30 Life-Giving Bible Verses About Struggle

Jesus told us in this life we would have trouble. (John 16:33) These Bible verses about struggle are the perfect place to turn when you find yourself surrounded by challenged, adversity and hardships.

 

Regardless of the circumstances causing your struggle there is hope in the midst of trials. As the saying goes “life is tough but so are you.” With the help of the Father you are stronger than the struggle. 

Our prayer is that among these verses about struggling you will find some a few that help you keep your eyes and focus on Jesus so that you can rise about the waves. You were created to thrive even in life’s stormy seasons. 

If you are a post skimmer, hello! To better serve you, I have bolded my very favorite verses on this subject throughout!

All the verses marked TPT shared in today post are taken from one of Mike and I’s favorite translations, The Passion Translation. We love this version and the heart behind it. The best part is the Kindle version is usually available on Amazon for under $10. Last time I checked, it was only $6.99! You can check it out here.

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We Win!

This truth is one that we so often forget. It’s hard to feel victorious when you feel bogged down and defeated. Truth is truth though. You are victorious through Jesus Christ! You have the victory regardless of what your circumstances are claiming.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. 1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT

Hebrews 12:1

As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. Hebrews12:1 TPT

1 John 4:4

Little children, you can be certain that you belong to God and have conquered them, for the One who is living in you is far greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 TPT

If you are struggling, it is crucial that you understand just how incredibly loved you are by the Father! Knowing that changes everything. If you are in need of more focused study and a reminder or encouragement of just how extremely loved you are by the Father, sign up for our free 6-day scripture writing challenge, Extravagant. Join over 1,000 other believers as we spend six short but powerful days focusing into the love the Father has for you!

1 John 5:4

You see, every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. 1 John 5:4 TPT

You Are Never Alone

This is one of my hearts greatest anthems! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! He will never leave you. You don’t have to face this by yourself or within your own strength. 

Your Father is with you! He is for you! He will fight for you! He will defend you! He will redeem the ground you’ve loss! He will aid you with His resources and strength! With God nothing is impossible!

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV

John 14:27

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! John 14:27 TPT

John 16:33

And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” John 16:33 TPT

Hebrews 4:14-15

So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King-Priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose into the heavenly realm for us, and now sympathizes with us in our frailty. He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. Hebrews 4:14-15 TPT

Keep A Kingdom Perspective

I know this sounds easier said than done. The Bible tells us that, “hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12) Perspective is everything when it comes to attitude and outlook. Gratitude practices are an excellent way to remind thankful and focuses on the good around you when life is hard. 

Proverbs 12:25

Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart. Proverbs 12:25 TPT

Proverbs 17:27

Can you bridle your tongue when your heart is under pressure? That’s how you show that you are wise. An understanding heart keeps you cool, calm, and collected, no matter what you’re facing. Proverbs 17:27 TPT

Luke 10:41-42

The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.” Luke 10:41-42 TPT

Romans 12:1-2

Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. Romans 12:1-2 TPT

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 TPT

Philippians 4:6-7

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6-7 TPT

James 1:2-4

My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking. James 1:2-4 TPT

Holy Spirit Will Help

The Bible tells us that Holy Spirit is our helper, our comforter, our advocate, our counselor, and our guide. (John 14:16, John 15:26, John 16:7, John 16:13) When we find ourselves in challenging times and seasons of intense struggle we can look to and expect help from Holy Spirit. Remain expectant. Ask for help and trust that it is coming.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way; he’s the source of my salvation to defend me every day. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me. Psalm 27:1 TPT

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT

Isaiah 26:3

Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 TPT

Isaiah 41:13

I am Yahweh, your mighty God! I grip your right hand and won’t let you go! I whisper to you: ‘Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you!’ Isaiah 41:13 TPT

Romans 8:28

So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. Romans 8:28 TPT

2 Corinthians 4:8

Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. 2 Corinthians 4:8 TPT

Philippians 4:12-13

I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. Philippians 4:12-13 TPT

1 Peter 5:7

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 TPT

When People Cause The Struggle

I have often made the joke that ministry would be so much easier if it didn’t involve people. People are wonderful but people are also sometimes awful and exhausting. People can be draining and manipulative. 

Sometime our struggles are because we live in a broken work as imperfect people surrounded by imperfect people. This section provides some verses for interacting with people when they are the source of your struggles.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9 ESV

Romans 12:21

Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good. Romans 12:21 TPT

Galatians 6:9

I will make it clear: Anyone, no matter who they are, that brings you a different gospel than the grace gospel that you have received, let them be condemned and cursed! Galatians 6:9 TPT

Finding Purpose In The Struggle

Everything does not happen for a reason. Contrary to popular non-biblical sayings I know. Lots of stuff happens that was never God’s intension or doing. God works good in everything though. He redeems and He brings for purpose and life where the enemy intended for only death and loss. 

John 11:25-26

“Martha,” Jesus said, “You don’t have to wait until then. I am the Resurrection, and I am Life Eternal. Anyone who clings to me in faith, even though he dies, will live forever. And the one who lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 TPT

Romans 5:3-5

But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us! Romans 5:3-5 TPT

Romans 8:17-18

And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. We will experience being co-glorified with him provided that we accept his sufferings as our own. I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us. Romans 8:17-18 TPT

1 Peter 5:8-9

Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure. 1 Peter 5:8-9 TPT

 

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