Bible Verses about Life Struggles

Have you ever felt bogged down by the struggles in your life? Or been frustrated and discouraged by your lack of progress? Does even something as simple as finding the motivation to keep on keeping on often feel like a major challenge? If so, this article includes several Bible verses about life struggles to encourage you.

Whatever you are going through, you are not alone. Struggles are an unavoidable part of living in this fallen world. Whether they come in the form of a bad day full of little frustrations, or something more troublesome such as physical illness, family problems, financial stress, addiction, or doubts and beliefs that consume your thoughts, we all have to deal with them at one point or another. No one is exempt. San Diego Christian Counseling can provide the guidance and support you need to face these challenges with strength and resilience.

Even Jesus struggled during His time on earth (Hebrews 12:3, Isaiah 53:3). He too faced troubles, endured hardships, was tempted, and died on the cross so we could be forgiven of our sins and come into a right relationship with God.

God never promised us a life free of struggles, but He never intended for us to face them alone or try to deal with them in our own strength. The Bible contains many verses that speak to the struggles of life. Our part is to turn to the Lord in prayer, spend time in His Word, and look to the verses that resonate with the situation we struggle with for wisdom, comfort, and guidance. Here are a few key ones to get you started.

Some Bible verses about life struggles

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33, NIV

This world is not our home. We are just passing through. Jesus reassures us that He has already won the victory, and though your struggles may be hard to endure, they are only temporary and fleeting compared to the eternal life promised to those who have a personal relationship with Him, a life where there will be no more death or sorrow or pain (Revelation 21:4).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV

When we face struggles, we tend to focus on what’s in front of us. God wants you to trust Him and let Him be your guide. He is in control and sees the whole picture, if you keep your eyes on Him, He will give you the strength you need to carry on and equip you to handle whatever it is that you are struggling with.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you nay be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4, NIV

Although God does not put stumbling blocks in our path, He allows struggles to happen to refine and mature us, develop our character, make us stronger in the process, transform us into the likeness of Jesus, and draw us closer to Him.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. – Psalm 55:22, NIV

God loves you, and He sees you. He is aware of your struggles and wants you to entrust your cares to Him. Some of your struggles may seem too big to handle, but nothing is too big for God. He wants to support you and give you the strength to persevere.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes. – Romans 8:28, NIV

Not all struggles are bad. Even when you don’t understand the why, you can be sure that God is on your side and that He has a perfect plan for your life. God can use your struggles to strengthen your faith and to help you develop compassion and empathy for others who are also struggling so you can reach out to them and encourage them.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:8, NIV

God is with you in all your trials, even when everything in your world feels as though it is falling apart. He is in control and will never abandon you.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9, NIV

Never give up hope if at first you don’t see the fruits of your efforts. Trust in God’s timing and that He is in control.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge – Psalm 91:4a, NIV

The Lord is your hiding place. He promises to give you a respite from the worst of the storm and to give you the strength to get through it.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:12, NIV

While in this world, we face an ongoing spiritual battle, but God has given us His supernatural weapons of warfare with which to defeat the enemy. When Satan threatens you with anxiety, fear, or discouragement, strike him down with the sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

When you switch your focus from your struggles to God, and praise and thank Him for the things you are grateful for, He promises to calm your heart and fill it with joy and His peace that surpasses understanding regardless of the difficult circumstances you may find yourself in the midst of.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 31:10, NIV

God sees you and is aware of your struggles. He wants you to lean on Him for comfort and strength and trust that He will not let you fall.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. – Isaiah 43:2, NIV

Although God may not make your problems disappear, He promises to be there with you amid your struggles. With His help, you can overcome even the worst of what life throws at you.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 4:15, ESV

Life is hard but Jesus is our advocate. He too faced adversity while on this earth and knows what it feels like to struggle with hardships, heartache, and all the challenging life situations we may ever be faced with.

If you’re looking for additional support beyond these Bible verses about life struggles, we can help. If you have questions about how you can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or would like to set up an appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors in San Diego, please reach out to us at San Diego Christian Counseling.