Clinging to God's Promises When Life is Hard

These are 14 of the best bible verses to cling to when life is hard. Plus, a prayer to pray to God when life’s circumstances are confusing and devastating.

Divorce. The loss of a loved one. A broken relationship.

A diagnosis. Termination letter. Miscarriage.

A Broken Vow.

What do we turn to in times like these? Who do we turn to?

God never promised that life would be easy.

But He did promise to be with us through every difficulty we face. He is a faithful God who never abandons us. When you’re struggling, it’s important to cling to God’s promises and remember that He is in control. Let’s look at some Bible verses that remind us that God is with us no matter what.

How to Use These Promises of God Responsibly

One important note to keep in mind. Many verses are taken out of context unknowingly, and it can be frustrating if you lean on a verse that was never meant for you.

For example, everyone’s favorite promise of God is probably 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.”

This is a lovely promise God made to Isreal through his prophet Jerimiah. He was reassuring them during the time of their exile.

This doesn’t mean you can’t use it in your life but use it with caution. It’s helpful to take each verse and see if it aligns with God’s character. Read the verses before and after your verse (preferably the entire chapter or book.)

Once you understand the verse’s context and believe it aligns with God’s character as revealed to you in His Word, you can confidently hold onto that verse in times of trouble.

Promises of God to Cling To When Life is Hard

There are hundreds (thousands?) of God’s promises in the Bible, so these are just a few. I believe they pass the test above; you can speak these over your life.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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. Romans 8:28

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:11

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

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. Proverbs 3:5-6

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

Related: You Are Not Broken

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. Romans 8:10

For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6

Prayer for God’s faithfulness while in challenging circumstances

You can turn any of the above scriptures into a prayer. Praying God’s Word back to Him is a powerful way to pray. And it’s especially helpful when you’re overwhelmed and don’t have the words. The following prayer consists of these Scriptures as italicized below: Psalm 86:5, Psalm 119:105, Philippians 4:7, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5, Romans 8:39.

For more ways to pray for God’s promises, check this book out.

Father God,

I thank you for your faithfulness. You are forgiving and good, abounding in love for me. I’m so grateful you gave us Your Word to turn to when life is hard. It’s a lamp to my feet, a light on my path.

Lord, you know the difficulties I am facing. I pray for your peace that surpasses all understanding. Please remind my heart that in all things, you are working for the good of those who love you. When I can’t see the way out or see anything good, I will trust in You with all my heart and will lean not on my own understanding.

Lord, I would be lost without you, but I never have to worry about losing your presence because your Word says nothing can ever separate me from Your love.

Amen

Reminder: God is always with us, no matter what we are going through

Know that God is with you no matter what you are going through. He has a plan for your life and will never leave you.

The Scriptures above offer encouragement and hope in tough times, and I pray that they will be a source of strength for you.

Hold tight to His promises and keep praying thankfulness even during tough times. Remember, you are not alone.

More of God’s promises can be found in this book:

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