Life isn’t always easy, and the Bible addresses why bad things happen. Today, we’ll see how God’s Word provides perspective and hope.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Divine Healings
What Does The Bible Say About Bad Things
Ecclesiastes 7:14
“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.”
This verse reminds us that both good and bad times are part of the human experience, and they are ultimately under God’s control. It encourages us to find contentment and trust in God, even during difficult circumstances, knowing that He is sovereign over all things.
While we may not understand the reasons behind the bad things that happen, we can have faith that God has a purpose and He can bring beauty out of ashes.
Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
In times of trouble and distress, this verse offers comfort and assurance. It reminds us that God hears the cries of His people and is actively involved in their lives. He is near to those who are hurting and brokenhearted, offering comfort and salvation.
Through these words, we are encouraged to reach out to God in our times of trouble, knowing that He is faithful to deliver and provide solace to those who seek Him.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus acknowledged that the world is filled with trouble and hardships. However, He brings a message of hope – the promise of peace that can only be found in Him. Despite the tribulations we face, we can find solace in Christ’s victory over the world.
These words assure us that in the midst of bad things, we can have an unshakable peace through our faith in Jesus, who has triumphed over every adversity.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul shares his own experiences of enduring hardships and adversity. Though faced with numerous challenges, he highlights the resilience and unwavering faith of believers in Christ.
This verse teaches us that even in the face of bad things, we can find strength and hope in God, who sustains us through every trial and ensures that we are not completely overwhelmed or destroyed.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This powerful verse assures us that even in the midst of bad things, God is at work, orchestrating His plans for our ultimate good. It reminds us that as believers, we are part of His purpose, and He is working all things together for our benefit.
While we may not always understand why bad things happen, this verse encourages us to trust in God’s sovereign wisdom and goodness, knowing that He can bring beauty out of the most challenging circumstances.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
This beloved Psalm offers solace and reassurance during times of darkness and difficulty. It reminds us that even in the midst of bad things, we have nothing to fear because God is with us.
Just as a shepherd guides and protects his sheep, God’s presence and comfort provide us with strength, peace, and the confidence to navigate through life’s most challenging moments.
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
These words of Isaiah remind us of God’s unwavering presence and protection in the face of adversity. They speak of His faithfulness to guide us through the deepest waters and the fiercest fires, so that we remain untouched and unharmed.
Even in the midst of bad things, we can take comfort in the assurance that God is with us, shielding us from harm and strengthening us to overcome every obstacle.
Psalm 119:71
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
While it may be counterintuitive, this verse prompts us to consider the value of affliction and adversity. The psalmist recognizes that through experiencing difficulties, he gained a deeper understanding of God’s commands and teachings.
Bad things can serve as catalysts for growth, leading us to seek God more earnestly and teaching us valuable lessons that shape our character and deepen our faith.
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
In this powerful passage, the apostle Paul presents a perspective on bad things that contrasts with conventional thinking. He teaches that suffering and hardships can actually produce positive outcomes in our lives.
Bad things can foster perseverance, which in turn builds character, and ultimately leads to a deep and unwavering hope in God’s faithfulness and promises.
James 1:2-3
“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 echoes a similar sentiment as Paul, exhorting believers to find joy in the midst of trials and tribulations. He reveals that the testing of our faith develops endurance, strengthening our trust in God’s provision and guidance.
Despite the challenges that bad things bring, this verse encourages us to embrace them as opportunities for growth and an invitation to deepen our reliance on God.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
In times of trouble and distress, this verse reminds us of God’s unwavering presence as our refuge and strength. He is our constant source of help and support, providing solace and security even when bad things surround us.
When facing difficulties, we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone, for God is our steady foundation and our anchor in the storm.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
This passage highlights the compassion and comfort of God in the face of trouble. It illustrates how God’s comfort is not meant to be kept to ourselves but is intended to be shared with others who are undergoing similar bad things.
