Powerful Scriptures to Help You Rely on God and Have Peace Under Trial

15:25

Are you in need of strength to endure a difficult circumstance? Life can be hard. We are all susceptible to physical ailments, economic hardships, relational conflicts, emotional distress, work pressures, grief, addictions, and suffering of many kinds. Thankfully, beyond human understanding, God provides the strength to navigate through, and even thrive amid, burdens, adversity, discouragement, fears, or failures.

This article will equip you with powerful Scriptures and brief explanations that will lead you into a deeper connection with God and give you inner fortitude to journey through the storms of life. I encourage you to prayerfully meditate on those that speak most meaningfully to you in this season of your life.

The Lord is Our Helper

"So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?' Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:6-8

The Book of Hebrews teaches that we have everything we need through Christ. This book was written to the first century Hebrew people who had converted from Judaism to Christianity and were being persecuted for their faith. The letter encourages us to focus on the truth that Jesus is the promised Messiah and that we have victory amid persecution because He conquered sin and death through His death and resurrection. It acknowledges the reality that we often cannot escape difficulties but that we can depend on God to be with us, giving us the strength and grace needed to endure.

The Lord is Dependable

"...Put not your trust in princes...Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin...." - Psalm 146

Psalm 146 reminds us that it is God, not people, that is truly dependable. Turning our focus away from the physical world and onto the Lord does not come naturally; it takes discipline. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." When we experience difficulties, we can receive power to persevere through remembering what God has done for us personally and in the lives of other believers. For even more encouragement, read about the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11, commonly called, the "Hall of Faith," which details several examples of people trusting God through trials.

The Lord Forgives and Calls Us to Follow

"You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
    for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
    that you might comfort me.

Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.” - Isaiah 12:1-2

The Hebrew people were continually giving themselves over to sin and choosing to live like the surrounding nations who practiced every kind of evil. They became more and more vulnerable to attack because they made decisions based on fear and sinful desires rather than following God.

God used the prophet Isaiah to warn them of the dangers in rebelling against the Lord. Isaiah stirred them to depend on and trust the Lord to protect them. The Lord's ways are perfect and following Him is the only path to peace.

The Lord is Our Refuge

"God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. " - Psalm 46:1-3

Psalm 46 is powerful when dealing with overwhelming hardships. Whether it be war, a natural disaster, being a victim of a crime, or something else that has caused your foundation to feel shaken, these words can minister to and sustain your soul. They proclaim that nothing nor no one is stronger than the Lord and He is the ultimate victor. It ends by emphasizing that, as followers of God, He is our refuge.

The images in this psalm capture the reality and give voice to the magnitude of suffering people can experience. When I read Psalm 46, I often find myself recalling how God brought me through a terrifying experience. It reminds me that God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. Reflecting on this truth can help you personalize God's power and promise to guard your soul.

The Lord is Victorious

"...Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength..." - Isaiah 40:28-29

In the midst of great suffering at the hands of an evil and ruthless nation² God used Isaiah to tell the Israelites that He is with them and would rescue them. He promised to bring them back together as a people, strengthen them, and restore them. He encouraged them by pointing out in great detail that He is superior and His power is unfathomable.

Through reading Isaiah 40:9-41:20 Christians today have the benefit of seeing how Yahweh brought Isaiah's prophecy to fruition. Reflecting on how He fulfilled His promises to the Hebrew people gives assurance today that the Messiah is coming back for us and that while we wait, He is in control, He will bring restoration in His perfect time and that nothing will defeat His perfect plan.

The Lord Gives Us Strength

"Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." - Ps. 105:3-5

Psalm 105 beautifully recounts many of the miracles God performed for the Israelites during their long journey to the Promised Land.

Many of us have experienced lengthy seasons of suffering. In these times it can be easy to lose perspective and become discouraged - even wondering if God has abandoned you. By reflecting on instances when you saw God's provision and protection your confidence in God's plan for your future can grow.

It is also important to be an active part of a Christian church where you can receive prayer and help in carrying your burdens. This principle is throughout Scripture where we see the Israelites living in community; and later in the New Testament we see Jesus comparing us to sheep who must remain together for protection from predators.

The Lord Gives Us His Armor

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." - Eph. 6:13

In the apostle Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus, he teaches Christians to be protected from spiritual attacks by utilizing every spiritual tool God provides. We are continually in a spiritual battle because our adversary, Satan, never stops seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn. 10:10), prowling around "like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).

I know many people who begin their day meditatively reading Ephesians 6:10-18 and symbolically putting on the armor of God. If you would like to try this practice, open your Bible to Ephesians 6:10-13 and imagine putting on each individual piece.

