Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Difficult Times?
11 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Difficult Times in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about difficult times. This collection of 14 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Difficult Times
- 1Joshua 1:9
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
KJV - 2Psalms 9:9
“The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. a refuge: Heb. an high place”
KJV - 3Psalms 37:1
“A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
KJV - 4Isaiah 41:10
“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; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
KJV - 5Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. expected: Heb. end and expectation”
KJV - 6John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
KJV - 7Romans 8:18
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
KJV - 8Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
KJV - 9
- 10James 1:2
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; temptations: or, trials”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Difficult Times? (5 Verses)
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
“The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. a refuge: Heb. an high place”
“A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
“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; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. expected: Heb. end and expectation”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Difficult Times? (6 Verses)
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; temptations: or, trials”
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Difficult Times
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about difficult times. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about difficult times and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about difficult times is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on difficult times needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about difficult times with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about difficult times, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Difficult Times?
You have studied 11 verses about difficult times. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.