Scriptures and Hymns for Times of Trouble

I recently posted Scripture and Christians Songs for Times of Trouble.  When I shared it on Facebook, I asked what songs or hymns encourage others in difficult times.  All of the responses were hymns.  I hadn't even gotten to those yet.  Here are some of their replies as well as some hymns that have helped me through tough times.

Day by Day

by Lina Sandell in 1865

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father�s wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow�r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
�As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,�
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith�s sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E�er to take, as from a father�s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.


Deuteronomy 33:25 Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

It Is Well With My Soul

by Horatio Spafford in 1873

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

But, Lord, �tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Bless�d hope, bless�d rest of my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

See the full hymn study for It Is Well With My Soul here.

Like a River Glorious

by Francis Havergal in 1876

Like a river glorious, is God�s perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way.

Refrain
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

Refrain

Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do.
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

Refrain

Isaiah 48:18 (KJV) O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Nahum 1:7  (KJV) The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

It Will Be Worth it All When We See Jesus

by Esther K. Rusthoi in 1941

Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We�re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God�s eternal day!

CHORUS:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life�s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.

At times the sky seems dark,
with not a ray of light;
We�re tossed and driven on,
no human help in sight.
But there is One in heaven,
Who knows our deepest care;
Let Jesus solve your problems,
just go to him in prayer.

Life�s day will soon be o�er,
all storms forever past;
We�ll cross the great divide
to Glory, safe at last!
We�ll share the joys of heaven:
a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished,
We�ll lay our burdens down.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,

Do We Care for Hurting Christians?

Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. 

Not too long ago, I read a blog post by a friend called �Does Anyone Hear Her?� that has been on my mind ever since. The following quote hit me hard:

�I have reached out in MANY different ways over the last six years�but no one has reached back�it brings GREAT sadness to my heart.�

My initial reaction was from memories of others feeling like no one in their church cares about them. Yet, the more I thought about it, I was convicted of times when I didn�t reach out to others because it was out of my comfort zone. So, I started looking up verses about the body of Christ and how we should treat others in it. Here is what I�ve learned from this reflection and study of both personal experience and God�s Word.

1. We are members of a body.

All believers are members of the body of Christ (Romans 12:5). Therefore, when someone is suffering, all suffer with him (1 Corinthians 12:26). Christians are to be recognized for their love for one another (John 13:35). If we ignore someone�s signs of suffering or hurting, what does that say about our spiritual health? The one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20). If someone leaves our local body of Christ, it should feel as if a limb has been removed. Do we show the one that leaves that we feel that way?

2. We are responsible to help each other.

As members of the local body of Christ (Romans 12:5), we are responsible to help each other through their trials. Galatians 6:2 says, �Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.� We can�t push that responsibility off on the church leaders, people who are closer friends with the hurting, or those who go to the same Sunday School class or Bible study. If we notice that they are hurting, it is our responsibility to reach out to them. James 4:17 says �Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.�

3. We should care for emotional and spiritual needs, not just physical ones.

1 John 3:17 says �But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?� God�s love takes care of more than our physical needs, so couldn�t the verse also apply to other needs? Maybe we could rephrase it this way: �If someone has the capacity to help another and refuses, can God�s love really be in him?� By all means, help with someone�s physical needs, but if you notice deeper needs then try to care for them as well. The main reasons that emotional needs are not met is that we are not comfortable with asking someone about personal things, we don�t notice that they are hurting, and we don�t know how to help them.

4. Others� needs are more important than your comfort zone.
In our society, people tend to be private and it can be seen as meddlesome to interfere when we weren�t asked. That is one of the reasons that caring for the hurting can take me out of my comfort zone. But am I putting my comfort above the other person�s pain? I have done this by excusing myself that I am not good enough at dealing with these things or that God wouldn�t expect me to do something so hard for me. These thoughts are selfish and show that I was putting myself above others (Philippians 2:3-4). I�m sure it was out of Jesus� comfort zone to hang around sinners, but He did so because He loved them. That is the attitude we must emulate (Philippians 2:5-8).

