10 Scriptures For Encouragement For Tough Times
I don’t know how many times I’ve searched through the Bible for encouragement—but that’s a good thing! We should always turn to the Word of God for any issue we face. Whether it is in our finances, our health, our relationships, or our emotional needs, God is here for us. We just have to seek Him.
I wanted to write this article because I saw a comment on an old post where a reader said they had been in despair about the election. This is understandable, but what really inspired me was that this individual sought comfort in the Word. He looked toward Jesus for his answer, for his warmth, and for his reassurance and encouragement. I strive to be like that reader. I strive to remember that God has ALL the answers to every problem anyone will ever face.
So, I’m writing this article as a reminder and an inspiration to all the Believers out there who may be looking for the light in whatever darkness they are facing. Their health, their job, the election. Whatever it may be, God is still in control and if you ask Him, He will show up and make a difference in your life.
Use these 10 scriptures in your prayer life and be encouraged in your trials and your walk with Christ.
II Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The very first sentence in this scripture is my favorite part because it is so simple. Do not lose heart—don’t give up! Look up! Whatever you are facing here on earth, it will not last forever. This will pass and God will renew and restore you.
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
I love this scripture so much because it encourages us to look ahead. Sometimes we say things like, remember the good old times? Or, back in the day… but Paul tells us to forget what is behind and look ahead. I have not yet achieved my goals, but I strain toward what is ahead. I press on toward the prize that Christ has set before me. So don’t worry about your struggles or your issues of today; tomorrow will be better and the day after that even better, and the day after that even better. Just trust in the Lord, He will work it out.
Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Don’t forget, God is even bigger and more powerful than you think! When you ask for healing of your sore throat, He wants to cleanse you of every germ in your body. When you ask for a promotion, He wants to give you the entire business. Ask BIG and have BIG faith and much patience to wait on Him. God CAN do it; you’ve just got to believe.
Psalms 23:4 KJV
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
One of the most famous scriptures in the entire Word. It needs no explanation, but I included it on this list because many Christians believe we are now facing dark times since the election. But I want to remind you that in those dark times, God is still with us—and even better than that, God isn’t just with us, He is comforting us. Remember, God is still on the throne.
Romans 8:31 NIV
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
I love this! This just screams, YOU CANNOT FAIL! When you put Christ in the center, nothing can stop you.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“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.”
Don’t be discouraged by your circumstances. God has good plans for you, no matter what the situation looks like right now; God’s plans for you and your future are always good.
Matthew 17:20 NIV
… Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
I love anything in red when it comes to the Word. But this scripture has become one of my favorites lately because it is something I am personally experiencing even as I write this article. God has been working in so many different ways in my life; showing me that I am more than even I realized because Christ is by my side. I am speaking from experience when I say this, nothing is impossible when you let Jesus take control of your life.
Psalms 23:5 KJV
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Another scripture I’m sure you quoted every week in Sunday school, haha. I put this one on the list because I wanted to remind you—not just those worried over the election—but anyone who finds themselves surrounded by the enemy, God’s blessings and favor can still reach you. Even the midst of your troubles.
Matthew 19:26 NIV
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Doesn’t that give you hope? Whatever your goals are, you can’t do them without God. Good thing you are one of the Chosen, right? Good thing God called you and you answered. Good thing you believe in the power of the Blood of the Lamb that is Christ Jesus. Because with God all things are possible! Even your to-do-list, haha!
Isaiah 41:10 KJV
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.
The last scripture on this list of encouraging Bible verses comes from the Old Testament. It is a reminder that God didn’t suddenly become kind and loving in Matthew 1:1. God has always been the kind Father we see through Christ Jesus. He has always and will always love us. He will always strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with his mighty, righteous right hand.
My friend, there is nothing too big for God. No situation God cannot turn around in your favor. Keep believing and trusting in the Lord. Keep learning and growing in your faith, and remember, just because your circumstances aren’t aligned with your dreams and goals right now, doesn’t mean that God cannot make a difference in your life.
Thank you so much for reading this article! I hope you were encouraged. If you would like to read more posts on faith and Christianity, feel free to browse the Rebel Blog. Find Christian fiction in our publishing section and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on new posts and information.
God bless!