Inspirational Bible Verses that Have Been Sources of Strength in Trying Times

As we travel through life, we sometimes run upon obstacles that can push us to our limits. We may think that we just cannot make it another step, and then, we open our Bible and realize that we really are not alone in dealing with the challenges that we face. In this article, I would like to share six Bible verses that have given me strength during trying times in my life. May these passages give you hope in your time of need as well.

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."

This verse provides strength to me even to this day. Whenever my family and I are experiencing an undesirable situation, I remember this verse and am mindful that even in the darkest moments, every thing will eventually work out for good. I can't help but think of Joseph and all that he went through in his life and how he recognized that God intended it all for good.

Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

This verse is just so beautiful and is such a wonderful reminder of how God will empower those who choose to serve Him. Several years ago, I helped to provide counseling in a group home, and whenever we would experience a difficult situation with one of our residents, my supervisor, who was also a dear friend, would always remind all of us of this verse. Whenever I read this verse, I always think of her and the fond and sometimes challenging moments of working with the children who resided there at the home.

II Kings 6:15-17 - "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."

To me, this verse is one of the most powerful passages in the Bible. It tells of how God protects those who serve Him, and even though we may not realize it, God provides for our safety and care.

When my husband and I lived in west Tennessee, we woke up to the sounds of a terrible storm. Knowing that the area where we lived was prone to tornadoes, we quickly climbed into our small bedroom closet, and my husband began to pray. We could hear the winds howling outside and could feel the house shaking, and I was terrified. My husband suggested that we sing hymns in order to keep calm, and so we did. Within minutes, the tornado was gone. We found out later that the tornado touched down on the street over from us, but it had completely jumped our street. From what we understand, our house was in the path of the tornado, and yet, our house, our car, or anything else on our property did not suffer any damage or harm. God was definitely with us during this scary experience, and I always remember how God provides and protects us just as He did Elisha and his servant.

Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

This verse has served as a source of strength for me through several difficult times in my life. I went through an episode of postpartum depression after my youngest son was born, and along with many supportive family members and friends, this verse helped to pull me out of the dark cloud in which I was living. If we remember that Christ is on our side and is there for us, we can make it through life so much more easily.

II Timothy 3:12 - "Yea, and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

This verse is a wonderful reminder of how if we are living as we should as Christians, we are going to suffer persecution in some way, shape, or form. While the persecution that we endure may not be on the same plane as what the Christians suffered during the time of the Roman Empire, we can be assured that it will come. If we do have to deal with it, we can consider it as a confirmation that we are doing our best to live in a godly way to serve Christ.

Romans 12:19 - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

In our lives, we will encounter those who will mistreat or even harm us or those who are dearest to us. When those times come, we need to keep this verse in mind. It is very human to want to take vengeance on those who hurt us or those that we love, but we need to remember that God is the one who will take care of repaying the evil deeds that are done. We can be assured that whether it is in this life or the next, every person will reap what he or she has sown.

Whenever trying or difficult times come your way, keep these verses in mind. The Bible can provide words of encouragement to help see you through those challenging experiences.

*All verses contained in this article are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.