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15 Bible Verses for Difficult Days
6 min read
On a difficult day, nobody opens the Bible at page one. We look for something that speaks to exactly where we are. This list gathers fifteen verses for hard days, grouped by what you might be going through. All quotes are from the World English Bible (WEB).
You don’t need to read them all at once. Pick the group that fits today, read one verse slowly, and stay with it for a minute.
When you’re 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.
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.
On a difficult day, nobody opens the Bible at page one.
When you’re exhausted
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
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.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
When your heart is broken
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you’re waiting and nothing changes
It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When you feel alone
Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
How to let a verse stay with you
A verse helps most when it travels with you through the day. Here are a few simple ways:
- Write it down. Copy one verse on a card and keep it in your pocket, wallet or by the bed.
- Read it three times, slowly. The first time for the words, the second for the one phrase that stands out, the third as a prayer.
- Make it a question. For Psalm 34:18 you might ask: “Where do I need God to be near today?”
- Return to it at night. Before sleep, read the same verse again and notice whether anything shifted.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Bible verse for a bad day?
Many people turn to Psalm 34:18, Matthew 11:28 or Isaiah 41:10. Choose the one that speaks most directly to what you’re feeling today.
Which translation are these verses from?
All quotes here are from the World English Bible (WEB), a modern English translation in the public domain.
What does the Bible say about hard times?
The Bible doesn’t promise a life without trouble. Jesus said plainly, “In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, WEB). What it promises again and again is that God is present in the middle of it.
How can I find a verse for exactly what I’m going through?
Start with the group above that matches your feeling. The Psalms are also a good place to look, because they cover almost every human emotion.
If you’d like this kind of help gathered in one place, Bible for Difficult Days organizes 59 short reflections around real situations, from anxiety to grief to exhaustion, so you can open straight to the page that fits tonight.