3 Scriptures to Encourage You During Hard Times
There are moments in life when the weight you’re carrying feels heavier than what you signed up for. Hard times have a way of testing your patience, your hope, and your sense of direction. But even in the most difficult seasons, God has not abandoned you. Your strength is being rebuilt. Your faith is being deepened. And your story is still unfolding.
When life presses on you, hold onto these three scriptures. Let them steady your emotions and remind you that God’s presence is not dependent on how your circumstances feel.
“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” God hears you the first time. And the next time. And every time. You are not unnoticed.
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee…” Your strength is not coming from your own reserves. God is carrying what you can’t.
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed…” What is ahead of you will outweigh everything you had to survive to get here.
Let these scriptures breathe fresh hope into your spirit. You are not failing. You are not forgotten. You are being shaped for something greater than what you’re facing right now.
Scripture for Meditation
Psalm 27:10 (KJV) — "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." When everyone else walks away, beloved, God steps in closer. He is the Father who will never leave you stranded, no matter how isolated your trial feels right now.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV) — "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." Your hardship has an expiration date, but the character it's building in you will last forever. Keep your eyes on what God is creating, not on what you're enduring.
Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) — "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame." Jesus walked through unbearable suffering and came out the other side victorious. Your struggle is not a sign of failure—it's the proving ground where your faith becomes unshakeable.
Walking It Out
Speak your faith aloud today. Don't just read these scriptures silently. Say them out loud where you can hear your own voice declaring God's promises. Your ears need to hear what your mouth is confessing. This breaks the power of discouragement.
Write down one specific way God has carried you before. Look back at a past hardship you survived. Document how He showed up, what He provided, or what you learned. Keep this written testimony where you can see it. When your faith wavers, you'll have proof that God is faithful.
Share this word with someone else who is struggling. Don't keep encouragement to yourself. Call, text, or visit someone carrying a heavy load and speak these truths over their life. When you minister to others in their darkness, your own faith strengthens in the process.
A Prayer for You
Father God, I come to You right now, tired and worn, but still believing. Take this weight I've been carrying and remind me that You are strong where I am weak. Help me to see my struggle not as a sign of Your absence, but as evidence that You are actively shaping me into who You've called me to be. Restore my confidence, steady my spirit, and fill me with the unshakeable assurance that my story is not over—it's just beginning to reveal Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the Author
Rev. Nicholas S. Richards is an ordained minister, author of Destiny DNA, and founder of ROHO. For over 11 years, he has written more than 6,000 daily devotionals reaching believers worldwide. Learn more about Rev. Richards.