Hardship and suffering are part of the human experience. Even for Christians who trust in God’s goodness and care, difficult times will come. The Bible has much to say to those undergoing trials or facing adversity. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that speak to hardship and suffering.
Old Testament Verses on Hardship
The Old Testament features many examples of godly people enduring intense hardship, as well as principles and promises from God relevant to difficult times.
Several key passages in the Psalms express raw pain, doubt, and complaints to God in the midst of suffering. These laments show that it’s permissible to pour out your heart honestly before God. For example:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. (Psalm 22:1-2)
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? (Psalm 13:1-2)
Yet the Psalms also include hope-filled verses trusting God even in agonizing trials. For example:
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. (Psalm 138:7)
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
The Book of Job grapples with why innocent people suffer. Job goes through excruciating personal trials, yet refuses to curse God. In the end, God affirms Job’s righteousness and restores his fortunes. Key themes include God’s sovereignty over suffering and His call to trust Him through life’s mysteries. For example:
Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)
Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal. (Job 5:17-18)
Proverbs contains wise sayings about learning and growing through difficult experiences. For example:
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:11-12)
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. (Proverbs 17:3)
Isaiah and other prophetic books emphasize God’s character as a loving Father who will ultimately care for His people. For example:
Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)
Overall, the Old Testament provides examples of godly men and women expressing grief during trials, along with foundational theology on God’s sovereignty, wisdom, love, and care for His people. He is near to the brokenhearted and can redeem any circumstance, no matter how painful.
New Testament Verses on Hardship
The New Testament also contains rich encouragement for those undergoing hardship and suffering. It points to Christ as the ultimate example of innocent, undeserved suffering. His death for sinners enables believers to see purpose in their own trials. Key passages include:
The Gospel accounts of Jesus in Gethsemane asking for the cup of suffering to be removed, yet submitting to God’s will out of love (Matthew 26:36-46). This shows it’s normal to ask for trials to end, yet God may have sovereign purposes for them.
Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. (Luke 22:42)
Jesus’ teaching that affliction is blessed because it shows our reliance on God:
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)
Paul’s teaching that suffering produces Christlike character:
We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. (Romans 5:3-4)
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Peter’s exhortation to endure hardship by looking to Christ’s example:
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps… When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:21-23)
James’ teaching that trials develop spiritual perseverance:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
Revelation’s visions of saints who overcame through Jesus:
I, John, your brother and partner in the affliction…was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus…Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 1:9, 3:20-21)
The New Testament underscores that human suffering has meaning and purpose in God’s plan. Christ redeems affliction through His own suffering. He walks with believers through trials and will reward those who persevere.
Principles on Hardship from Bible Passages
Drawing these threads together, here are some key principles that emerge about hardship:
– Suffering is a normal part of earthly life, even for righteous people. Christians should expect trials and not be surprised by difficult circumstances (1 Peter 4:12).
– God is sovereign over human affairs, even unjust suffering. Believers can trust God’s mysterious providence, knowing He works all things for their good (Romans 8:28).
– It’s fine to lament, complain, cry out – but also to trust God through the tears. The Psalms model raw, honest prayers during distress.
– Earthly trials develop godly virtues like patience, humility, compassion. Though painful, hardship can produce Christlike maturity when believers yield to God’s work in them.
– By His death on the cross, Jesus infuses all suffering with meaning and hope. His resurrection guarantees deliverance and reward for those who endure hardship while trusting Him.
– God promises to walk closely with His children during trials, comforting, strengthening, and upholding them through the power of the Spirit.
– He works to nurture His people’s faith through difficulties, even using hardship to draw people closer to Himself.
– God’s ultimate purpose is to perfect believers and make them “complete, lacking nothing” – an eternal perspective that helps Christians see beyond present troubles.
– In heaven, God will wipe away every tear and abundantly reward those who trusted Him through hard times. The sufferings of this life are “light and momentary” compared to eternal joy in Christ.
When discouragement sets in, believers can turn to these principles and promises from Scripture. God knows and cares. He will bring purpose out of pain, use trials to spiritually mature His children, and reward their faith. He is able to redeem any circumstance for His glory and their good.
Prayers for Help amid Hardship
In addition to Bible passages, Christians can look to biblical prayers that honestly express hardship before God and seek His help. Prayers can draw from psalms of lament, Jesus’ prayers in agony, and the apostles’ petitions for deliverance.
For example:
– Jesus in Gethsemane: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
– David: “Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!” (Psalm 40:13)
– Paul: “For this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it [a ‘thorn in the flesh’] might depart from me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8)
– Nehemiah: “Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples…Even if you are exiled to the ends of the world, from there I will gather you and bring you to the place that I have chosen.’” (Nehemiah 1:8-9)
By following biblical examples, Christians can freely share their anguish and requests with their compassionate Father, while resting in humble trust that He knows what is best.
Applying Bible Promises
Along with specific passages, it helps to compile and memorize key Bible promises relevant to one’s particular situations – sustaining truths about God’s character and care.
For example, a believer struggling with loneliness, doubts, and despair could pray promises like:
– “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
– “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God.” (Isaiah 43:2-3)
– “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
– “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
– “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Immersed in such promises, believers can endure hardship knowing the ever-present God sees, understands, and will sustain them by His Spirit and grace.
Conclusion
Times of suffering raise hard questions, and complete explanations often elude us. Yet in the mystery of hardship, the Bible offers hope. Through Old Testament cries of anguish, Christ’s innocent suffering, and apostolic promises, God reminds His people that He always walks with them. Earthly trials accomplish His loving purpose: to refine believers, nurture their faith, and draw them close to His heart. His perfect plan ensures that no suffering, no matter how senseless, will be wasted. For the believer, God promises redeeming purpose, persevering grace, and coming reward.