Bible Verses About Faith in Hard Times

Disclosure: Affiliate links have been used within this post; as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nothing will make you question God’s presence in your life more than a trial, and nothing will make you forget God’s goodness faster than a triumph. Life is full of ups and downs, and often our faith feels like the longest, fastest, winding roller coaster known to man. Forget amusement parks – faith is the craziest, wildest ride you will ever take in your life! Having a pocket full of Bible verses about faith in hard times will help you when your faith is wavering.

Why is it so easy to let go of our faith during difficult times? I personally think it has something to do with the disappointments we’ve had in life.

Maybe you’ve asked God to move in a situation before, but He didn’t answer your prayer the way you had hoped.

Or maybe the trial you are in right now doesn’t make sense, and you find yourself asking:

• Why would God allow this to happen?
• What is the point of all this?
• How can I get through this season when it is difficult to find joy in this moment?

I’ve asked myself all of these questions and more in my faith journey. I have lost my patience with God more times than I could count, and I’ve had to repent even more times than that in order to finally have peace in my heart.

When it comes to having faith in God during hard times, you need to remember the following:

• God is sovereign.
• You don’t have to understand everything in order to have faith.
• God has many promises outlined in His Word that you can cling to every single day.

The promises of God are true whether you believe in them or not. God is going to keep moving forward whether you choose to move forward with Him or not. Whatever step you take or path you choose, you will need to have faith in something or someone.

Faith Requires Choice and Action

Having faith in hard times will require steps to move forward into the unknown future, and it will require you to know the promises of God and continue to choose to believe those promises no matter what.

Honestly, I say this with a heavy heart. I know the trials we all face are deep and wide – the pain often never goes away. But when you face the unknown, and you decide God is your one and only true north star through it all, then you will persevere.

Your worst day with God will be better than your best day without Him.

Joyce Meyer

Don’t go through this trial alone. Here are several verses about having faith in difficult times and 7 steps (with scriptures) to keeping your faith in hard times.

What Does the Bible Say About Faith in Difficult Times?

The Bible has a lot to say about having faith in difficult times. God assures us through scripture that He will provide strength and support us during difficult times. Here are some Bible verses about having faith in hard times.

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you.
 Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God.
  I will strengthen you.
  Yes, I will help you.
  Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10 (WEB)

The Lord hears you and delivers you from all of your troubles. If you ever feel like God is silent and far away from you in those difficult moments – think again. God’s Word says He is near to those who have broken hearts and who are crushed in spirit.

The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18 (WEB)

What is the purpose of it all?

I honestly cannot answer that question – no one can. In my mere human form, there are some mysteries I do not understand. But one promise I cling to when I don’t understand the purpose of a trial is to remember that God works all things for good in my life.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (WEB)

Do you ever wonder if you need to have MORE faith? Well, you don’t.

Faith isn’t about the size; it is about the existence of faith in your life. You don’t need more faith; you need to HAVE faith. Jesus says faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. That’s not a lot of faith, but it works because having faith is enough, and there is no such thing as having more faith. Even if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you will be able to move mountains. Faith is about being committed and consistent, not bigger and better.

He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 17:20

When you hope in the Lord, you will have the strength to run the race without becoming weary or faint. Does worrying or planning for the worst give you strength or drain you of all hope and joy? How is this helping you get through this difficult time in your life? When you are going through a difficult time in your life, you will need to find a way to get your battery recharged. Faith will help you have the energy to keep going and be strengthened in your day-to-day.

but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength.
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
They will run, and not be weary.
They will walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (WEB)

Does doubt protect you from the elements? Does it make your trial any easier? God has promised to be your refuge when you are in trouble. When you look to someone or something else to be your refuge and to protect you, then you are looking in the wrong place. You need to find a refuge somewhere – why not find the peace you need by having faith in God?

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 (WEB)

Nobody likes tests – well, at least I don’t. I would rather write a 20,000-word essay than take a test! (To all my professors, please don’t get any ideas – a 4,000-word essay is cool, too!)

But sometimes, God puts you through the test. Even Jesus was tested in the desert. Do we fully understand what these tests are for? Probably not.

