Scriptures for Storms of Life
“Storms of life” is the perfect phrase for the trials we face. Much like a hurricane, storms of life can hit with a little to no warning. While a storm is raging, we go into survival mode. Doing anything we can to meet the basic needs. It’s not until the storm passes that we walk outside and survey the damage. That’s when we are left with all the aftermath of the storm. Wondering, “How we will put it all back together?” and “What it will look like when we are done?”
Storms of life are very much the same. Crisis hits and we are simply trying to survive – physically, emotionally and mentally. Once the crisis passes we are left with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, much like the aftermath of the storm.
The pain experienced in the midst of a storm is overwhelming and intense. But, the character and promises of God remain the same despite the circumstances you’re facing.
The unchanging character of God and His promises are the only way to find comfort in the uncomfortable. Pain and suffering are a part of the experience this side of heaven. However, the truth found in Scripture is a light to our path in dark seasons.
Scriptures for the Storms of Life
1. Strength for the Weary
Valleys have a way of suffocating strength. As we try to climb our way to a mountaintop, exhaustion overtakes us. Strength for the weary is a promise of God.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. -Isaiah 40:29-31
2. Clarity for the Confused
Dark seasons feel confusing. Storms of life have a way of upsetting even the best laid plans. Just like the aftermath of a storm is a disaster, so is the destruction from a storm of life. It’s hard to know where to begin. Our God is not a God of disorder (1 Corinthians 14:33). His Word sheds light…
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. -Psalms 119:130
3. Reinforcements for the Overwhelmed
During trials, feelings of overwhelm are often part of the experience. It’s easy to believe the situation is simply too much. Whatever you are faced with right now, is not too much for God.
Jesus looked at them and said, “with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” -Matthew 19:26
4. No More Loneliness
Storms of life are usually accompanied by feelings of loneliness and isolation. We might think nobody understands or has felt this way before – but, Jesus promises to be with us in the midst of the storm. We can trust that we are never alone.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:20b
5. Help for the Helpless
As feelings of overwhelm, loneliness and confusion fill our heart, feelings of helplessness might set in. Much like a storm, we experience a loss of control, desperately wanting life to feel normal and the storm to pass. We have the promise of help.
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. -Isaiah 41:13.
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. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; Psalm 121:1-3
6. Trust in God’s Plans
This is usually my biggest challenge as I walk through a difficult season. I worry about God’s future plans for my life. What will it all look like after the storm? It can seem like things will never improve – but history proves otherwise. God has always come through, proving His trustworthiness and faithfulness for the future.
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
7. Trusting God’s Protection
When life takes an unexpected twist and results in pain and loss we might doubt God’s protection. The “why” questions pop up- “why would God allow this?” We must resolve to cling to His Character when we doubt His Protection. Always remembering He knows so much more than we know and is working in ways we cannot see.
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. -Proverbs 18:10
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him… -Nahum 1:7
8. Trusting God’s Purpose
In God’s economy, nothing is wasted. He promises to use “all” things for our good. “All” things include storms of life.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who have love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28
You might also enjoy “Finding Purpose in the Pain”.
9. Grasping Onto Guidance
Storms of life can be like having the rug ripped out from under you. Life as you knew it can change in a single moment -leaving you bewildered and uncertain about the next step. While things may seem uncertain – God will guide you.
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in the sun -scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose water’s never fail. -Isaiah 58:11
10. Patience
During a trial, I’m dying to move past it. I become impatient with the process and the pain. God whispers, “Be still” (Psalm 46:10). Lean into the discomfort. God is doing something, we just can’t see it yet.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. -Romans 12:12
11. Much Needed Hope
When I was learning to drive, my dad taught me to look down the road way ahead of the car. He said, “it’s easier that way”. I like to apply this to eternity… -being mindful to look forward to eternity. A time when there will be no more tears… Forever. One day -these storms of life will no longer be our reality.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. -2 Corinthians 4:17
12. Trading Defeat for Victory
Standing in the middle of a storm feels like anything other than victorious. I encourage you – don’t trust your feelings in this situation. Rather, trust that if you are in Christ, you are already victorious.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
-2 Corinthians 4:8-9
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. -1 John 5:4
Know, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
– Romans 8:37
Wrapping Up Storms of Life
If it was up to me, I would cancel my storms of my life. However, that would be settling for less. God uses storms for our good -removing the destruction and making a way for something new to be born.
Favorite Promise in the Midst of Storms of Life…
“In the same way I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born”, says the Lord. -Isaiah 66:9 (NCV)
FREE Bible Study on “Finding Purpose in the Pain” in the Resource Library! Don’t miss it…
What encouraging verses would you add to the list? Leave a comment below.
Thank you so much! I was finally able to sit down this morning, uninterrupted, and read through these scriptures. What a blessing God’s word is! I have been so encouraged! Thank you for sharing!
So glad to hear you were encouraged, Susan:) Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Storms of life may not be enjoyable, but it is those storms that make us grow closer to God.
Yes! You are absolutely right, Marilyn!
The way you described the storm and the aftermath of it is so beautiful and insightful. Knowing that we are never tempted above what we can endure is so comforting. Indeed we are pressed but not crushed.
You are a blessing. Thank you so much.
I started life in Ireland. My Father was an alcoholic. If I described the detail of that experience you would be horrified! That lasted for eighteen years daily. I left home to England having made all the arrangements alone..I believe that storm was over! Yet I was plunged into another one soon. I got married and in the first year became pregnant. I was sick for nine months and gave birth to a severely disabled son. All through my life I had pain. Physical first of all and lately emotional. Since I can remember I have severe back pain caused by physical work that was too heavy for my build. I have to travel wearing five heat pads on my back and hold myself off the seat by my arms. I have had colitis for twenty three years. And now a heart problem. My husband says he has never known a time when I was without pain or seeing a Doctor.
In the midst of these health problems we embarked on a futile business venture which bankrupted us.
I keep waiting for each storm to pass, but all I get is another one, more intense that the last. The latest is our daughter’s marriage has broken up with her husband having fathered an illegitimate child by his mistress, after deserting his four beautiful children and wife.
Yet God has been with me all through the storms loving, guiding encouraging, being my rock and salvation.Sunshyne you are the latest blessing from him. There is not enough room to explain all I would like to share it Gods Love is steadfast. I have a beautiful daughter, and four lovely gifted grandchildren a joy. He allowed me to help others on their journey.
[…] Bible verses about resilience, ask God to show you how He is moving in you and through you in the storms of life you are facing. Additionally, I encourage you to look back over your life and remember the mighty works of God in […]