Where do you turn in your most difficult moments?

In our culture of instant gratification, many people respond to suffering by turning to distractions like social media, television, or spending money on food, experiences, or material items. These activities can keep our minds off our problems for a short while, but they can’t bring true healing or ultimate comfort. In fact, they often leave us feeling emptier and lonelier than ever.

God’s Word doesn’t gloss over the difficult parts of life. In fact, God addresses the challenges we face in a broken world directly. He understands our hearts and he cares about our suffering. His love for us is ultimately expressed in Jesus Christ, who became a human and faced all the same trials, temptations, and suffering that we do, but did not sin.

Because of Jesus’s perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, we are offered life in all its fullness through him. This means that even in our most difficult moments, we can be assured that our hope in Jesus cannot be shaken. And the Bible is our reminder that God is always ready to offer us comfort and strength for every challenge we face.

If you need a reminder of God’s love today, here are seven verses for your most difficult moments.

When you’re mourning.

Throughout our lives, we mourn many heartbreaks. We lose loved ones to illness or tragic accidents; we move away from beloved homes and communities; we experience the end of beloved friendships and relationships. When you’re grieving, you can rest in the truth that God is near and find hope in his eternal promises in Jesus Christ.

The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18 GNT

When you need to make a decision.

Decision making can leave you frozen in fear or exhausted from uncertainty. Too often, it can feel like you could ruin your whole life with one wrong choice. But the Bible reminds us that God guides our path through life. All we need to do is trust him and follow his commandments faithfully, and he will show us the right way.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. Proverbs 3:5–7 GNT

When you’re feeling anxious.

Anxiety and fear can cast a shadow over your everyday life. You might find yourself getting stuck in a whirlwind of worries without a way to escape. Scripture invites us to leave all our worries with God. We can be honest about our fears because he loves us. And we can leave our anxieties with him because he promises to work all things together for our good.

Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 GNT

When you’re feeling depressed.

If anxiety feels like a whirlwind of worries, depression can feel like a deep, dark cave. Sometimes, we can’t see past the next week, or day, or hour. Life feels heavy on our shoulders, and our minds can’t escape the suffering we experience. God’s Word encourages us by helping us look past our present circumstances. In Scripture, we have God’s promise that his plans for us are good. We can trust that he will walk beside us through valleys of depression and restore our hope through Jesus Christ.

“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 GNT

When you’re worried about a loved one who doesn’t know Jesus.

You know the person—the child, sibling, friend, or neighbor you’ve talked to over and over again. Despite the many times you’ve shared the good news of Jesus with them, they just won’t listen. You’ve prayed for them without ceasing. But they don’t seem to have any interest in the gospel. Your deepest desire is that this loved one would come to know Jesus, but as of right now, you don’t see any signs of hope. In these difficult moments, Scripture comforts us with the truth that the Holy Spirit changes people’s hearts. We are called to share the gospel, but God brings people to faith in Jesus Christ. We can trust him as we continue to witness to those around us and pray for their salvation.

We are simply God’s servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5b–7 GNT

When you’re feeling angry.

Anger can derail your day and harm your relationships with people around you. In moments of frustration, you might struggle to pause and consider what God has to say about anger. But the Bible contains many warnings about anger that can guide us when we’re overwhelmed. Through God’s wisdom, we can discern between righteous anger and sinful anger and avoid letting anger take over our day.

Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble. Psalm 37:8 GNT

When you’re feeling alone.

If you feel stranded in loneliness, God’s Word reminds you that with God, you are never alone. No matter what, God promises to be with you and give you comfort and courage. This truth from Scripture is one you can carry with you through every difficult moment you face.

“The LORD himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid.” Deuteronomy 31:8 GNT