Suffering Scripture: The Passages That Strengthen You in Seasons of Pain
Framing verse: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you." (Isaiah 43:2)
Why We Need Suffering Scripture
If you're searching for encouragement in Scripture during suffering, you’re not alone—and you’re not without hope. Pain can leave us disoriented, questioning what’s true, wondering if God sees us. But the Bible never sidesteps suffering. In fact, suffering scripture weaves through nearly every page, reminding us that hardship does not mean abandonment. In our lowest valleys, God is not absent—He is present, speaking, and sustaining.
The world offers a variety of answers to pain—self-help, distraction, denial—but none of them heal like the truth of God’s Word. The Bible doesn’t give quick fixes. It gives lasting hope. In this post, we’ll look at suffering scripture that has anchored generations of believers through trials, losses, and unrelenting storms.
Top 15 Suffering Scriptures to Cling To
These verses aren’t meant to be rushed. Sit with them. Read them slowly. Let them interrupt the lies that pain loves to whisper. If one speaks to you, write it down or pray it back to God. His Word never returns empty.
1. Romans 8:18
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
Truth: Your current pain is real—but it’s not permanent. There is a glory coming that will make this moment feel light by comparison.
2. Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Truth: If your heart feels crushed, you’re not failing. You’re seen. God is closest when we are lowest.
3. Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Truth: You are being held, even when you feel like you’re falling apart.
4. 2 Corinthians 4:17–18
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…"
Truth: Even suffering has a purpose. God is using what hurts to prepare something eternal and beautiful.
5. 1 Peter 5:10
"After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
Truth: God will not leave your suffering unfinished. His grace is active, restoring and strengthening you.
6. John 16:33
"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Truth: Jesus did not promise ease—He promised victory. Take heart. He has already overcome what threatens to overcome you.
7. Lamentations 3:22–23
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning…"
Truth: You may feel empty today, but new mercies are already on the way. You are not forgotten.
8. Hebrews 4:15–16
"We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses… Let us then with confidence draw near…"
Truth: Jesus understands your pain. He entered it Himself. You can come to Him boldly—even broken.
9. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
"The God of all comfort… comforts us in all our affliction."
Truth: Comfort is not a concept—it’s a Person. And He’s with you, right now.
10. Job 1:21
"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
Truth: Faith in suffering doesn’t always sound cheerful. Sometimes it sounds like worship through tears.
11. James 1:2–4
"Count it all joy… when you meet trials… for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…"
Truth: Trials can grow a kind of endurance in you that easy days never could.
12. Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…"
Truth: God’s presence doesn’t just lead you to the mountaintop—it walks with you through the valley.
13. Romans 5:3–5
"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance… character… and hope…"
Truth: There is a chain reaction happening in your pain—and it ends in hope that will not disappoint.
14. Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…"
Truth: You are not drowning. You are not alone. God is with you through it all.
15. Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe away every tear… death shall be no more… neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…"
Truth: This isn’t forever. Suffering has an expiration date. Glory doesn’t.
What If These Verses Don’t Feel True Yet?
That’s okay. Feeling the truth and believing the truth aren’t always the same. God doesn’t ask you to fake emotions or pretend the pain isn’t real. He just asks you to keep coming back—to His Word, His presence, and His promises. Healing can be slow. But it is happening.
If your suffering feels too much to carry, consider connecting with one of our coaches. Or explore these courses built to walk with you through grief, anxiety, and shame:
A Simple Practice for When You’re in Pain
Breathe: Inhale slowly: “God, You are here.” Exhale: “You are holding me.”
Read one verse: Choose from the list above. Whisper it. Let it land.
Respond: Write or pray one honest sentence. That’s enough for today.
God meets you in the small. His Word works deep, even when it works slow.
A Prayer for the Suffering
Father, I don’t understand this pain, but I believe You’re still good. Be near to me now.
Jesus, thank You that You didn’t avoid suffering—you entered it. Walk with me through mine.
Holy Spirit, remind me what’s true when everything feels dark. Help me trust You, one breath at a time.
Amen.
You Do Not Have to Suffer Alone
We know pain. But more importantly, we know the God who redeems it. If you need someone to walk with you, we’re here. Our courses, coaching, and community are rooted in truth, shaped by grace, and gentle with your journey.
Reach out. Healing may not come overnight, but you don’t have to wait alone.
