12 Bible Verses for Strength During Trials

Look, we all hit those moments when life feels like it’s throwing everything at us, right? When you’re searching for Bible verses for strength, you’re probably in the thick of it—and honestly, I get it.

I’ve been there too, scrolling through my phone at 2 AM, desperately needing something to hold onto. The good news? Scripture is packed with encouragement that hits different when you’re going through it.

Why We Need Strength During Trials

Let’s be real for a second. Trials aren’t fun. Nobody wakes up thinking, “Gee, I hope today brings maximum chaos!” But here’s the thing—faith in hard times isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about finding solid ground when everything else is shaking.

God’s Word offers us strength during trials scriptures that have sustained believers for thousands of years. And no, this isn’t some magical fix-it solution (wouldn’t that be nice?), but it’s something better: real, lasting strength that builds character and deepens faith.

The Power of Scripture in Hard Times

Before we jump into the verses, can we talk about why this actually works? When you’re overwhelmed, your brain needs truth to counteract all the fear and anxiety swirling around. Encouragement Bible verses aren’t just pretty words—they’re declarations of who God is and what He promises.

I’ve found that memorizing even one or two verses gives you ammunition when anxiety tries to take over. FYI, this isn’t about being super-spiritual; it’s about survival 🙂

12 Bible Verses That’ll Strengthen Your Faith

1. Isaiah 41:10 – The Classic Comfort

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This verse is basically God saying, “I’ve got you.” When you’re trembling with fear, these words remind you that overcoming trials with God means you’re never alone. He’s not just watching from a distance—He’s actively strengthening and holding you up.

2. Philippians 4:13 – The Ultimate Confidence Booster

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

You’ve probably seen this one on coffee mugs and gym posters, but don’t let its popularity make you miss its power. Paul wrote this from prison, and he wasn’t talking about achieving your dream job—he was talking about enduring suffering. That’s the real context, and it hits harder when you understand it.

3. Psalm 46:1 – Your Refuge in Chaos

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Notice it says “ever-present,” not “occasionally shows up when convenient.” When trials hit, God doesn’t abandon ship. He’s your safe place, your fortress. I’ve clung to this verse during some seriously dark moments, and it’s never failed me.

4. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – When Weakness Becomes Strength

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”

This one messed me up in the best way. We spend so much energy trying to be strong enough, capable enough, together enough. But God’s like, “Actually, your weakness is where I work best.” IMO, that’s incredibly freeing.

5. Joshua 1:9 – The Courage Command

“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.”

God literally commands us to be strong and courageous. But here’s the key—He doesn’t leave us to manufacture that courage ourselves. He promises His presence, which is the source of our courage. Can’t do it without Him, and that’s the point.

6. Romans 8:28 – The Big Picture Promise

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This doesn’t say all things ARE good (because obviously some things are terrible). It says God WORKS things for good. There’s a difference, and it matters. Even your worst trial isn’t outside God’s ability to redeem it.

7. Psalm 34:17-18 – For the Brokenhearted

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Feeling crushed? Brokenhearted? God moves toward you, not away from you. He’s not repelled by your pain—He’s drawn to it. That’s a game-changer when you’re tempted to hide from Him because you’re a mess.

8. Isaiah 40:31 – The Waiting Game

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Ever notice it lists soaring, running, AND walking? Because sometimes strength during trials looks like barely putting one foot in front of the other. And that’s okay. God renews our strength for whatever pace we can manage.

9. Matthew 11:28 – The Rest Invitation

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Jesus isn’t offering a temporary break—He’s offering soul-level rest. When trials exhaust you physically, emotionally, and spiritually, He says, “Bring it all to me.” No prerequisites, no cleanup required first.

10. Deuteronomy 31:6 – The Never-Leave Promise

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

“Never” and “nor” are strong words. God doesn’t bail when things get complicated. He doesn’t ghost you when you’re struggling. He stays, consistently and faithfully.

11. Nahum 1:7 – Your Strong Place

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

Short, simple, powerful. God is good (even when circumstances aren’t), He’s a refuge (not just a helper but a hiding place), and He cares (personally, individually, specifically).

12. 1 Peter 5:10 – The Restoration Promise

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Notice it says “after you have suffered a little while”—not “if” but “after.” Trials are temporary, but God’s restoration is thorough. He doesn’t just patch you up; He makes you stronger than before.

Putting These Verses Into Practice

Okay, so you’ve got twelve powerful verses. Now what? Reading them once won’t magically fix everything (sorry to burst that bubble). But consistently meditating on them? That changes things.

Here’s what I do:

• Pick one verse per week and write it on sticky notes around my house
• Set phone reminders with the verse as the notification
• Pray the verses back to God, making them personal
• Share them with friends who are also struggling

The Real Deal About Overcoming Trials

Here’s the truth bomb: overcoming trials with God doesn’t always mean the trial disappears. Sometimes it means you survive it. Sometimes it means you grow through it. And sometimes it means you endure it with inexplicable peace.

God’s strength isn’t always about removing obstacles—it’s often about carrying you through them. And honestly? That’s even more powerful because it proves His faithfulness in the worst circumstances, not just the convenient ones.

Final Thoughts

Life will keep throwing trials your way. That’s just reality. But you don’t have to face them alone or unarmed. These encouragement Bible verses are living, active words that pack serious power when you’re barely holding on.

Bookmark this list. Come back to it. Let these truths sink deep into your heart. And remember—needing strength isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. It’s recognizing that God’s power is what sustains us, and that’s exactly where He wants us.

You’ve got this. Or rather, God’s got you. And that’s even better.