I am currently going through a trial and a test, and I’ve had a number of them throughout the past three years. One thing I can say for sure, God uses these moments to refine my heart and to bring me to a place of repentance.

Nobody likes to talk about repentance, but we should. If you are going through a difficult time, have faith and search your heart to see where you are not aligned with God and His word.

The trials you face are testing your faith so that you will grow and learn to persevere in this life. Everyone goes through trials and difficult times, and everybody needs to learn the lesson God is trying to teach.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 (WEB)

I know it might feel like God doesn’t care for you at all, but that is not true. There is nothing more God can do to show you His love for you. He showed us His love through Jesus, and that was enough. Nobody cares for you more than God. This is why you can surrender your anxiety and fears to Him. 

casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (WEB)

Now you know what the Bible says about keeping your faith in difficult times. Here are 7 practical steps you can take to keep your focus on Him in all circumstances – especially during the hard times.

7 Steps to Keep Your Faith in Hard Times

Walking in faith during difficult times is not easy. But you can be committed to having faith and trusting in God during difficult times.

1. Trust God in Difficult Times

Sounds simple enough, right? But it’s not. So many people do not trust God. They focus on the people they don’t trust, and they focus on the “what-ifs” in this life, which makes them feel cautious about everyone and everything. Instead, the focus needs to shift to trusting God.

You might not be able to trust anyone in your life, but you can trust God with those people, and you can trust that God will heal those relationships. Trusting God in challenging times will bring peace, protection, and guidance in difficult times. When you trust God, you need to be careful about leaning on your own understanding. 

Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
and don’t lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)

Fear is my arch nemesis. Stop right now and journal everything you are afraid of. Now journal how these fears are stopping you from walking in faith. Now trust in God and surrender your fears to Him.

When I am afraid,
 I will put my trust in you.

Psalm 56:3 (WEB)

It takes self-discipline to take every thought captive. A wandering mind is bound to think of reasons why you can’t trust God and forget all the reasons you can trust Him. This is why it is important to put your focus on God and His promises. You will have peace if you are focused on God. 

You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in Yahweh forever;
for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock.

Isaiah 26:3-4

Trusting in God and having faith in difficult times requires staying committed to believing in God and His Word. That’s why it is so important to dive further into these verses and stay steady on the path of faith. When you commit your ways to God, He will be faithful to guide you along the way.

Commit your way to Yahweh.
Trust also in him, and he will do this:

Psalm 37:5 (WEB)

Another reason why you can trust God during hard times. God will never forsake those who seek Him.

Those who know your name will put their trust in you,
for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:10 (WEB)

You might think you have it all figured out, but you don’t. That is not a knock on your knowledge or skills in this life. But the fact is no one knows how to walk this walk and live this life in a way that benefits everyone around them. Knowing that God is sovereign is knowing God’s way is perfect will shield you when you take refuge in Him.

As for God, his way is perfect.
Yahweh’s word is tested.
He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.

2 Samuel 22:31 (WEB)

You need to trust Him always, and you can share every worry and trouble with Him. God is with you, and you do not need to be afraid. 

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
Yes, I will help you.
Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10 (WEB)

2. Hold Onto God in Difficult Times

God is the only One who can help you through anything. When you lean on Him, He will guide and teach you what to do by the power of His Holy Spirit. Holding onto God during every difficult time helps you to be strong and courageous when you are afraid of what might be ahead or what you may be enduring in that moment. 

This means you will need to cast your cares onto the Lord. He will sustain you, and He will not let you be shaken. 

Cast your burden on Yahweh and he will sustain you.
He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22 (WEB)

When you go through the trials of life, God promises that He will be with you. Hold onto God because you do not have to go through life alone. The trials will most certainly come and go – but your faith in God never has to change, and you can have Him in your life all the time.

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 burned,
and flame will not scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 (WEB)

In your trial, you might feel like you are alone and that God has left your side. But scripture assures us this is not the case. 

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 (WEB)

When you hold onto God in difficult times, you are leaning on the most powerful One in the universe. This will help you to face your fears and trust in Him. 

