Troubling seasons are inevitable. Even Jesus said so. He also promised us help. So what does the Bible say about our suffering? What does God say about seasons where life is hard? Find the answer to those question and more.

When we are in the midst of challenging circumstances, it is essential to know where to turn. If you find yourself asking what the Bible has to say about your suffering, you are not alone in that curiosity. God has tons to say to us when we are suffering and struggling with life more challenging seasons.

As someone well acquainted with suffering myself, these are my tried and true verses that I turn to when I am feeling in over my head or bodged down with heavy emotions. It is my prayer that you will find a handful of verses to add to your own arsenal for when life gets hard.

So let’s jump in and answer the question - What does the Bible say about my suffering?

God Is Not The Source Of Suffering

“Do you know of any parent who would give his hungry child, who asked for food, a plate of rocks instead? Or when asked for a piece of fish, what parent would offer his child a snake instead? If you, imperfect as you are, know how to lovingly take care of your children and give them what’s best, how much more ready is your heavenly Father to give wonderful gifts to those who ask him?” Matthew 7:9-11 TPT
Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. 1 Peter 5:7-8 TPT

Suffering and pain were not part of the original plan. The statement “He’s a good Father” is so much more than just song lyrics. He actually is a good and kind and loving Father.

Sometimes we allow our kids to be uncomfortable so they can learn and grow, but none of us would actively cause our kids to suffer. If you wouldn’t do it to your own kid, why think He would do it to you?

When we are suffering, we must remember who we are and who He is. We are the children that He sent his own Son to die for to make our adoptions possible and official. We are loved, and He is good.

Our suffering is a result of a world that is broken and an enemy who is scheming against us.

Do you know God loves you? Do you really believe that? Do you believe He’s a huge fan of who you are? Do you know the Father cares about ALL the details of your life? Are you convinced that the details of your life, big and small, matter to Him? Joi…

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He Is Not Inactive

You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance. Psalm 56:8 TPT
Then tears streamed down Jesus’ face. John 11:35 TPT

Maybe you get that He is not the source of our troubles, but perhaps you struggle to see that He cares. I get that. I used to view the Father as this apathetic old guy in the sky who only showed interest in my and my life when I was messing up.

If you have a similar view, know this - we couldn’t be any more wrong. God cares deeply about the things that we care about. He sees our struggles, and He is not indifferent or unmoved regarding them.

Even amid trials and loss, He is working things for our good. He is on your side.

My favorite example of this is in John 11 when Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus had passed away. He saw the pain Lazarus’ sisters were enduring, and even though He knew He would raise Lazarus back to life, He was still moved to tears for the sake of His hurting friends.

God knows how things work out for your good in the end. Nevertheless, He is compassionate and moved by the things that weigh on you.

You Are Never Alone

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. John 14:26 AMP
God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble—more than enough and always available whenever I need you. So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea. Psalm 46:1-2 TPT
So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. Hebrews 4:16 TPT
When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, You will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you, for I am your Savior, Yahweh, your mighty God, the Holy One of Israel! Isaiah 43:2-3a TPT

This is one of the promises we find fulfilled in Holy Spirit. When we became believers, we had the spirit of God come and dwell within us. Jesus made way for God to be as close to you as possible, and now regardless of your circumstances, you are never alone in them.

You have a very present help in time of need. You have a lifeline and direct access to the throne of God anytime you need help and hope.

You have a mighty God who commands angel armies on your side fighting for you and walking through any and every loss, heartache, disappointment, rejection, and failure right along with you.

Greater Things Lay Ahead

I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us. Romans 8:18 TPT
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and eliminate death entirely. No one will mourn or weep any longer. The pain of wounds will no longer exist, for the old order has ceased.” Revelation 21:4 TPT

I know it can be hard to take your eyes off of the circumstances when we are hurting or struggling, but this the good news. Someday all of my loses, my failures, my disappointments, my moments of defeat, and all of my pain will be eclipsed by the good He has in store.

He has a redemptive plan on both a here and now scale and a grand scale. Here and now, this means that He is working things for our good. He is still working wonders and miracles. He is still healing and restoring.

On a grand scale, it means someday the source of our pain and loss and suffering will pay for the hurts caused to us. Revelation talks about this moment in heaven when all the saint gathers around to see the Father unleash true justice finally.

The Struggle Is Tough But So Are You

Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 TPT
Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 TPT

At salvation, you were redesigned to handle what life and the enemy throw at you. He does not cause it, but He has prepared you to thrive regardless of the circumstances that await you. He has given you tools and weapons as well as access to Him to help you get through it all.

If you need more help learning about the tool you have access to, we have a series on The Good Fight - How Not To Get Your Butt Kicked Spiritually that you can check out here.

I know the struggle can be really tough, but I also know that you are tougher. And with the Father on your side, there is nothing impossible for you.

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All the verses marked TPT shared in today post are taken from one of Mike and I’s favorite translations, The Passion Translation. We love this version and the heart behind it. The best part is the Kindle version is usually available on Amazon for under $10. Last time I checked, it was only $6.99! You can check it out here.