There are days when you no longer have any strength and wonder what it is all for. The Bible knows such days – it tells of Elijah, Job, Jeremiah, and David, who stood exactly there. Here you will find 20 Bible verses for courage in life. And please: If you no longer know what to do, do not stay alone with it. The telephone counseling service is available free of charge around the clock: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222.
When you can't go on
People in the Bible who were at the end of their strength.
-
But he went into the wilderness a day's journey, and went in and sat down under a broom bush, and prayed that his soul might die, and said: It is enough, so now, LORD, take away my soul; for I am no better than my fathers.
1 Kings 19:4
-
And he lay down and slept under the broom bush. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him: Arise and eat! And he looked around, and behold, beside his head lay roasted bread and a jar of water. And when he had eaten and drunk, he lay down again to sleep. And the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said: Arise and eat! for you have a great way before you.
1 Kings 19:5-7Exhaustion
-
Why are you sad, O my soul, and why are you so troubled within me? Hope in God! for I shall yet give thanks to Him, that He helps me with His countenance.
-
For my soul is full of sorrow, and my life is near death.
Psalm 88:4
-
Why am I not dead from my mother's womb? Why am I not perished when I came out of her body?
Job 3:11
-
Why did I come out of my mother's womb, that I should see such sorrow and heartache, and spend my days in shame!
Jeremiah 20:18
-
LORD, be gracious to me, for I am afraid; my form is brought low with sorrow, even my soul and my body.
-
For we will not hide from you, beloved brethren, our affliction which befell us in Asia, when we were exceedingly troubled and oppressed, even to the point that we despaired of life and had determined in our hearts that we should die. But this was so that we should not set our hope on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9
God holds fast
Assurances for dark days.
-
Why are you sad, O my soul, and why are you so troubled within me? Hope in God! for I shall yet give thanks to Him, that He is the comfort of my heart and my God.
-
Though my body and soul fail, yet art Thou, O God, the comfort of my heart and my portion.
Psalm 73:26ExhaustionHeart
-
He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoldering wick. He will teach righteousness to be continually upheld.
-
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalm 34:19LonelinessSuffering
-
And though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
-
For though You pass through the waters, I will be with you; the rivers shall not overwhelm you. And though you pass through fire, you shall not burn, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2SufferingGod's nearness
-
If I say, Darkness shall cover me! then also night shall be light around me. For darkness is not darkness to You, and night shines as the day; darkness is as light.
Psalm 139:11-12Evening and nightWinter
-
I waited patiently for the LORD; and He bent down to me and heard my cry, and delivered me out of the terrible pit, out of the mire, and set my feet upon a rock, that I might surely tread.
Psalm 40:2-3
-
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28ExhaustionComforter
-
The LORD's goodness is that we are not utterly consumed; His mercy has no end, it is new every morning, and Your faithfulness is great.
-
We are afflicted in all respects, yet we are not utterly consumed; we are dismayed, but we do not despair; we are persecuted, but we are not forsaken; we are oppressed, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9HopeEncouragement
-
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
Psalm 118:17
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
Related Topics
This might be for you
Sometimes a card can help show: You are not alone. The postcard "Feel Embraced" is made just for that.
Feel Embraced - PostcardA postcard that sends a hug when you cannot be there yourself.€2
Easy Yoke Fleece HalfzipSoft fleece halfzip from the Easy Yoke collection for quiet days.€68
Broken Hearted - LongsleeveLongsleeve for Psalm 34:19: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.€48
Promises - PostcardPostcard from the Promises series – for a verse you would like to speak over someone.€2
Elijah under the broom bush
Elijah had just experienced a great victory – and then ran into the wilderness, sat down under a broom bush, and said: "It is enough, so now, LORD, take away my soul" (1 Kings 19:4). God did not answer with a sermon. An angel woke him, gave him bread and water, and let him sleep again. Only when Elijah was strengthened did he continue. This story shows: God takes exhaustion and weariness of life seriously – and he cares first for what the body needs.
Seeking help is not a lack of faith
The Bible is full of people who honestly say that they can no longer go on – and of God, who holds them. At the same time, it shows that help often comes through people: through a friend, a messenger, a community. If dark thoughts persist, it is important to talk about it with someone – with trusted people, a counselor, a doctor, or a physician. The telephone counseling service (0800 111 0 111) and the emergency number 112 are available at any time. You can find more verses for difficult times at Bible verses for comfort, Bible verses for dry seasons, and Bible verses against loneliness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible verse helps when you no longer have courage in life?
Many find strength in Psalm 42:12, Psalm 73:26, Isaiah 42:3 ("He will not break the bruised reed") and Matthew 11:28. But it is also important to seek support from people.
Where can I get immediate help?
In Germany, the telephone counseling service is available free of charge around the clock at 0800 111 0 111 and 0800 111 0 222, also via chat. In case of acute danger, dial the emergency number 112.
