20 Bible verses to help us rejoice in trials
Rejoicing amidst our trials is one of the most challenging parts of becoming a Christian. This is difficult to smile and see the bright side when we are in pain and clueless about what to do next.
We often feel so down and hopeless because it seems impossible to solve our problems.
It is difficult to find joy when everything seems to be falling apart.
Understanding trials and tribulations in biblical perspectives
We all face different kinds of trials. Some are grieving and longing for the death of their loved ones, while others are struggling with their financial problems.
Other Christians are dealing with broken relationships with their loved ones or depression from losing jobs.
Why does a loving God allow us to suffer through trials?
Our trials and tribulations have a divine purpose. Romans 8:28 says God works all things together for good. It means He allows these things as part of His work for us.
Moreover, God’s primary goal is for His children to mature and become more like Jesus. Everything we experience, including the good and bad times, is intended to achieve our purpose.
Thus, we experience trials and tribulations because these are part of the process of sanctification.
It refines our character traits of endurance and patience. Our faith could grow deeper and stronger through our struggles.
Bible verses to help us find joy in trials
However, God’s words are true and alive, giving us hope and wisdom as we respond to our trials.
God would never give us problems that we could not bear. He is faithful and will never leave nor forsake us.
Thus, despite our difficulties in dealing with our trials, we could still praise God for His goodness and rejoice in His presence.
Here are some helpful verses in the Bible to help us rejoice amidst our struggles.
- “ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”- Philippians 4:4
- “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad” - Psalm 118:24
- “Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” - John 16:24
- You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. - Psalm 32:7
- “And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10b
- “Shout and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” - Isaiah 12:6
- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13
- “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” - James 1:2-3
- “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice since you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” - 1 Peter 4:12-13
- “In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” - 1 Peter 1:6-7
- “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” - Romans 5:3-4
- “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”- James 1:12
- “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.” - Luke 6:23
- “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18
- “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” -2 Corinthians 4:16-17
- “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” - Hebrews 12:2-3
- “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
- “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” - Acts 5:41
- “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” - Colossians 1:24
How to rejoice amidst trials
God’s words are alive and strong enough to empower us to see good things amidst our circumstances. We should also learn how to live with His words and hold on to His promises.
Here are some ways that could help us rejoice amidst our trials.
Understand worldly vs. God’s joy
It is better first to understand that the pleasure this world can offer is temporary. It is nothing to the joy that comes from God.
The joy that comes from the Lord cannot be taken away and this could give us peace amidst chaos and wisdom in our doubts.
Pray to God
One of the reasons why it is difficult to rejoice amidst our trials is that we tend to do it all alone.
We could ask our Heavenly Father early in the morning because God hears our voice. Then, we can wait expectantly (Psalms 5:3).
Besides, we should be thankful for our circumstances. No matter how hard and painful, God uses these to refine our character and fulfill His purpose.
More importantly, when we pray, we can ask for wisdom in dealing with our trials.
Trust and obey
After surrendering all our sufferings to God, we must trust that He is faithful and His promises are true. Then, we should obey His will and commands.
When we follow the Lord, He is generous enough to give us more than we ask for.
Furthermore, those who obey the Lord and leave it all in His hands are more joyful and peaceful than those who only trust themselves to overcome their trials.
Better to suffer with God than to suffer alone
Nothing is better than being with God and facing all trials and tribulations than struggling alone. We can never conquer difficulties without God by our side.
Such Bible verses remind us that our Heavenly Father may allow us to suffer, but He will never leave or forsake us. He allows pain, sickness, grief, and brokenness for our good.
Instead of asking why you have to face trials, ask what God is trying to teach you amidst these sufferings.