5. Recognize others� signs of hurting.

People don�t often ask for help when they are hurting. Sometimes they don�t want to gossip about the situation causing their pain. Sometimes they don�t think anyone really cares. Sometimes they just don�t know how to ask. Whatever the reason, we should be aware of other peoples� more subtle cries for help: vague prayer requests, emotionally distant, less involvement in activities or ministries, decreased attendance, body language that shows signs of hurt or frustration. Once you are aware (or suspect) that someone is hurting, you are responsible to care for them.

6. Encourage others as God encouraged Elijah.

After the spiritual victory at Mt. Carmel, Elijah went through a very low time. He was being chased by Jezebel and very depressed. However, first an angel and then God Himself encouraged him (1 Kings 19). The article Practical Ways to Encourage People Who Are Hurting  shows that God first met Elijah�s physical needs. Then, He showed Himself to be a gentle presence. Last, God reminded Elijah that He had a plan and that others would be there to help him. When we�re uncertain of how to help someone, try meeting some physical need (like taking them out to dinner), then just be a gentle presence, reminding them that God is there and so are you.

7. Attempting feebly is better than ignoring someone�s pain.

If you�re not sure if someone is hurting, reach out anyway. Recently, I thought someone was hurting and sent a note to encourage them. Turns out that everything was fine and I read the signals wrong (which can happen when you look at things through the lens of your own past experiences). I was thankful that everything was fine, but I was also a little embarrassed for having �meddled.� Yet, as I took time to think about it, I don�t regret my attempt to show love. I�m still learning how best to reach out, but it certainly can�t hurt to let someone know that they were missed or that you love them. It doesn�t hurt to ask if everything is OK or if there is something you can do for them. You don�t have to be nosy and ask what�s going on, just show that you care. The worst that can happen is that the other person sees that you notice them and love them.

8. Don�t stop trying.

Maybe, like me, you�ve neglected to reach out to others in the past. If you have, don�t give up. Maybe it�s not too late to reach out to that person. Even if it is too late to help that person, don�t be discouraged over your failures. Instead, learn from them and use them to motivate you to help the next person.


In John 21, Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. When Peter affirms that he does (though he acknowledges that his human love is weak and feeble), Jesus tells him to tend and shepherd His sheep. Jesus was not telling Peter to become a pastor. He was simply telling him that to show love to Christ we must care for His disciples. We should care for other believers in the same way a shepherd cares for his sheep. Not as the hired hand who runs away at the first sign of trouble "because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep� (John 10:13). Instead, we should get down on our knees to tend to their physical needs (Psalm 23:5). We should notice their needs and care for them (Ezekiel 34:16). We should earn their trust (John 10:4). We should guide them with gentleness (Isaiah 40:11). Just like the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us (John 10:14-15).

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Scripture and Christians Songs for Times of Trouble

Death of a loved one.  Failed hopes.  Fears about a health problem.  Broken relationships.  Betrayal by friends.  Everyone goes through times of trouble.  Sometimes we ask God why.  Sometimes we just want to cry.  Here are some Scriptures and songs that have helped me through my times of  trouble.

Blessings by Laura Story

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Romans 5:3-5 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Never Alone by Barlow Girl

I waited for you today
But you didn't show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?
You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?

[Chorus:]
I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I"m never alone

And though I cannot see You
And I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life

We cannot separate
'Cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen

[Chorus]

We cannot separate
You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen

[Chorus]



Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Hebrews 13:5-6 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"

Even If by Kutless

Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are

Even if the healing doesn't come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn't come

Lord we know Your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who You are
Even though You reign high above us
You tenderly love us
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are

Even if the healing doesn't come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn't come

You�re still the Great and Mighty One
We trust You always
You�re working all things for our good
We�ll sing your praise

Even if the healing doesn't come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn't come

You are God and we will bless You
As the Good and Faithful One
You are God and we will bless You
Even if the healing doesn't come
Even if the healing doesn't come

Daniel 3:17-18 "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire ; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.


Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."


Job 13:15 "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him."

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) by Chris Tomlin

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Isaiah 52:12 But you will not go out in haste, Nor will you go as fugitives; For the LORD will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

John 15:14-15 "You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."

What Bible verses and songs have comforted you in times of trials?

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