22 Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times
Do you need hope to carry you through a difficult time? We all face tough times, and when these times God, God’s Word offers hope in the darkness. Today, we’ll explore 22 Bible verses about hope in hard times.
Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times
We’ll also discuss the ways God uses hard times to shape us into his image.
I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to give you hope in the most difficult times.
First, let’s look at these powerful Bible verses about hope in hard times.
22 Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times
1. Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
When I’m struggling, I often soak in Jesus’ invitation to draw near to him for rest. Take a moment to imagine Jesus holding you right now.
He wants to nurture your heart in the same way you nurture your children. I encourage you to spend at least a moment resting in his love every day.
2. Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Does it ever feel like you spend all of your time tending to the needs of other people while your needs go unmet?
Friend, God sees.
Not a moment of your effort is wasted. Perhaps the greatest news of all is that when you love others, Jesus counts it as if you are directly loving and serving him (see Matthew 25:40). He will care for your needs as well. He is also using the work of daily service to shape your soul.
God is inviting you to die to self thousands of times, and in the process, you will emerge more mature and complete, looking like Christ.
3. Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Most likely, you know how it feels to be so exhausted that you aren’t sure you can go on. Turn to Jesus. Ask him for strength, weary mom. He will renew your strength and carry you through the hardest days.
4. Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
God wants to use every difficult moment of life to help you grow.
Your most challenging days are always opportunities to turn to him for strength in your weakness. He wants to make his power perfectly known in your weakest moments. He is also using hard times to shape your heart to look more like Christ’s heart of selfless love.
5. Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
On the darkest days, remember this: You are loved with an everlasting God.
God will be faithful to you. Continue to seek him, and he will give you the strength you need for each day.
6. Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Notice that this verse tells us to cast our burdens on the Lord. Some burdens don’t relent without a strong heave.
What do you need to cast onto God today?
7. Isaiah 41:10
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.
Are you weary because you have been worrying? God wants to strengthen you and help you. Lean into his love.
8. Psalm 63:1
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
David prayed this prayer to the Lord. He longed for God. When God is the highest longing in our lives, we will find him and be filled.
9. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God wants his peace to surround you. The key to experiencing his peace is to surrender your worries to him and talk to him about all things.
When we learn to surrender our worries to God, he fills us with hope and peace, guarding our minds in Christ.
10. 1 John 4:16
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
If you love God, he abides in you! The Living God comes and makes his dwelling within you. This is a wonderful promise.
Hope dwells within you! He wants to give you hope on the hardest days.
More Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times
11. John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
The greatest demonstration of love is for a parent to allow harm to come to his child on behalf of another person.
God demonstrated his love for us when he allowed Jesus to die for us. The Holy Spirit now dwells in the heart of everyone who believes this and follows Jesus. We have hope because the Spirit gives us hope.
The Holy Spirit dwells within you to help you through this difficult time. Ask him for strength.
12. Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
This is a message for all of God’s children.
At times, we turn our backs on him. Meanwhile, Jesus pursues us. He wants a relationship with all of his children. Have you responded to him as he knocks at the door of your heart?
Open the door, and he will fill you with his hope.
13. Revelation 21:3
Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
We have hope beyond this life.
One day, God will create a new earth. We will all dwell with him, face-to-face, for eternity.
14. Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
God’s presence is like a light for our paths. Trust that because God is with you, you don’t need to live in fear.
Cling to the hope that God will guide your steps.
15. Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
This verse is a wonderful promise. God will never leave you or forsake you.
I encourage you to memorize this verse and speak it when you feel alone and hopeless. God will never abandon you.
16. Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
God is with you. He will help you cross the raging rivers of life and walk through every fire with you.
17. John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
For years, I felt surprised every time life became difficult. Finally, I realized that trouble is to be expected. Jesus promised trouble. But he also promised his peace.
Are you facing a storm? Don’t be surprised. Also, remind yourself that Jesus has not left your side.
No matter what your storm looks like, Jesus is with you in the boat. He won’t leave you (Deut. 31:6). Lean into him and ask him to strengthen you. Keep your heart open to him. Keep seeking him. He won’t waste this storm.
18. Isaiah 42:6
“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you”
God hasn’t left us to navigate life’s storms on our own.
When you don’t know which way to turn, cling to the promise in Isaiah 42:6.
God is with you in this storm, and he will protect you as he takes hold of your hand. Cry out to him and trust that he will never take his eye off you.
19. Psalm 16:8
“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Stormy seas in life threaten to shake us to the core. By learning to set the Lord always before us—and keeping our eyes on him—we need not be shaken.
What might it look like to set the Lord always before you?
For me, this looks like training myself to turn to God first when crises strike. By practicing turning toward him, I find peace and stability.
20. James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
At times, God rewards us with temporal rewards in this life. For example, times of sickness increase our gratitude for good health. Times of financial stress help us become more thankful for seasons of stability.
God also promises eternal rewards for those who remain steadfast. We will receive these rewards one day in heaven.
21. Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
We find this truth in Paul’s letter to the Roman church.
If you feel like you cannot take another moment of the struggle you’re facing, remember that this world is not your final resting place. One day, this storm will pass, and God will wipe away every tear.
22. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“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.”
Never forget that God can use your troubles for good.
God uses difficulties to shape us into the image of Jesus. As we grow in maturity, we are better able to share God’s love and compassion with others. We also develop resilience and perseverance.