Yahweh is my light and my salvation.
Whom shall I fear?
Yahweh is the strength of my life.
Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 (WEB)

3. Study the Bible to Strengthen Your Faith in Hard Times

Disclosure: Affiliate links have been used within this post; as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

When going through hard times, it is always helpful to do some extra Bible Study so you are familiar with what God’s word says about the trials you are going through. Reading faith-filled books and doing Bible Studies are great for growing your faith in hard times.

Here are a few Bible Studies you can consider reading during the difficult times in your life.

• Write the Word Journal
• Where is God When it Hurst? By Philip Yancey
• A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis 
• Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller
• Joy in the Sorrow: How a Thriving Church (and its Pastor) Learned to Suffer Well by Matt Chandler
• The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis 
• Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey
• Holding On to Hope: A Pathway through Suffering to the Heart of God by Nancy Guthrie

These books can provide valuable insights and guidance as you study and deepen your faith during difficult times. Remember always to use the Bible as your primary source and use these books as supplementary resources for your study and reflection. 

4. Establish Rhythms for Faith in Difficult Times

Having faith in hard times requires establishing rhythms in your life that will draw you closer to the Lord. This will allow you to open your heart to God’s guidance in your life

Here are some Biblical rhythms you can establish to help you have faith in difficult times. Just remember God is an orderly God, and establishing rhythms and routines during difficult times will help you to calm the chaos in your life and give you hope for the future.

Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)

While going through difficult times in life might feel like your life is over or there is no hope for the future, the Bible is clear about there being a time for everything – even the difficult and sad moments in your life.  This is why you can go through the rhythms of life with confidence that God is with you through it all.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven…

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (WEB)

While you make plans and establish rhythms in your life, God is ultimately in control. This is a good thing to remember when you wonder if what you are doing is enough to get you through a difficult time or when you feel like you need to come up with a solution to a problem. Create a rhythm of journaling or asking the Holy Spirit to help you make wise decisions and what your next faithful step should be.

A man’s heart plans his course,
but Yahweh directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 (WEB)

Remain diligent and committed to your daily activities and the relationships you have already established in your life. This will help you to learn how to remain committed even when life is hard. The world might be chaotic but your routine doesn’t have to change.

And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,

Colossians 3:23 (WEB)

Being in God’s Word will help you establish faith in difficult times. Check out the previous step for suggestions on books and Bible studies to help you in difficult times.

Your word is a lamp to my feet,
and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105 (WEB)

Finding your purpose in difficult times is essential to maintaining your faith. Get into the habit of finding the purpose behind why you are doing something. Write it down and pray about your choices and your purpose.

A man’s steps are established by Yahweh.
He delights in his way.

Psalm 37:23 (WEB)

Get into the habit of prioritizing God’s Kingdom and trust Him in the process. This requires surrender and wisdom. Some things might be good, but not all things are what God wants you to be working on right now. Walking in faith and establishing this rhythm requires communication with God.

 But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33 (WEB)

This leads me to my next rhythm – prayer. A rhythm of daily prayer will give you the opportunity to cast all your cares on God and ask Him for the specific needs that are on your heart or on the hearts of those around you. 

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (WEB)

When you don’t know what to pray – worship. Praise and Worship are great for those moments when you feel too weak or too discouraged to do anything else. If you don’t know what to pray or what your purpose is for the things you are doing – then take a moment to praise and worship God. 

Seven times a day, I praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.

Psalm 119:164 (WEB)

Take time to rest. The Sabbath is an important time for you to quiet your mind and your life to hear from God simply. Going through trials is exhausting, and it takes faith to rest when life has become a daily battle of just trying to find the strength to have faith. 

On the seventh day God finished his work which he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. 3 God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because he rested in it from all his work of creation which he had done.

Genesis 2:2-3 (WEB)

5. Take Risks and Walk In Faith During Difficult Times

Can you think of a story in the Bible that seemed impossible? I can think of a few. What was the key element in that story? I would say the events I am thinking of involve faith and taking risks. Faith involves taking wise risks that you have prayed over, and you have taken the time to count the costs. Sometimes everything will add up, and all you need to do is take that leap of faith. The fact is we take risks every single day, and people who move forward in faith are always taking a risk.