As recipients of God’s comfort, we can be conduits of His love and compassion, bringing solace and support to those in need, and reminding them of the hope and strength found in God.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
In times of worry and distress, this verse serves as a reminder to entrust our burdens to the Lord. It reassures us that when we cast our cares upon Him, He will provide sustenance and stability.
Bad things may try to shake us, but if we lean on God and rely on His strength, we can stand firm and unshaken in the face of adversity.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Similar to the previous verse, this passage urges us to bring all our worries, anxieties, and concerns to God as an act of trust. It reminds us that He cares for us deeply and desires to carry our burdens.
In times of bad things, we can find comfort and relief by surrendering our troubles to God, knowing that He is attentive to our needs and capable of bringing peace to our troubled hearts.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
During difficult times, this verse prompts us to place our complete trust in God rather than relying on our limited understanding. It encourages us to surrender our ways to His guidance, knowing that He will lead us on the right path.
Bad things may create confusion and uncertainty, but by trusting in God’s wisdom and submitting our lives to His direction, we can have confidence that He will guide us towards His perfect will.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This invitation from Jesus offers solace and rest to those who are weary and burdened by bad things. It reassures us that as we come to Him, He will provide true and lasting rest for our souls.
By surrendering our burdens to Him and embracing His teachings, we can find relief from the weight of life’s challenges, for His yoke is gentle, and His burden is lighter than the weight we carry alone.
Psalm 9:9
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
In moments of oppression and trouble, this verse reminds us of God’s role as our refuge and stronghold. It assures us that when bad things assail us, we can seek safety and security in Him.
Even in the face of adversity and injustice, we can find comfort in God’s unwavering protection, knowing that He is our ultimate source of refuge and defense.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus promises us a peace that is distinct from the temporary peace the world offers. Despite the presence of bad things, His peace transcends circumstances and provides a deep-rooted tranquility.
With hearts anchored in the peace of Christ, we can withstand the storms of life and approach every challenge with courage, knowing that we are not alone and that fear has no power over us.
Psalm 34:19
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”
This verse acknowledges that even the righteous may face many troubles. However, it assures us that God will deliver and rescue them from every hardship they encounter.
When bad things come our way, we can have confidence that God, who is faithful and mighty, is always working on our behalf, providing deliverance and hope.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul’s words remind us that even during bad things, God’s grace is more than enough to sustain us. In our moments of weakness, His power shines through, empowering us to endure and overcome.
Paradoxically, our weaknesses become opportunities for God’s strength to be displayed in our lives, reminding us to embrace them with joy and anticipation of His transformative power.
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
In the face of affliction and bad things, this verse offers practical guidance for believers. It encourages us to maintain a sense of joy rooted in the hope we have in Christ, to display patience and endurance during times of hardship, and to remain faithful in our connection with God through prayer.
By adopting this posture, we can navigate through life’s challenges with a resilient spirit, knowing that God is at work and that our hope, patience, and faithfulness will ultimately be rewarded.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
In this verse, the psalmist recognizes the temporary nature of sorrow and pain. It reminds us that bad things may cause tears and lament in the night, but joy and rejoicing will come in the morning.
God’s favor and faithfulness endure for a lifetime, and though we may face difficulties, we can hold on to the hope that God’s goodness will eventually prevail, bringing restoration and joy.
Psalm 145:18
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
In times of trouble and need, this verse assures us that God is near to those who sincerely seek Him. It emphasizes the importance of heartfelt prayers, as God is attentive and responsive to those who genuinely call on Him.
When bad things surround us, we can take refuge in the knowledge that God’s presence is ever near, ready to bring comfort, guidance, and provision to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””
By dwelling in the safety of God’s presence, we can find rest and security even in the face of bad things. This passage paints a picture of God as our refuge, fortress, and source of unwavering trust.
When we choose to abide in Him, we discover a place of safety, where we can find solace and strength amid life’s storms.