There are days that seem like they are almost too much to handle. Where do we turn during hard times when we need strength? We can focus on God and His scripture for strength and encouragement.
I don’t know how people find the strength to carry on through some of life’s most difficult trials if they don’t rely on God and His strength. These ten scriptures on strength are my favorite verses when times are hard.
God gave us the His word filled with Bible Verses and quotes that we can rely on to help us make it through hard times. I share from some of my experiences below.
~~~
“We’re in the fire.”
That’s how I described our current life situation when I ran into a couple of friends recently who asked how me and my family were.
“This may go down as our most challenging year ever,” I explained.
“That’s saying a lot given all you two have endured in your 30 years together!” one of them replied.
The other chimed in, “I just don’t know how you do it. You’re one strong woman!”
“I’m really not. I’m no different from either of you. It’s not me doing it, it’s God. I am weak, and I am tired, and I am weary. It’s the prayers of friends, and God’s strength that is getting us through.”
We said goodbye and each headed in our respective directions, but the conversation kept replaying in my mind.
My family and I were no strangers to trials, but in the past couple of years, it seemed that they came one right on the heels of another. From burglaries to cancer, to deaths of close friends and family, and even the threat of losing our livelihood. There were some days it truly did seem more than I could bear.
There were moments I wanted God to remove the trial, but generally those were fleeting. What I really wanted was to learn whatever lessons God had for me in the trial so I didn’t have to repeat them again later.
In my private practice, I’m privy to the pain others suffer on a daily basis. When God opens the door, I share with them from my own experience; from the comfort He has given me. That’s where I draw my strength. I don’t know how people find the strength to carry on through some of life’s most difficult trials if they don’t rely on God and His strength. In my own strength, I am weak, but when I set my eyes on Him over and above all my circumstances, relying on Him to be my strength, He gives graciously.
10 Scriptures on Strength to Rely on in Hard Times
Still, there are days that just seem almost too much to handle. What do we do then? I focus on God and the promises He has given in scripture because He has said that His word will not return void without accomplishing what it set out to do!
On those days when I feel particularly weak, I cling to His word that promises He will be my strength and help me through:
- “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)
- “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:2-3).
- 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” (Isaiah 40:31).
- “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
- “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him” (Exodus 15:2).
- “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
- “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
- “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving” (Psalm 28:7).
- “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
- “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Where do you find yourself today? Are you just barely hanging on, wondering how you’ll make it? Turn to God and rely on His scriptures for strength to make it through the day. He is faithful when you need strength!
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
10 Bible Verses When You Need Strength
Other Popular Hope-Filled Posts with Scripture:
Whose Opinion Counts including What God Says About You: 20 Scriptures That Define Your Worth
4 Simple Yet Effective Steps to Combat Negativity including 9 Truths from God’s Word that Combat Negativity
10 Scriptures for Mothers Suffering from Depression – there is hope and help for depression
Your RX: 40 Scriptures that Combat Worry, Fear, Anxiety and Panic – fight back with God’s Word
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
Depression doesn’t have to become a permanent part of life.
There is hope.
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the companion Hope Prevails Bible Study help the reader understand how depression comes to be, recover their joy, reclaim their peace, and re-establish their true identity, while knowing their worth, remembering their secure destiny, and being confident that nothing separates them from God’s love.
Hope Prevails and the Hope Prevails Bible Study are must-reads for anyone suffering from depression or knows someone suffering from depression.
Thank you for reminding me of these scriptures and these truths. God has used your teachings to change my heart, from one of “make this go away!” to one of “please teach me what You want me to learn and how to walk in Your will.” Thank you!
Michelle,
I’m visiting from “Create With Joy” mid-week Wordless Wednesday fun. What a wonderful, encouraging, and spirit lifting post! It would be awesome if you made these scriptures available in a PDF for others to save and share with others. Have a blessed day!
~Curious as a Cathy
Art Sketching Through the Alphabet “V” (Violin & Victorian Women)
I used to think I just wasn’t the type of person who needed to read the Bible every day. I mean, I knew what it said. Boy was I naivete. I’m learning just how important it is to root myself in God’s truth every day as I need strength for the journey. His strength is the only kind that sustains us!
Michelle, Thank you for these Scriptures. They are so full of strength and hope! I’m pinning this article so I can come back and read again during difficult times.
Hello thanks a lot for the good work you are doing.
Leslie,
Thank you for taking the time first to read my posts, and second to comment. I was just saying to a friend today, “I don’t even know if anyone reads what I write.” You have encouraged my author’s heart this morning. Thank you for that gift. #HopePrevails
I am in a battle of learning to trust the Lord despite circumstances. Thank you for your thoughts and taking the time to share scripture.
Prayers for you during this difficult season, Michelle. Thanks for curating these hope-filled verses. ((hug))
Hi Michelle. Great post on strength. I’ve been studying self-control and temptation this month. God has showed me–multiple times–that it’s not in my strength, but in His that I overcome the temptations I face.
