Have your battle plan ready and memorize Bible verses for hard times because . . .
Whether you realize it or not, every day you answer the following questions:
- What do I believe about God?
- What do I believe about myself?
Yes, theology and identity decisions influence every part of your life, especially in difficult times.
Times of crisis can make us question our foundational truths. That’s why it’s important to ground yourself in God’s Word. Use these scriptures for difficult times to provide you with peace and comfort and help you defeat thoughts from the enemy.
Since the Garden of Eden, we all fight an enemy who wants us to fear, feel defeated, and give up. Arm yourself by memorizing these Bible verses for hard times.
3 Step Battle Plan for victory during difficult times
1. Remember
As a follower of Jesus, you must remember Who God is and what He has done in your life. He is faithful, compassionate, and merciful. He can take what is meant for harm and redeem it for good to help you become like Christ (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28-29). God will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6). His love never fails, even in times of crisis (Ps. 136).
Remember, as a dearly loved child of God in His forever family, your citizenship is not here but in heaven (Phil. 3:20). One day we’ll be with Jesus, where there is no more sickness, hidden agendas, betrayal, pain, or evil. Heaven is our true home.
Take action: Print the Crisis Memory Scriptures printable and review these Bible verses for hard times daily. Stand firm on the promises of scripture, knowing God is real, and the Bible is true.
2. Resist
Do not give in to fear. The enemy wants you to question God’s goodness and fear your future. God wants you to respond with selflessness, help your neighbors, and use hard times to display His light through us.
Caution: Fear and faith cannot coexist unless it is a healthy reverential fear of Our Lord. The type of respectful fear that compels us to no longer live for ourselves, but for Jesus (2 Cor. 5:15).
Take action: When you feel anxiety rising and fear closing in, pray with authority: “I am a child of God with victory over fear. By the authority of God’s word and the blood of Jesus Christ, I command all evil to flee and not return.” Your words are powerful. Use them to resist the enemy.
3. Respond
You can help redeem difficult times by responding to others with love, peace, and hope. Set a peaceful tone offering the hope found in Jesus, Our Great Savior.
Take action: Use the hard times to share the gospel and demonstrate God’s love to others. (Download the free ebook: 10 Steps to be a Disciple-Maker of Jesus for ways to start a spiritual conversation and easy steps to share the gospel.)
Each day, when you remember who God is and who you are in Christ, you can take action to make a difference. Remember, resist, and respond. Jesus is with you always, and He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
10 Bible Verses for Hard Times
Along with the 3 step battle plan, memorize these scriptures for difficult times—hard times will arise, so be prepared.
Remember WHO God is . . .
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Remember WHAT God does . . .
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).

Remember WHEN to cry out to God . . .
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)

Remember WHERE to go . . .
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Remember WHY we are tested . . .
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

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

Remember WHAT to do . . .
Have I not commanded you? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“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.” (Prov. 3:5-6)

Remember WHOSE battle this is . . .
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chron. 20:15)

Remember WHO wins in the end . . .
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Yes, Jesus has overcome the world! We pray from a position of victory—not for victory.
As life gets complicated, remember who God is, what He does, when to cry out, where to go, why we are tested, how to have peace, what to do, and whose battle this is.
Take action, and remember Jesus is walking with you every step of the way.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse for hard times? Let us know in the comments!