I now invite you to apply these Bible verses about hope in hard times to your everyday moments.
Apply These Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times to Your Life
“We often overlook the fact that struggles in life are some of God’s greatest gifts,” my mentor tells me as we talk on the phone on a warm autumn evening.
I know she’s right, but I don’t want to hear it.
Life has been hard lately, and I feel like these struggles are suffocating me. I’ve been wrestling with unanswered prayers and processing some difficult disappointments.
I find it hard to believe that these struggles are God’s gifts.
Struggles in Life
Most likely, you can relate.
Maybe you’re praying for a child who turned away from the Lord or a friend who has never turned toward him.
Perhaps you’ve been praying for an ailing loved one, a financial blessing, a victory, an apology, or a breakthrough. Possibly, you’ve grown weary from waiting for God to answer your prayer. You wonder if you should just stop asking.
As I look back on the year my prayers seemed to go unanswered, I see what I couldn’t see in the middle of my pain and suffering: Even when God seems silent, he is still working.
Perhaps we all need to sit with our unanswered prayers and consider this: What God is doing in us is more important than what he is doing for us.
The Truth About Hard Times
This phrase sounds spiritual and truthful. However, when I’m in a season of suffering—a season of unanswered prayers regarding my pain—I don’t usually care too much about what God is doing within me. I just want the suffering to pass.
In these times, I often tell God that if he would just change my circumstances, everything would be better. I’d be less distracted, more joyful, and readily able to serve him. It seems to me that answering my prayer is the one way God might bring the greatest glory to his name.
The words of Scripture offer a different suggestion about our pain and suffering: “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10).
Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, was perfected through suffering.
If the Savior of the world was made perfect through what he suffered, should we expect something less—something easier?
Jesus Learned Obedience Through Struggles
God promises to use all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Furthermore, he defines good in this way: conforming us to the image of Jesus (See Romans 8:28-29).
God doesn’t always answer my prayers in the ways I want him to answer because he’s doing something in me that is more important than removing my suffering.
God doesn’t always answer my prayers in the ways I want him to answer because he’s doing something in me that is more important than removing my suffering. #suffering #pain #GodsLove Share on XOur heavenly Father uses pain and suffering to shape and mold us into the image of his Son.
God Is Working in Your Heart When You Are Struggling in Life
Are you struggling in life?
Don’t lose hope.
What God is doing in you throughout this season is far more important than what he is doing for you.
He is helping you become mature and complete (James 1:2-4).
He is molding you to look more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29).
God is waiting to reveal his power in your weakness. Lean into his grace and watch for his power to move (2 Corinthians 12:10).
If these Bible verses about hope in hard times blessed you, I invite you to read to explore our devotional books and library of free devotional eBooks below. Be blessed as you turn to the One who can redeem the darkest days.
Calling All Parents and Grandparents!
As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God. Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision. They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love. You can find all three books here or read more below.
Attention All Boy Moms (and Dads)!
God’s Warrior: Devotions for Boys Who Want to Grow in Courage and Strength helps young boys, ages 5-13, learn what it means to trust God and become strong warriors for his kingdom. Now, more than ever, our world needs men who are willing to boldly carry God’s love into the world. I wrote this boys’ devotional book with our two young sons, Aiden and Caleb, ages six and eleven! You’ll enjoy their honesty as we teach boys how to be strong warriors for the Lord. Find this life-changing devotional book here.
Mother-Daughter Devotionals by a Mom and Daughter
Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith is written for girls ages 7-12. It includes 60 devotions with Scripture, conversation starters, and a shared journaling section for moms and daughters after each devotion. I wrote this book with the help of our daughter, Bekah, when she was eleven. Find this one-of-a-kind shared devotional here.
Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls is for teenage girls ages 13-20. It includes 50 devotions, each with a shared journaling section to help moms and daughters connect through writing. This is a great book for moms who want to communicate about awkward topics—like dating, sexuality, peer pressure, and more—but don’t know where to start. Bekah and I will help you right here.
Find Our Family Devotionals Here
Find all three books right here. They are also free on the Kindle Unlimited plan, which you can enjoy with a free three-month trial! These books make great gifts, and you don’t need to be the parent of young children to read them. Share them with your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or the young ones you love.
Learn Why Willpower Doesn’t Work and Experience God’s Deliverance and Healing
God wants to work in your life to accomplish what you’ve been unable to do through willpower alone. Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free shares practical ways to experience God’s freedom, healing, power, and presence in your life. Find this life-changing book as a free eBook on Kindle Unlimited or for 12.99 in print right here. (If you do not have Kindle Unlimited, you can try it out with a free three-month trial!) This book will transform your life and revitalize your relationship with the Lord!
A Free Devotional to Help You Connect With God
If these Bible verses about hope in hard times blessed you, I have a gift for you. God is a good Father, and he wants us to experience his healing, deliverance, and replenishment. Most of us have learned that we cannot heal, deliver, or refresh ourselves; we need God to do this work within us. I invite you to create space for God to transform your life by downloading a free copy of my devotional eBook, The Lean Into Grace Devotional: An 8-Day Devotional for Healing, Deliverance, and Replenishment. Find it for free here. I also offer a library of free online devotional eBooks for free. I invite you to explore the collection right here! 
