Matthew 11:28
“‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’”
In this Bible verse, Jesus is inviting those who are burdened by sin and the impossible demands of trying to earn salvation through works. The “rest” He offers is freedom from the weight of sin and the futility of self-effort. Jesus calls us to trust in Him alone for salvation, not in our own works. True rest comes from accepting His finished work on the cross and finding forgiveness and new life in Him.
Psalm 147:3
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
While this verse isn’t a promise of instant emotional healing or a guarantee of a pain-free life, it highlights God’s compassion and His power to restore those who humbly seek Him. The context of Psalm 147 shows that God is the Creator and Sustainer, caring for His people even in their suffering. True healing comes through trusting in God’s sovereignty, repenting of sin, and praising Him even in hardship.
Guidance When You Feel Lost
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
This passage calls us to wholehearted trust in God and submission to His will, not relying on our own wisdom or feelings. The promise is that God will direct the paths of those who acknowledge Him in every area of life, seeking to honor Him above all else. This means living in obedience to His Word, even when it goes against our own understanding or desires. God’s guidance is rooted in His truth, not our preferences.
Psalm 119:105
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
This verse proclaims that God’s Word is the ultimate authority and guide for every aspect of life. The “lamp” and “light” imagery shows that Scripture alone reveals the path of righteousness and keeps us from stumbling in a world darkened by sin and false ideas. It’s not just about comfort, but about submitting every decision and belief to God’s revealed truth. Only by following His Word can we walk in true wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of relying on our own understanding.
Encouragement for Those Battling Addiction
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
This Bible verse about struggles in life teaches that God promises not to cause believers to go through anything they can’t handle (the word “tempation” here could also be translated “trial”), and He is always faithful to provide a way to endure or escape temptation. Still, it doesn’t promise an easy or instant deliverance from every struggle. Instead, it calls us to rely on God’s strength, resist sin, and choose obedience, knowing that God always provides the means to remain faithful.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
This verse isn’t about self-improvement or simply breaking bad habits. It proclaims the radical transformation that happens when someone is united to Christ by faith. Through repentance and trust in Jesus’ finished work, a person is made spiritually new—a new creation. The old sinful identity inherited from Adam is gone, and a new identity in Christ is given. This is a supernatural work of God, not just a “fresh start” or a second chance. True transformation is only possible through the gospel, not through human effort.
Peace When You’re Overwhelmed
John 14:27
“‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’”
In John 14:27, Jesus isn’t just offering a feeling of calmness or relief from stress. He is giving His followers true, lasting peace with God—a peace that comes from being reconciled to the Father through Christ’s sacrifice. This peace isn’t dependent on circumstances, but on the unchanging reality of our relationship with God through Jesus. The world’s peace is temporary and superficial, but Christ’s peace is eternal and rooted in the gospel. Believers can face trials without fear because their peace is anchored in Christ’s finished work.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
We’re called to trust God completely, especially in times of betrayal or deep distress, knowing that He alone is able to sustain and uphold the righteous. God will never allow those who truly trust in Him to be shaken from their faith or ultimate security. This isn’t a guarantee of a trouble-free life, but an assurance that God is faithful to preserve His people through every trial as they rely on Him.
Trusting God Through Every Season
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 offers us profound assurance that God sovereignly works all things—good and bad—for the ultimate good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This “good” is defined by the next verse: being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), not necessarily earthly comfort or success. This verse isn’t a cliche for quick encouragement, but a deep truth about God’s faithfulness to His people, even in suffering.
Joshua 1:9
“‘Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’”
Consider the context of God’s command to Joshua: He wanted him to faithfully obey God as he led Israel into the Promised Land. The promise of God’s presence and courage is directly tied to living in obedience to His commands. True strength and courage come from trusting God’s faithfulness and submitting to His authority, not just from knowing He is “with you” in a general sense. This verse calls us to bold obedience rooted in God’s unchanging Word.
When You Need God’s Protection
Psalm 91:1-2
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2 is a declaration of trust in God’s sovereign care. The “secret place” and “shadow of the Almighty” speak of close fellowship with God and the security found in trusting Him, even in the midst of danger or uncertainty. Ultimately, God’s protection is spiritual and eternal—He is our refuge and fortress, preserving the souls of those who trust in Him, no matter what trials they face in this fallen world.
Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
Nahum 1:7 is a declaration of God’s goodness and faithfulness to those who truly trust in Him, even in the midst of judgment and chaos. The verse assures believers that God is their refuge and protector, but remember that it’s set against the backdrop of God’s righteous judgment on the wicked. Only those who genuinely trust in the Lord experience His protection and care. This is not a blanket promise for everyone, but a specific assurance for God’s people who walk in faith and obedience.
Final Thoughts on Bible Verses About Life Struggles
True hope, strength, and renewal come from a restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the authority of His Word. When He saves us, He saves us out of our sin and into a community where we don’t have to live life alone. No one is exempt from life’s deepest struggles, including addiction, pain, and stress.
If you’re facing a difficult season and need extra support, we’re here to help. At LINKS, our Christian mental health facilities and counseling services meet you where you are with evidence-based therapy and Christlike compassion. Contact us today to take the first step on your journey toward healing.
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: Bible Verses About Life Struggles
What does the Bible say about why people face struggles in life?
The Bible teaches that struggles, suffering, and pain are the result of living in a fallen, sin-cursed world. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world, bringing death, disease, and hardship to all creation (Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 5:12). This means that everyone—believers and unbelievers alike—will experience difficulties in life. God isn’t the author of evil or suffering; rather, these are consequences of humanity’s rebellion against Him.
However, God uses struggles for His purposes. For those who trust in Christ, trials can strengthen faith, develop character, and draw us closer to Him (Romans 8:28; James 1:2-4). Ultimately, our greatest hope is in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death and offers eternal life to all who repent and believe in Him. In eternity, God will wipe away every tear and remove all suffering for His people (Revelation 21:4).
How can I use Bible verses when I feel overwhelmed by my problems?
When you feel overwhelmed, turn to God’s Word for comfort, guidance, and strength. The Bible is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and provides real hope in every situation. Start by reading and meditating on passages that remind you of God’s character and promises—such as Psalm 46:1 (“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”), Matthew 11:28-30, and Philippians 4:6-7. Pray these verses back to God, asking Him for help and peace. Memorize key Scriptures so you can recall them in moments of distress. Share your burdens with a trusted believer who can encourage you with God’s love and truth.
Are there Bible verses that speak directly to fear during difficult seasons?
Yes, the Bible is filled with verses that address fear and offer comfort during difficult seasons. God repeatedly tells His people not to fear, but to trust in Him. Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1-2, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 34:4, and 2 Timothy 1:7 remind us that God is sovereign, present, and faithful, and that we can trust Him no matter what we face.
Can the Bible help with emotional struggles like anxiety or sadness?
Absolutely. The Bible is fully sufficient to address emotional struggles like anxiety and sadness. God’s Word speaks directly to the heart, offering comfort, hope, and practical guidance. Passages like Psalm 34:17-18 remind us that “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.” Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer, promising His peace in return. Jesus Himself invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Of course, we may also need therapy and other resources to support us on the journey.
How can I find the right Bible verse for what I’m going through?
To find the right Bible verse for your situation, start by praying and asking God for wisdom and guidance (James 1:5). You could use a Bible app or website with a search feature to find a list of verses on a given topic. Think about the specific struggle you’re facing (such as fear, anxiety, sadness, or temptation) and look for passages that address those issues. You can also ask a mature believer or pastor for help. As you read, trust that God will use His Word to speak to your heart and guide you.
Does God promise to take away all struggles?
No, God doesn’t promise to take away all struggles in this life. The Bible is clear that because we live in a fallen, sin-cursed world, everyone will experience hardship, suffering, and trials (Genesis 3:16-19; John 16:33). In fact, Jesus said, “‘In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33). God uses struggles to strengthen our faith, develop our character, and draw us closer to Him (James 1:2-4; Romans 8:28). For those who trust in Christ, God promises His presence, comfort, and ultimate victory over sin and death, but the complete removal of suffering will only come in eternity for believers (Revelation 21:4).
What does the Bible say about supporting others who are struggling?
The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are to support and care for one another, especially during times of struggle. Galatians 6:2 commands, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” This means coming alongside fellow believers to help carry their heavy loads, whether those are spiritual, emotional, or physical struggles. Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” God designed the church as a body, where each member cares for the others (1 Corinthians 12:26). Supporting others is an expression of Christ’s love and helps us grow together in faith and unity.