Memorize this one
Isaiah 40:29-31
29He gives strength to the weary, And to the one who lacks might He increases power. 30Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
God gives power to the tired. Those who wait for the Lord gain new strength, to run and not grow weary, to walk and not faint.
Say it from the first letters, then from memory. Joy brings it back on the days you need it. Memorize Scripture in Joy
7 more verses about strength in hard times
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble.
God is our refuge and strength, a help that is always there in trouble. Not distant help, present help.
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Christ told Paul His grace is enough, because His power is perfected in weakness. You don’t have to feel strong for His strength to show.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Paul can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. He wrote it from prison, about getting through both plenty and need.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.”
Be strong and courageous, because the Lord goes with you. He will not leave you or abandon you.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
My body and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
Outwardly we wear down, but inwardly we are renewed day by day. Today’s trouble is light next to the glory ahead.
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
When you pass through the waters and walk through the fire, God is with you. The promise is His presence, not a way around.
A prayer to start with
Father, I’m worn out. I don’t have strength left for [name what’s hard]. You promise strength to the weary, so I’m asking for it now. Be my refuge and my present help in this trouble. When my heart fails, be the strength of my heart. Let Your grace be enough for today, and renew me on the inside even when everything on the outside is wearing down. Help me wait for You and keep walking. Amen.
A sample prayer in our words, not a Bible quotation. Pray it as it is or in your own.
Questions people ask
What does the Bible say about strength in hard times?
It says God gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:29) and is a present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Strength in Scripture comes from God’s presence, not from willpower.
Does Philippians 4:13 mean I can do anything?
In context Paul is talking about contentment whether he has plenty or nothing (Philippians 4:11-12). It promises strength to endure any circumstance, not to achieve any goal.
What should I pray when I feel weak?
Be honest. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says Christ’s power is perfected in weakness. Tell God where you’re weak and ask for grace for today, not for the whole road.