Of course, this is not something to take lightly. The key to proactively taking risks and trusting in God is to be really close to God in Bible Study and prayer. Sometimes the greatest risk you will ever take is not to be afraid of God and surrender your life to Him. The key is to step away from fear and move towards God. You will need to take risks and keep your focus on Him.

Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (WEB)

He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.

Matthew 14:29 (WEB)

If life seems stagnant and stuck, then you probably need to take a risk and trust God in the process. Taking risks means facing our fears. Faith is the opposite of fear. 

Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (WEB)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 16:24-25 (WEB)

You need to trust God, step out in faith, and take risks that are aligned with God’s will and purpose. While risks are often accompanied by uncertainty, these verses will remind you that God is with you and he can bring about positive outcomes in challenging situations. 

6. Use this Opportunity to Grow

You need to remember that difficult times are just temporary. Yes, grief and pain will last a lifetime, and you can still use those deep, life-changing emotions and moments in life to help others. You absolutely can find purpose for the pain you are feeling. But know that everything we experience on this earth is just temporary. 

Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (WEB)

Even your pain has a purpose, and it will help you grow in your faith.

Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5 (WEB)

Spiritual growth means we are cultivating the soil and planting the seeds, and our life is flourishing. Trials (and triumphs) are new opportunities for you to grow in your walk with God, in your relationships, and in your life! The Bible says God cannot be mocked; you will reap what you sow. What you do during difficult times matters – and you will plant seeds in your life and produce fruit. But you get to choose what seeds you plant – whether they be seeds of fear and doubt or seeds of faith, hope, and love. Being intentional about what seeds you are planting will determine the fruit you bear in the right season. 

He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,
that produces its fruit in its season,
whose leaf also does not wither.
Whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3 (WEB)

You know that God can use any moment in life to help you become the woman God created you to be. Trials are confusing, and they are not fair. I don’t think I will ever be able to fully understand the trials I go through or the trials other people go through. In my mind, it will never be justified, but nonetheless, trials still happen. But God is always working in my life, especially through the trials of life. 

being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 (WEB)

While everyone goes through trials in life, not everyone suffers well or uses the trial as an opportunity to grow. 

No matter what you are going through, you can trust that God has a plan for your life – and even if you do not understand and the trial you are going through is breaking your heart – you can choose right now to trust in His promises and lean into what His word says. 

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in Yahweh’s house.
They will flourish in our God’s courts.
They will still produce fruit in old age.
They will be full of sap and green,
to show that Yahweh is upright.
He is my rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalm 92:12-15 (WEB)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (WEB)

The difficult times in your life can be opportunities for spiritual growth and forming a deeper connection with God. You need to trust, believe, and have faith that God is working for your ultimate good. 

7. Use this Opportunity to Learn New Things

Going through a difficult time will give you wisdom and understanding you never had before, and you would never gain unless you went through the valley you are currently walking through. 

Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser.
Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 9:9 (WEB)

Use this opportunity to gain wisdom and insight about the specific trial you are facing. What do other people say about the topic? Are there any books you can read or research you can conduct? Journal and write about what you learn. Keep notes, and maybe one day, you will be able to use those notes to write an encouraging book or blog post about what you learned in your trial. 

Wisdom is supreme.
Get wisdom.
Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 (WEB)

It is so important for you to establish your values and your beliefs during this difficult time. Sure, research is great, and you should reach out and do your research about the trial you are going through. Ultimately you need to know what you believe, and this belief needs to be the foundation for all you are learning through this trial. Maybe you will find a new idea, or an article will spark an “ah-ha” moment for you. Either way, while you are learning something new, please always remember your values and your beliefs, which should always be rooted in the Word of God. 

Show me your ways, Yahweh.
Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth, and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation,
I wait for you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5 (WEB)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16 (WEB)

Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (WEB)

During difficult times you can seek wisdom and understanding from God and learn to grow through the challenges you are facing. God’s Word is a source of guidance and insight to help you navigate difficult situations and make wise decisions. 

Learn more about the author, Heather Bixler, by clicking here.