Why do bad things happen, even to good people? Today, we’ll explore how the Bible addresses suffering, God’s sovereignty, and the hope we have in Him during hard times.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Honoring Your Mother And Father
What Does The Bible Say About Bad Things Happening
Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
This verse reminds us that even in the face of bad things happening, God can bring about good. Despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph recognized that God had a greater purpose and used the difficult circumstances to save many lives.
It is a comforting reminder that God can turn any negative situation into something positive, bringing glory to Himself and blessing to others.
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
This verse assures us that when we face difficult times and bad things happen, God is attentive to the cries of the righteous. He hears our prayers and delivers us from our troubles. It is a comforting reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is actively involved in our lives, working on our behalf.
We can find hope and strength in knowing that God is with us, providing comfort, guidance, and deliverance in the midst of adversity.
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 acknowledges that in this fallen world, we will face trouble and experience bad things. However, He offers us the promise of peace and encourages us to take heart because He has overcome the world.
When we face difficult circumstances, this verse reminds us to find our peace and strength in Christ, knowing that He has already triumphed over the troubles of this world. Through Him, we can navigate through the storms of life with courage and hope.
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 well-known verse reminds us that even when bad things happen, God is still working for our ultimate good. He can use every situation, no matter how difficult, to mold and shape us into the image of Christ.
As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that nothing is wasted in God’s economy. He can bring beauty out of ashes and use even the worst circumstances to further His purpose in our lives.
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.”
In times of trouble and bad things happening, God promises to be with us and protect us. He assures us that even when we must pass through the deep waters or walk through the fire, He will be with us and keep us from being overwhelmed or consumed.
This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and His ability to shield us from harm. We can trust in His presence and find comfort in His protection as we navigate through the storms of life.
James 1:2-4
“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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
When bad things happen and we face trials, James encourages us to consider it pure joy. It may seem counterintuitive, but he highlights that these trials have a purpose – to test our faith and produce perseverance.
Through persevering in our trials, we are being refined and matured, becoming more complete in our faith. So, instead of being discouraged by the difficulties we face, we can shift our perspective and find joy in the transformative process that God is working within us.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
In times of trouble and bad things happening, God is our refuge and strength. He is always present and available to help us. This verse reminds us that we can run to Him for safety and find the strength we need to face whatever challenges come our way.
When we feel overwhelmed, we can find comfort and assurance in knowing that we are not alone. God is with us, and in His presence, we can find peace and renewed strength to persevere through difficult times.
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.”
In times of weakness and vulnerability, God’s grace is sufficient. This verse reminds us that it is in our weaknesses and difficulties that God’s power shines the brightest.
When bad things happen, we can find solace in knowing that our strength is not dependent on our own abilities but on the power of Christ working within us. We can boast in our weaknesses because they provide an opportunity for Christ’s power to be displayed in our lives.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
When we are weary and burdened by the weight of bad things happening, Jesus invites us to come to Him. He offers us rest and relief from our struggles.
By surrendering our burdens to Christ and relying on His strength, we can find rest for our souls and experience a renewed sense of peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
In moments of weakness and despair, this verse reassures us that although our flesh and our hearts may fail, God remains the strength of our hearts. He is our everlasting portion and source of strength.
When bad things happen and we feel overwhelmed, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s strength is not limited by our human limitations. He is our eternal refuge and sustainer.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
When facing bad things happening, Jesus encourages us not to worry about the future. He reminds us to focus on the present and trust Him to provide for us day by day.
Instead of wasting our energy and emotions on worrying about things beyond our control, we can place our trust in God and seek His guidance as we navigate through each day’s challenges.
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.”
When bad things happen and we find ourselves in a dark and fearful place, this verse reminds us that we do not need to be afraid. God is with us, guiding and comforting us.
His presence provides us with the assurance that we are not alone, even in our darkest moments. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is watching over us and will guide us safely through every valley we face.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
When we encounter evil or bad things happening, this verse encourages us not to be defeated or overwhelmed by it. Instead, we are called to respond by overcoming evil with good.
