The Bible is full of timeless truths that provide comfort and clarity in difficult times. The phrase “this too shall pass” is one such truth, reminding us both that hardship won’t last forever and also encouraging us to cope with the present situation without clinging to it for eternity.
Today, we will explore some of the most powerful “this too shall pass” Bible verses that will help you find peace and perspective during tough times. Whether you’re going through a difficult season in your personal life or feeling overwhelmed by the world’s challenges, these verses will remind you that everything is temporary and that better days are ahead.
What Does the Bible Say About This Too Shall Pass?
The Bible does not contain the phrase “this too shall pass.” However, a similar saying is found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 which says,
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
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This Too Shall Pass Bible Verses
God’s Sovereignty and Control
God’s sovereignty and control mean that all things, both good and bad, ultimately come from God. Even the phrase “this too shall pass” is an acknowledgment of our understanding that life comes with both highs and lows.
The troubles we experience, such as illness, financial hardships, brokenness, etc., will eventually end. However, God remains sovereign throughout these moments in order to bring about His ultimate purpose and plan for our lives.
As James 1:17(ESV) reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights”. Regardless of what this world throws our way, God is still in control. We may not see it or understand it now, but one day we will be able to look back on how He used our pain and suffering for the greater good.
Isaiah 46:10
“Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ ”
Psalm 75:7
“But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.”
Proverbs 16:33
“The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
James 4:15
“Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ ”
Trust in God’s Timing
Trust in God’s timing is an important part of understanding the phrase, “this too shall pass.” The idea behind this phrase is that no matter what difficult situation we are facing, it will eventually end.
This is where trusting in God’s timing comes in, and we know that even though something may be hard right now, it won’t last forever, and God has a plan for our lives. Having faith instead of fear and trusting that God knows what He’s doing can help us to find solace in the knowledge that this too shall pass.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.”
Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
Psalm 37:7
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Habakkuk 2:3
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”
Endurance and Perseverance
Endurance and perseverance refer to the ability to keep going even when it feels like all hope is lost. This is important because we often face difficult situations in life, whether they are physical or mental struggles.
With endurance and perseverance, we can make it through these tough times knowing that “this too shall pass” and that nothing lasts forever.
We may feel defeated temporarily but with determination, self-discipline, and a positive outlook, we can withstand whatever comes our way. In this way, endurance and perseverance help us push through even the most challenging of difficulties.
Romans 5:3-5
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
James 1:2-4
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Hope and Encouragement
“This too shall pass” is a phrase used to provide hope and encouragement during difficult times. It reminds us that life’s challenges, no matter how hard they seem at the moment, will eventually end, allowing us to move on with our lives.
It also helps keep perspective, providing reassurance that even when it feels like there’s no way out of a difficult situation or emotion, things will eventually improve. Knowing that this too shall pass can help us stay grounded and focused in spite of whatever challenges we are facing.
Here is what the Bible says:
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Psalm 46:1-2
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
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Prayer of Encouragement
Dear Lord,
We come before you today with hopeful hearts despite the obstacles and difficulties that lie ahead. Help us to have courage in times of uncertainty, trusting Your plans for our lives even if we cannot see them fully at this time. We know that You provide strength when ours is lacking and ask for guidance along our journey towards your will.
In moments of discouragement or distress, help us remember that nothing can separate us from Your love as it surpasses all understanding – give us comfort during these difficult times knowing how deeply cherished we are by You. Open up new ways forward- may any blockades be broken down so that a clear path reveals itself to each one of Us Amen!