More and more, I depend on God’s strength to get me through the hard days. My faith, trust, and dependence on Him has grown deeper through each trial I’ve faced.
I am in the valley with you, friend. These verses all are nuggets I cling to on difficult days. — Praying for you and your boys now. Hugs
Thank you for your encouraging words. You can never know how much you have helped me. I wish I had your faith. I’m going through a difficult time, but I keep obsessing and can’t seem to “let go and let God.” I will just keep your words and the Bible verses close by.
You are such a hope-giver! Thank you for ministering like you do! Your book was great and supported me through a tough period. Blessings to you and continue writing:)
thank you for putting this graphic together so we have them all in one place! Visiting from Kristin Hill Taylor’s #porchstories
God is the only ONE who has gotten us through so many things… and leaning on Him is critical. His Word is amazing and His promises are great for clinging to… not as a talisman, but because of His ability and power. Thank you for your reminders.
Thank you for being an example to cling to the Strength-Giver during difficult times. These are wonderful verses. I’ll be sharing!
Michelle – I was speaking at a retreat this past weekend and I am just now working on getting to my comments from last weeks #TuneInThursday Thank you so much for linking up each week.
I sure love these 10 great Scriptures you have given us to bring us strength when it is waining. Blessings
Saved the image with these verses, Michelle, thank you!
There is no way I’d have gotten through the past 20 years of my life without Christ. Thank you for sharing the most powerful weapon against anything the enemy can throw at us, God’s Word. I am visiting you today from Women Helping Women link up
Some of the above verses are my favourite. They’ve seen me through a whole host of situations. Thank you for sharing.
Great scripture verses. I love the one, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me
Michelle, these truly are life giving verses. Praying they continue to bring you and your family strength, as well as, others who read them!
Good morning! Just a little note to let you know we have featured this post today on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth! Thanks for joining us! 🙂
I am so glad I found this post. I am fighting GBM grade 4 brain cancer and I am always looking for bible verses for strength to keep me fighting. I pray Isaiah 41:10 especially for people also fighting Glioblastoma Multiforme. It is the most aggressive fastest growing brain cancer you can get. There is no cure, but it is treatable. I have been fighting 3 1/2 years only by the grace of God. I have lots of people praying for me and I know the power of prayer has gotten me to this point. The average life expecentcy is 18 months. I also pray Psalm 91 a lot and especially when someone needs protection during a surgery or new brain cancer diagnoses. I look forward to reading more of your post. Thank you and God Bless.
Julie,
As a neuropsychologist who previously worked in a hematology/oncology hospital ward, I saw many patients with GBM. But if I’ve learned anything during that time, and through our own multiple bouts with cancer, it’s that our God is bigger and greater. And He truly doesn’t waste our pain. I’m so glad you found your way to my site. Hopefully you’ll continue to find encouragement here. You might also like to visit our #HopePrevails Community on FB. It’s a group of wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord who encourage and uplift each other! You are not alone in this journey. #HopePrevails!
Wonderful thoughts for me this morning. Thanks for sharing!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#Raralinkup
Jodie,
Thanks for visiting. I pray my posts encourage. #HopePrevails
These are wonderful scriptures, Michelle. I’ve been meditating on several of them, 2 Corinthians 4 just last week.
You certainly HAVE had a difficult year. (We’ve had our most difficult year yet too. Different reasons. But we have the same God who renews us day by day and holds us up. Definitely pinning this!
Betsy,
Thank you for taking the time to come visit my blog. Jesus warns us we will go through trials, and while it has been a most difficult year, when I think of all Christ endured, I can’t complain. And thankfully, God is faithful! Blessings to you in your time of trial and transition. #HopePrevails!
Thank you for sharing these scriptures! It’s such a great list in times when I need strength 🙂
Oh how timely this message is. So much happening in our lives right now and yes, Lord, I do need strength. Strength for the daily opportunities to minister; strength for the physical demands of life; strength to love and encourage all those around me I love who are hurting and I can’t fix it. Thank you for sharing from your heart and your life!! I am one who has been and will be blessed by your messages. Love you and I am praying for you Dr. Michelle!
Great verses of encouragement to hold to in times of trouble. Thanks for sharing.
More than conquerors with His word, great verses to share.
I love your use of scripture here Michelle! Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
I loved praying these scriptures today. Visiting you from the instaencouragements link up.
Thank you for sharing these scriptures with us Michelle! God is with us always.
We do go looking for our hope and our strength in all the wrong places. Thank you for setting our minds in the right direction!
Your title caught my eye at literary Musing Monday because I wrote on strength today, too. Isaiah 41:10 and Exodus 15:2 have long been favorites. I love that the latter extols God not only as our strength, but also as our song.
God has used all these scriptures to minister to me at different times in my life. And I’m sure he will again! Thanks for posting this list!