Through acts of love, kindness, and forgiveness, we can counteract the effects of evil and shine the light of Christ in the midst of darkness. This verse reminds us that we have the power to make a positive and transformative impact in the face of adversity.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
When bad things happen and anxiety overtakes us, this verse reminds us to cast all our worries and cares upon the Lord. We can trust in His care and love for us.
By surrendering our anxieties to God, we can experience His peace and find comfort in knowing that He is in control. We can rest in His loving arms, knowing that He will guide and sustain us through every difficulty.
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.”
When we face bad things happening and uncertainties arise, this verse encourages us to trust in the Lord rather than relying on our own limited understanding.
By submitting our ways to Him and acknowledging His wisdom, we can have confidence that God will guide our steps and make our paths straight, even in the midst of uncertainty.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
In times of fear and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that we have been given the Holy Spirit, who equips us with power, love, and self-discipline.
By relying on the Spirit’s strength within us, we can face bad things happening with courage and confidence, knowing that God has equipped us to overcome and navigate through difficult circumstances.
Psalm 27:1
“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
In times of darkness and fear, this verse reminds us that the Lord is our light and our salvation. We have no reason to fear or be afraid when we place our trust in Him.
When bad things happen, we can find solace and courage in knowing that God is our stronghold, our source of security and protection. He will lead us through every difficulty, guiding us with His unfailing love.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When faced with bad things happening, we are instructed not to be anxious but to bring our concerns to God with a thankful heart. Through prayer and petition, we can present our requests to Him and trust that His peace, surpassing all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.
As we surrender our worries to the Lord and trust in His faithfulness, we can experience a sense of peace in the midst of adversity. His peace has the power to calm our anxious hearts and provide us with the strength we need to endure.
Psalm 9:9-10
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
In times of trouble and oppression, this verse reminds us that the Lord is our refuge and stronghold. He is a safe place for us to find comfort and protection.
When bad things happen, we can place our trust in God, knowing that He has a track record of never forsaking those who seek Him. He is faithful, and we can rely on Him to be our constant source of strength, regardless of our circumstances.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
When bad things happen and we find ourselves mourning, grieving, or in pain, this verse assures us that we will be comforted by God.
As we turn to Him in our times of sorrow, He offers us the solace and consolation that the world cannot provide. His love and presence bring healing and restoration to our broken hearts.
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
In moments of brokenness and despair, this verse reminds us that the Lord draws near to those who are hurting. He saves those who are crushed in spirit.
When bad things happen and we feel overwhelmed, we can find comfort in knowing that God is near. His love and compassion embrace us in our brokenness, bringing healing and restoration to our wounded souls.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
When we witness the success of those who carry out wicked schemes, this verse encourages us to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.
Even when bad things happen and it seems like the wicked prosper, we are called not to fret or be anxious. Instead, we can trust that God is ultimately in control, and justice will prevail in His perfect timing.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
In times of loss or when bad things happen, this verse reminds us to find contentment in God’s presence rather than pursuing wealth or earthly possessions.
No matter the circumstances we face, God promises that He will never leave or forsake us. Our true source of security and satisfaction lies in Him, not in material things.
Matthew 10:29-31
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
When bad things happen and we are tempted to fear or doubt God’s care, this verse reminds us of His intimate knowledge and watchful eye over every detail of our lives.
We can find comfort and reassurance in knowing that just as God cares for the smallest creatures, He cares for us even more. He values us and is attentive to our needs. Therefore, we can trust His faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of adversity.
In times of uncertainty and bad things happening, we turn to the Word of God for guidance and encouragement. These Bible verses remind us that God is with us in every situation, even when we face trials, difficulties, and losses. They assure us that God can turn even the worst circumstances into something good and purposeful. We are invited to cast our anxieties on Him and find rest in His loving care. He promises to provide strength, peace, and comfort as we trust in Him. May these verses remind us of God’s faithfulness and bring hope and encouragement in the midst of challenging times.