Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times

Life is full of ups and downs. It doesn’t always go the way we plan, and difficult seasons and circumstances will come that at times appear overwhelming. It may be hard to feel hopeful when dark clouds surround you and your plate is loaded with more than you think you can bear. If you are a Christian, this is the time to look up and trust the Lord to see you through. Find strength and support from these Bible verses about hope in hard times.

Sometimes we come to life’s crossroads
and we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision and
He knows it’s only a bend. – Helen Steiner Rice (from “The Bend in the Road.”)

Bible verses about hope in hard times.

Following are just a few of many Bible verses about hope in hard times to remind you of God’s love and faithfulness, and to help you stand steadfast amid your struggles and afflictions.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. – Psalm 46:1-3, ESV 

No matter how overwhelming life may seem, or how weighed down you feel by the challenges you have been presented with, God will never abandon you or leave you in the middle of your despair. He is always close by and promises to give you the courage and strength to handle whatever difficulty comes your way.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior, and my God. – Psalm 42:11, NIV

When you feel surrounded by dark clouds, put your hope in God and His love. Trust Him and praise Him for His many blessings.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV

When you are hit by hard times, don’t try to take matters into your own hands. Look to God for guidance in everything you do.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. – 1 Peter 1:3, NIV

Because of what Jesus has done for us, those who put their faith in Him have a future hope in heaven.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. – Hebrews 4:15, NIV

Jesus is our high priest and can empathize with what we are going through. He knows what it’s like to be human because during His time on this earth when He took on human flesh, He experienced everything we ever have or will. He went through it all and understands our weaknesses.

But 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, NIV

Your strength comes from the Lord. When you feel like you’re running on empty, put your trust in His strength and power rather than in your own, and look to Him to restore your energy and enable you to endure.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10, NIV

Keep your focus on God rather than on your problems. He is always walking beside you and promises to strengthen you and help you. You don’t have to navigate your way through life on your own.

The LORD is a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:9-10, ESV

When you are going through difficult times cry out to God and surrender your concerns to Him. He is your fortress in whom you can take refuge. He will never abandon you and will make things right in due season.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34, NIV

The future is in God’s hands. Jesus tells us to focus on the present and live one day at a time.

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 seen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV

Paul exhorts us to focus on eternal things rather than on our worldly afflictions. Even the most difficult trials we face in this life are minor and short-lived in comparison to the glorious inheritance that awaits us in eternity.

“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.” – Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

God always wants what’s best for you and has a plan for your future that He is working out for your benefit. It may not look like your plan, but you can be sure it will be bigger and better, and the best one for your ultimate good.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7, NIV

You don’t have to go through tough times alone. Jesus wants you to turn your worries over to Him and trust Him to help you in your time of need.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13, NIV

God is the ultimate source of hope and will never let you down. He is always with you and knows what you are going through. When you look to Him and put your trust in Him, He will provide you with His joy and peace and enable you to keep on keeping on regardless of your circumstances.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12, NIV

No matter what you are going through, you can find hope in God. He is always with you and can be counted on to help you get through whatever challenge comes your way. Keep your focus on Him and don’t give up. Trust that He is in control and that His timing is always perfect.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4, ESV

You are not alone in what you are experiencing. Throughout the Scriptures we see examples of others who have gone through similar experiences and been able to endure because they put their trust in the Lord who gave them grace to persevere, and the strength and hope to stand strong.

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