The Lord Comforts Us While We Wait

"For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat...He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces...It will be said on that day, 'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'" - Is. 25:4, 8, 9

Waiting for rescue is often discouraging, painful, and exhausting. It is common to feel angry or disappointed with God for allowing suffering. In Isaiah 25, we are reminded to praise the Lord even when it is difficult. Isaiah reflected on the ways Yahweh comforted them amid abuse, hunger, and lack of shelter. With human eyes, it is impossible to experience joy in circumstances like this. But by seeking the Lord to meet our deepest needs, we receive fullness in Him that is not dictated by physical circumstances.

Isaiah also reminds us that we will feast at His banquet table at His appointed time and when that time comes, there will be no more tears or suffering for His children.

The Lord Speaks

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. - Ps. 29:3-4

With just a word, God can do anything! Isaiah 55:11 puts it this way, "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Psalm 29 highlights this truth through a beautiful poem filled with word pictures. The Bible is full of examples of the power of God's spoken words, some of which include creation, healing, and calming a storm. Might I suggest reading Psalm 29 aloud and letting it uplift your soul, empower you, and give you peace that the Lord's victory is sure.

The Lord is Mighty

"The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved...Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!" - Ps. 93:1, 4

Using the image of water, the psalmist impresses upon us that God is mightier than we can imagine. Being on the waterfront is usually serene and many people will pay a premium price to live near it. But anyone who has experienced being overtaken by the water's force knows that seas - though peaceful looking - have a power that must be respected.

When circumstances feel like they will crush and overtake you, Psalm 93 can remind you that God is mighty and sovereign. Nothing can thwart His perfect plans. We can have courage and walk in God's strength, moving through fears because we know we are children of the King.

The Lord's Grace Sustains Us

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Cor. 12:7-10

The Apostle Paul was the primary teacher of the early church. He faithfully communicated the Word of God as expressed in both the Old Testament and Jesus' teachings. When he wrote letters to the churches, he personalized them by reflecting on his relationship with them and confronting the specific challenges they were facing. Sometimes false teachers would try to defame Paul so the people would follow them instead. In Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, he addressed accusations being made about him. He did this, in part, by detailing the authority given to Him through Christ. When we come to chapter 12, Paul opens up about his suffering - sharing that He asked God for healing, that He said no, and that it was being used to help him stay humble and dependent on God.

If you have been asking God for healing, I want to encourage you to keep asking unless the Lord says, "no." It's not easy. For years we have been praying that God would heal my husband from a chronic health condition. He has experienced anger and discouragement amid his suffering. Yet he keeps moving forward fulfilling each responsibility before him in the Lord's strength. I continually pray that the unbelievers around him will recognize God as the source of his strength, and that they will come to know God personally.

The Lord is Enough

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:11-13

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi while he was in prison for preaching the gospel. Despite his circumstances, he experienced the joy of the Lord. Paul encouraged the Philippians who were being persecuted for following Christ.

This passage helps us understand that we will sometimes be in need and that it does not mean we are living in disobedience to God. It also reminds us that when we have more creature comforts than we need, we must be on guard, so it does not distract us from what brings true satisfaction.

Through prayer, Bible reading, and Christian fellowship we are encouraged to stay on the path where God is leading, trusting that He will provide the strength needed to follow Him. And when we get off course, these spiritual disciplines help us refocus on the Lord.

Takeaway

Jesus said we will have tribulation, but that He has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). This can be a difficult truth to accept. But God has also told us that He gives peace that surpasses human understanding (Phil. 4:7) and that we can, "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

I'm not suggesting it is easy. As it says in Hebrews 11:1, "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Because faith doesn't come naturally, I must continually be reminded of this truth. Hebrews 11 goes on to list many examples of people who followed God in unimaginable situations.

When all seems lost, cry out to God who will give you hope and strength. Read and prayerfully meditate on the Scriptures in this article. Listen for the Holy Spirit's counsel and comfort. And seek support from other Christians.

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Works Cited

Artushin, H.R. (2024, February 2). The Case for Paper: Books vs. E-Readers. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-read/202402/the-case-for-paper-books-vs-e-readers#:~:text=vocabulary%20and%20concepts.-,Research%20suggests%20that%20comprehension%20is%20six%20to%20eight%20times%20better,%2C%20L.%2C%202023). Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
Belibtreu, E. (1991). Grisly Assyrian Record of Torture and Death. Umass Lowell. https://faculty.uml.edu/ethan_spanier/teaching/documents/cp6.0assyriantorture.pdf. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.