Christian Motivation To Get Through Difficult Times

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis
Updated February 22, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Everyone may face struggles, challenges, and painful emotions, including Christians. Experiencing these occurrences alongside faith could feel confusing. You might feel that putting your faith in God should be enough to carry you through any mental health challenges. 

Know that you are not alone. Many Christians face mental health stigmas when dealing with distressing symptoms, stress, or mental health conditions. In some cases, Christian motivation, Bible quotes, and faith sentiments may help you face challenges alongside your faith. In other cases, you may seek support from a faith-based counselor, professional therapist, or support system to supplement the support you might feel from God.

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Looking for Christian-based motivation through tough times?

Philippians 4:13 verse 

Philippians 4:13 states: “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” This verse may offer you motivation and comfort when you struggle to take healthy action. It may help you feel that you are not alone when you struggle. 

Corinthians 3:5 verse 

Knowing you’re not alone may help you feel supported. Studies show that those who experience a deep and healthy faith in their religion may experience improved mental health symptoms. When you feel alone, consider the Corinthians 3:5 verse, which states: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” The verse indicates that individuals may draw from the strength of God when facing a challenge.

The Bible as motivation

If you seek motivation during tough times, the Bible may feel comforting. For many Christians, the Bible is the direct word of God. Many people call it “the living word.” The Bible could speak to people today as much as it did thousands of years ago.

You might take a group of people and have them read the same verses; each person could take away a new lesson. You may learn something new about yourself and your situation as you read the verses. If you believe in practicing faith often, reading your Bible daily could help you feel motivated. 

The Bible on fellowship 

Studies show that social connection is essential for physical and mental health. Consider joining a Bible study group or attending church functions to meet new friends and connect with your religious community. You may find support in tough times as others pray for you and offer emotional and spiritual support. 

The Bible on peace 

You may lose focus or feel a sense of loss as you face life stressors. However, the Bible has many verses about peace that may allow you to feel calm and peaceful through challenges. Repeat the following to potentially increase motivation: 

  • “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
  • “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
  • “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22 

The Bible on faith and hope 

Faith may mean believing in something you might not see or touch. When times are tough, consider your faith if it makes you feel positive. The Bible has some verses about faith and hope that may benefit you when facing challenges, including: 

  • “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
  • “And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.'” Mark 9:23
  • “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 
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Verses for Christian motivation

Below are a few Christian motivation verses that you might consider when facing challenges, stress, or mental health concerns. 

  • “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8
  • “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired and weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40: 28-31
  • “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.” Romans 8:28
  • “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
  • “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
  • “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
  • “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.” James 1:2-4
  • “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
  • “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1

Quotes for Christian motivation

Below are several Christian quotes that may offer insight during challenging times. 

  • “The stars may fall, but God’s promises will stand and be fulfilled.” –J.I. Packer
  • “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.” –Sheila Walsh
  • “If our motives are the glory of God, we have tremendous freedom to dream with hearts that are completely His.” –Jennie Allen
  • “If we will just jump, His will is going to catch us. Let Him be God, move ahead with what you know, and quit overanalyzing what you don’t” –Jennie Allen
  • “I have given God countless reasons not to love me. None of them have been strong enough to change Him.” –Paul Washer
  • “God is in control, and therefore in EVERYTHING, I can give thanks – not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it.” –Kay Arthur
  • “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” -Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • “How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.” –Florence Nightingale
  • “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” –Corrie Ten Boom

Although reciting Bible verses and Christian quotes can be a beneficial strategy for finding motivation and peace in your life, you may also want to seek professional support from a counselor if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. 

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Looking for Christian-based motivation through tough times?

Counseling and God: Hand-in-hand motivation 

Some Christians may struggle with the idea of counseling. Many in-person and online counselors offer faith-based counseling. You can discuss your faith and how it impacts your daily life and receive professional guidance through the word of God and research-based evidence on mental health simultaneously. 

If you’re considering online therapy but are unsure of its effectiveness, a literature review has shown that it is as effective as face-to-face therapy. Additionally, online therapy can allow you to attend counseling when most convenient for you, whether in the morning, evening or on the weekend. You can choose between video, phone, or live chat sessions. 

Online platforms like BetterHelp often allow individuals to connect with Christian therapists. If you are matched with a counselor that doesn’t fit your needs, you may request a new match. It can be challenging to reach out for help, but it may be a necessary step toward healing for many concerns. A Christian counselor could guide you through the process of support and motivation with your faith in mind. 

Counselor reviews

“Ted has been a compassionate and passionate guide during this troubling time. His insights and calming words have allowed me to step back and assess why my emotional responses are what they are. His Christian faith and integration of God’s word into his guidance have been great comforts. I was skeptical of this mode of counseling, but I am no longer skeptical. I am a strong supporter. And Ted is in large measure responsible for that.”

“Jamie is amazing. She is understanding and able to counsel me through her Christian morals and values. I’m so glad she’s my counselor!”

Takeaway

For many, faith is an essential aspect of life. Christians experiencing mental health challenges may face social stigmas or worry about finding a counselor that understands their faith. If you relate, online counseling with a faith-based therapist may benefit you. Consider reaching out to gain further insight and support.
Struggling to find motivation in your life?
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