9 Inspirational Bible Verses About Strength To Get Through Hard Times

One thing we all learn is that life can be tough. 

And in today’s climate, it can be especially tough to find the strength to even get out of bed, let alone face our problems. 

So how do we find the strength to carry on?

It’s not uncommon for people to find themselves in less-than-ideal situations in which they succumb to their problems. But we have to remember strength doesn’t develop overnight.

There are many ways that people find strength. For Christians (or any person of religious faith), strength can come from having an intimate relationship with a higher power.

Today, we'll look at what being strong means, as well as Bible verses about strength to help you through tough times.

What does it mean to be strong?

The official definition of strength is the state or quality of being physically or mentally strong, or the ability to withstand or exert great force, stress, or pressure. 

With that in mind, it’s important to define the difference between strength and aggression. 

Aggression occurs when people are acting in defense, while strength is quite the opposite. Avoiding real resolution to a conflict, people resort to violence or aggressive behavior when they do not feel strong enough to resolve the situation. 

The purpose of aggression is to cover weakness. On the other hand, the power and skills of individuals with strength allow them to take control of situations in a healthy manner and bring them to a conclusion without acting aggressively. 

The secret to strength is understanding what suffering feels like and being able to connect with others. Those who are strong don't hide from their weaknesses but embrace them as part of who they are. 

For someone who is religious, their heart trusts in the name of the Lord. They know that God is the deliverer of strength. 

Mental and physical strength can be considered one and the same. If you lose a week's worth of sleep, even the most psychologically strong person could break down mentally. 

Together, physical strength and mental fortitude form a strong individual.

What the Bible says about strength

But what does God's word say about strength? 

The Bible is full of stories about strong individuals who overcame hardships. In fact, the word strength and its derivatives are mentioned over 360 times in the Bible, applying to both natural and supernatural strength.

The Greek word katei means “power, strength, might.” 

The Bible often attributes strength to the Lord God’s power. According to Jeremiah 9:23–24, the strength we have is not our own. 

In the verse, the Bible says, “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength . . . but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23–24). 

The unlimited power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is the source of strength for those who belong to Him. We find our strength and focus in the Lord and in having a long-lasting relationship with Him.

When we draw from God's strength every day, we’ll find in Him an endless source of strength and hope.

Bible verses about strength

We could all use a little more strength and courage in our lives. If you're looking for Bible verses about strength for a physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual need, here is a collection you can use in your Bible study. 

Popular Bible verses about strength 

There are hundreds of verses about strength in the Bible. There are, however, verses that resonate more than others. The following verses are useful when you need that extra strength boost: 

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

“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).

Short Bible verses about strength

The Bible has several short verses on strength to give you quick inspiration when you need it. Some of our favorites include: 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10).

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless" (Isaiah 40:29).

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

Bible verses about strength during hard times

In times of trouble, we require the most strength. When you're going through a difficult time in your life, you can always turn to these encouraging Bible verses for comfort and strength. 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging" (Psalm 46:1-3).

"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

He gives us strength when we’re weak

Even when it seems impossible, we have to hold on to our strength.

Being strong means holding onto faith when all hope seems lost and embracing the Lord’s power regardless of the circumstances. 

We often seek encouragement from family and friends when we feel down. The word of God, however, offers many meaningful verses and stories that can motivate many people to pluck up their courage. 

We can gain strength from scripture when we have faith in its ability to reach us, even when we believe our strength can’t be recovered.

If we stand firm in our belief that our strength comes from the Heavenly Father, then there’s nothing we can’t do. 

For more Bible verses about strength, download the pray.com app in the iOS App Store or Google Play.