15 Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times
The way the mittenlike leaf of the poplar unfurls from its tiny burgundy bud is an astonishing mystery to me. In these moments of wonder, the rhythms of the natural world offer encouragement about the importance of perseverance. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about not giving up in adversity.
I invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you persevere through life’s difficult seasons.
Bible Verses About Not Giving Up in Tough Times
As the old poplar tree reminds me, when we stand strong in the face of challenges (including long winters, spiritually dry spells, and seasons of feeling defeated), we will eventually see the fruit of our perseverance.
Perhaps you’re facing a challenging season today. If so, let these Scriptures inspire you to continue pressing forward. God is still working in your story.
15 Bible Verses About Not Giving Up
1. Galatians 6:9
“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary” (Galatians 6:9, NASB).
Several years ago, a close friend asked me to pick a verse she could pray over our family throughout the upcoming year. I was deeply touched by her love and loyalty. Yet, for the life of me, I couldn’t settle on a verse.
As I talked about this with God, I sensed a nudge to ask my friend to pick a verse for our family.
She picked Galatians 6:9.
For an entire year, she prayed these words over our family. Throughout that year, God frequently reminded me to cling to his encouragement in challenging times. I faced setbacks in my writing career and moments that made me question my parenting. Meanwhile, I committed to continuing on God’s path for me.
At the end of the year, I reflected on the many blessings that resulted from simply persevering.
This principle is true for all of us. As we remain faithful to God’s calling, he promises that we will bear fruit.
2. Isaiah 59:1
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear” (Isaiah 59:1).
When life is tough, it’s easy to wonder if God has abandoned us. If this is you today, cling to this promise: The Lord’s arm is not too short to save you, no matter how far you have fallen.
When you begin to feel like you might sink, lift your eyes to the One who holds the power to immediately reach out and save you.
Ask him for help. He is waiting to carry you and sustain you. He will give you all you need to continue following hard after him.
3. Philippians 1:6
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
God is not done writing your story.
He is not finished with you.
Hold onto this Bible promise when you feel discouraged: God will finish what he starts in your life. Your role is to trust him as you continue to put one foot in front of the other—one day at a time.
If you feel like giving up today, talk to God about your life. He might want to redirect certain areas of your life. Yet if you sense that he is calling you to stay the course, you can trust that he finishes what he starts. He will finish the story he started writing in your life.
4. Isaiah 42:6
“I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over you” (Isaiah 42:6).
The next time you feel like quitting or feel all alone, hold onto this promise: The God who made you will hold you by your hand. He has not left you.
He is watching over you, and he hasn’t missed a moment of the journey you are facing. Keep drawing near to him. Continue talking to him and opening your Bible. He is present with you. He wants to encourage you to keep pressing forward.
5. Hebrews 10:35-36
“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).
Instead of giving up, ask God to give you endurance. Ask him to show you what you can do to encourage yourself.
This might include reaching out to someone who can build you up, connecting with like-minded friends who can offer inspiration, or calling an older mentor who can speak into your situation.
6. Psalm 118:6
“The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).
Do you feel tempted to walk away from an endeavor as a result of interactions with other people?
During these times, God invites you to turn toward him and trust him. When the fear of man is overpowering, remind yourself that you serve God first. He will defend you and stand with you.
7. Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
God invites us to turn toward him and find refuge and protection in his presence. When life feels defeating, run to the Lord. Rest in his love. Imagine him holding you and giving you strength.
He wants to help you in times of trouble and defeat. He can lift your head and give you hope.
8. 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” (John 16:33).
We all face trouble in life.
Turn to Jesus in times of trouble and remember that he stands above every power and authority. He fights for you and wants to carry you and defend you.
9. Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you” (Isaiah 43:2).
Perhaps you feel like you’re walking through a refining fire.
If so, cling to this promise: God is using this fire to purify you and help you grow.
Affliction is God’s primary tool for helping us grow into emotional and spiritual maturity. We miss the gifts hidden in affliction when take offense toward God for permitting difficulties.
Ask God to help you keep a soft heart. He uses life’s fires and floods to transform us into the image of his Son.
10. Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Never forget that God is with you.
This Psalm reminds us that he is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed. He wants to be your source of comfort.
11.Psalm 97:11-12
“Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His holy name” (Psalm 97:11-12).
Take a moment and imagine the warm light of God’s love shining on you. Imagine this light permeating every part of your body—mind, soul, and spirit.
God wants to fill you with his love and light. When you feel stressed or worn out, step back and imagine his replenishing light filling you. You will find yourself refreshed by his love and tender care.
12. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
God will never leave your side. Find refreshment in knowing that wherever you go, he is with you to uphold you and comfort you. You are never alone, and you are never beyond God’s grip.
13. Job 23:12
“I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12).
When we learn to treasure God’s Word, he replenishes us and sustains us with it.
As you seek God’s refreshment, continue spending time in his Word. He wants to renew you with his Truth. If you’re not sure where to begin, the Psalms can be a good place to start.
14. Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
This Proverb gently reminds us that those who refresh others will be refreshed in the process. It is truly more blessed to give than to receive. When we take the time to pour into others, God provides for our needs and replenishes us.
15. Psalm 23:1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:1-3).
Are you facing an uncertain situation?
God wants to lead you to a peaceful place in which you trust in him fully. He wants to help you as you fight this battle. What would it look like to create space to rest in his love today?
Apply These Bible Verses About Not Giving Up to Your Life:
Do you notice what all of these Scriptures have in common?
God sees every tear you shed, every dark night, and every difficult day.
He is present.
Turn to him. Tell him how you feel. Let him encourage your heart and speak hope over you, and then stand on his promises. He will carry you and give you all you need to keep walking in his will.
God will give you all you need to continue following him. #faith #perseverance #God Share on X
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 Daily Devotional to Help You Trust God While You Wait
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. These pages are your invitation to stop striving in self-effort and let God do what you’ve been unable to do for yourself. We will create space to let God set us free from fear, worry, stress, shame, besetting sins, and more. 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!
