The Bible contains many passages that provide comfort, hope and encouragement in times of trouble and distress. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about finding comfort through faith in God.
Psalms
The Book of Psalms contains some of the most beloved passages about finding comfort in God. For example:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
These verses remind us that we can turn to God for refuge, strength and comfort in difficult times. He cares about our troubles and promises to be near to those who are hurting.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This famous passage records Jesus’ kind invitation to all who are feeling weary and overwhelmed by life’s burdens. He promises we can find rest and refreshment for our souls by coming to Him.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
On the night before His death, Jesus spoke these words to comfort His disciples who were troubled. His peace is different than worldly peace because it comes from the hope we have in Him.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
This passage reminds us that God is compassionate and always ready to comfort us. As recipients of His comfort, we in turn can offer comfort to others in their distress.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Rather than being consumed by worry, these verses instruct us to turn to God in prayer about everything. As we do, His peace will fill us and guard our hearts.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This oft-quoted passage is a reassuring promise that we do not need to feel afraid because God is with us. He will give us strength, help and uphold us.
Psalm 23
The entire 23rd Psalm is a beautiful expression of the comfort we find in God’s presence and care, even in dark valleys. Verses such as “your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (v.4) vividly convey this theme of God bringing comfort.
Isaiah 49:13
“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”
This vivid verse poetically praises God as the source of true comfort who has compassion on those who are suffering and in need.
Psalm 119:50
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
The psalmist found comfort in difficult times by remembering God’s promises. We too can be comforted and sustained through holding onto Scriptural promises.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pronounced a blessing over those who are grieving and hurting – a reminder that God cares and will ultimately bring comfort.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
The blessing Paul pronounces over the Thessalonians is a prayer for God to comfort, encourage and strengthen them through His grace and love.
Isaiah 12:1
“In that day you will say: I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.”
This verse speaks of praising God for His comfort after a time of hardship. It reflects the hope we have that even out of suffering, He will ultimately bring comfort.
Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
This passage highlights how God is a source of strength and protection for us when we face oppression or trouble. We can find comfort in His unfailing presence.
Romans 15:4
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Here Paul reminds us that the Scriptures provide encouragement and hope, giving us comfort as we patiently endure through trials.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This verse contrasts the fleeting nature of sorrow with the eternal comfort and joy found in God. He can turn our weeping into rejoicing.
Isaiah 51:12
“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor?”
Here God tenderly declares that He is the one who comforts us, in contrast to mortal man who cannot ultimately deliver us from fear and suffering. Finding comfort in Him lifts us above the trials of this life.
Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
When consumed by envy of the wicked, the psalmist remembers that regardless of earthly troubles, God is his comfort and inheritance.
Isaiah 66:13
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
God tenderly compares His comfort for His people to that of a loving mother comforting her child in an intimate embrace.
Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
The psalmist found comfort from God which eased his anxiety and brought joy to his soul.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse encourages us to release our worries to God because He deeply cares and will lift those burdens.
Psalm 71:20-21
“You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.”
The psalmist praises God for bringing comfort after a time of trial. Though we may descend into the depths, God can raise us up and increase our joy.
2 Corinthians 7:6
“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”
Paul describes how God brought practical comfort to him in a difficult situation through the help of a friend. God often comforts us through community.
Psalm 86:17
“Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.”
The psalmist prays for an outward sign of God’s comfort amidst his trial to be a witness to others.
In summary, the Bible is filled with reminders that we can turn to God for comfort and hope in the inevitable trials of life. He cares deeply and promises to be our refuge and ever-present help. As recipients of His comfort, we are called to extend that same comfort to others in their distress.