The fact that you or me or anyone else is a believer does not eliminate us having problems in life, nor the anxiety that comes with them. There are times when we can get down and depressed about the state of the world, the troubles of our loved ones, or our own problems, to such an extent that our faith seems beyond our grasp.
But it is those exact times – when we’re most distressed and confused – that we need to turn to our faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation of our hope. We need to pray, to seek the counsel and comfort of fellow believers and ultimately to trust in the Lord to carry us through our troubles. The Bible gives us concrete verses reminding us that God is with us through and during our troubles.
Here are some verses that offer comfort in the midst of our troubles.
World Problems, Or Chaos On A Personal Level
All we need to do is turn on the TV, the radio, or the Internet and we’re bombarded with a flood of messages warning us of the imminent decline of the world. Even if you are a believer, it can be hard to see how it will all work out. We can trust that our souls are eternally secure in the Lord, but we still worry about our loved ones who don’t have that assurance.
When it seems that the world is going to Hell in a hand basket, I find this verse to offer great comfort:
“Be still, and know that I am God…” – Psalm 46:10
God is never taken by surprise no matter what is happening, and no matter how overwhelming it may look to us. And He is in complete control. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that fact, and that’s what this verse tells us.
Feeling Alone
Everyone of us feels alone at one time or another. If that feeling persists too long, it can be disturbing. But Jesus tells us that we’re never alone:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
If Jesus is with us – and from this verse we know that he is – we’re never completely alone. Just knowing that can give us the security to seek out companionship from others.
Feeling Overwhelmed By Your Troubles
Troubles seem to come in buckets. There are times when we are consumed by dealing with one problem, when another hits, and still another. It can feel as if life is spinning out of control. This verse addresses that condition:
“Cast all your anxiety on (Jesus) because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
God knows that we can’t handle all that comes at us, and that’s why he promises to take care of us. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to just let go of it all – the worry, the stress, the confusion – and cast it on Jesus.
Facing Problems That Seem Insurmountable
Have you ever faced a problem that you just can’t conquer? There’s nothing wrong with you if you can’t – in fact it’s actually quite normal. Jesus told us this about troubles:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Despite what the pop culture and media try to tell us, we will not overcome all of our troubles. Some we’re just meant to live with. God tells as much, and if we’re honest, we have to admit that we’ve known this all along. But Jesus has overcome it all – we don’t have to do it ourselves.
Facing Challenges You Know You Need To Deal With
Our troubles should never be bigger than our God, no matter how intimidating they may seem. We should always move forward and make the effort, and trust God for the outcome. Paul tells us as much:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Plunge forward, and know that Jesus is always with you, strengthening you and providing any resources you may need.
Feeling Under Siege
Have you ever felt that you are a “failure”, that nothing you can do ever works out well? If you do, you’re not alone. Most of us feel that way at one time or another. All it takes is the wrong sequence of unfortunate circumstances. But we should have faith in this:
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all…” – Psalm 34:19
We’re not righteous by virtue of our own goodness, but by our faith in Jesus as our risen Lord and Savior. And no matter how many troubles we may have at the moment, He promises to deliver us from them all.
When You Are Feeling Down
Everyone of us feels down and depressed sometimes, it’s part of the human condition. But you don’t need to fret over the feeling – God is with us in our darkest moments:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
At the very time we feel most helpless, most hopeless, God is right there with us.
When You Are Feeling Afraid
Every so often we face a situation that causes us to be afraid. It may be a career problem, a money problem, or a family crisis. We’re sure it will get the best of us, and we don’t even want to confront it. But God tells us this:
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
No matter what we’re facing – and how scary it looks – God is there with us. The more we trust this promise, the stronger it is.
What Bible verses strengthen your faith and bring you comfort in the dark spaces of your life?
photo credit: chiptape
