When life gets heavy and you feel like giving up, God’s Word can be your source of strength. The Bible is filled with verses that speak directly to the heart of endurance, resilience, and unwavering faith.
Whether you're walking through grief, battling self-doubt, or simply trying to stay hopeful, these 16 verses offer comfort and courage. Let them remind you that you're never alone, and that God is walking with you every step of the way. Here are 16 Bible verses to help you keep going, even when it's hard.
1. Joy in Trials: James 1:2-3
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Challenges in life aren't meant to break us but to shape us. James encourages us to view difficulties as opportunities to grow stronger in faith and endurance. It’s a powerful reminder that what we go through isn't wasted, it's part of God's refining process.
2. Strength in Weariness: Isaiah 40:31
"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."
This verse reminds us that even in our weakest moments, God provides the strength we need to continue. When we place our hope in Him, He energizes us to keep moving forward, even when we feel like giving up. Trusting God doesn’t mean we won’t grow tired, but it does mean we won’t be alone in our exhaustion.
3. God’s Presence in Fear: Joshua 1:9
"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."
In times of uncertainty or fear, this verse reminds us that God is always by our side. Courage isn’t about never being afraid; it’s about continuing to move forward despite fear, knowing that God walks with us in every situation.
4. Steady in the Race: Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders… and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
This verse paints life as a marathon, not a sprint. We're reminded that we’re not alone and that we should release whatever weighs us down. With perseverance and God’s help, we can continue forward, even when the race feels long.
5. Christ Gives Strength: Philippians 4:13
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
No matter what we face, Christ empowers us to handle it. This popular verse is a cornerstone for anyone feeling like they’re running out of strength. It’s not about relying on ourselves but on Jesus, who sustains us daily.
6. Never Forsaken: Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
When we feel abandoned or uncertain, this verse reminds us of God's constant presence. He never leaves us stranded. His commitment to stay by our side is a source of deep comfort in tough times.
7. God’s Faithfulness Never Fails: Lamentations 3:22-23
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
No matter how bad yesterday was, today comes with new mercy. This verse is a gentle encouragement to start fresh, knowing God's love and faithfulness are reliable every single day.
8. God's Plans Are Good: Jeremiah 29:11
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
When the road ahead is unclear, this verse reassures us that God’s plan is still good. Even in hard seasons, His ultimate design is for our hope and healing. We can keep going, knowing there's a future He is preparing.
9. Trust the Process: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
It’s easy to feel lost when things don’t make sense. This verse encourages us to surrender our plans and trust God’s direction. When we stop relying on ourselves and start leaning on Him, He brings clarity to the chaos.
10. Peace in Anxiety: Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition… present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Anxiety can paralyze us, but prayer unlocks peace. This verse invites us to take every worry to God and exchange it for divine peace that keeps us going. It's a practical reminder to turn to Him in moments of stress.
11. God Is Working: Romans 8:28
"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."
Even when life feels out of control, God is still at work behind the scenes. This verse is a promise that nothing is wasted, not even pain or confusion. God uses every piece of our journey for our ultimate good.
12. Don't Give Up Doing Good: Galatians 6:9
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
It’s tempting to quit when we don’t see immediate results, but Paul reminds us that faithfulness brings a harvest. Whether it’s loving others, serving, or staying honest, keep doing good. The reward is coming.
13. God's Grace Is Enough: 2 Corinthians 12:9
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"
We don’t have to be strong all the time. In fact, God's strength shines brightest when we are weak. This verse reminds us that His grace is not only enough, it’s powerful in the moments we feel the weakest.
14. Encouragement to Endure: 2 Thessalonians 3:13
"And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good."
This is a direct call to press on. Even when you feel overlooked or exhausted, your good actions matter. Don’t grow tired, God sees your efforts, and He will bless them in time.
15. Hope Never Disappoints: Romans 5:3-5
"…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Paul lays out a beautiful sequence here: suffering refines us, builds perseverance, which shapes character, which leads to hope. It’s an encouragement that our pain has purpose, and that hope is never in vain.
16. Endurance Leads to Maturity: Romans 5:4
"Perseverance produces character, and character produces hope."
This simple truth circles back to why we keep going. Our struggles refine us. When we choose to endure, we don’t just survive, we grow. And that growth builds a lasting hope that doesn’t disappoint.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.