10 Verses For When You're Facing Adversity

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. - Psalm 34:19

Facing adversity is a given if you are a human being. No one goes through life without dealing with pain, difficulties, or bumps in the road. It’s just not possible to live a valley-free life.

But the question is, how do we respond when adversity comes our way? Do we step back in fear? Do we stay stuck where we are out of hesitation? Or do we step forward with boldness? Maybe your response isn’t always the same. Maybe there are times when you’ve faced adversity with boldness, but there have also been times when you’ve run away from whatever troubles were staring back at you.

The good news is, as followers of Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid. We don’t have to retreat. We have so many promises in Scripture that we can hold onto about how God is with us and how He will come through for us amidst any adversity that comes our way.

So if you’re dealing with your own adversity today, if you’re wondering whether you should retreat or keep pressing on, I hope the verses below will give you strength, boldness, and courage to trust your Heavenly Father as you dare to keep going when everything else is trying to push you back.

—

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. - 1 Peter 5:10

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:12-13

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

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

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. - 2 Chronicles 15:7

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4:12-13

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. - Psalm 34:19

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12