Live long enough on Earth, and you will eventually face dark nights—and I don’t mean the kind brought on by the occasional lunar eclipse or citywide blackout. I’m talking about those black hours when you’re grappling with fear, grief, anxiety, self-loathing, or some other turmoil.
The dark night of the soul.
It might come after the death of a loved one or the sixty-to-zero slam of an unexpected diagnosis. It might be the result of ailing mental health, a deep slump into depression. While the rest of the world sleeps, you’re battling demons that never seem to go away—and daytime isn’t much better.
And you wonder if you’ll ever see the light again.
If you can relate, take heart. What I share here are a few places where you can find refuge in scripture during your darkest nights—true hope in times of trouble.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
NOT YOUR BATTLE
But first, a disclaimer.
The following references contain only snippets of each scripture passage. You’ll have to click the links or look them up in your Bible to read the whole of each. But remember: Bible verses aren’t formulas to recite and *hopefully* make yourself feel better. They’re truths given by your Creator, and the power is found in believing the truth.
When faced with trials of any kind, we often focus on the wrong questions.
Why is God being so mean? Why can’t I overcome this? Why can’t I move on? Why me?
Try to answer those, and you’ll spin in circles like a dog chasing his tail. Instead, ask yourself this:
Whose battle is this?
I can answer that for you: The battle belongs to the Lord. Whatever it is you’re going through, you do not have to fight it with your own strength. God doesn’t send trouble into your life as some sort of test to see how strong you are. He might, however, allow trouble to happen so you can witness how strong he is.
Related: The Battle’s Already Been Won…What Battle
You were made to lean into the power of the one who commands the wind and the rain. Take his hand and let him lead you back to the dawn of hope. I know he’ll do it.
Because I’ve been there.
KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Isaiah 43:1-5
At any given moment, someone else in this world struggles with the same demons as you. You are not alone in your suffering. But the real comfort comes in knowing you are not alone in your room, wherever you may be.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned… Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you…”
Related: How History Proves God is Active In Your Life Now
Psalm 23
Not only is God with you, but he has promised to stay there.
“Even 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, they comfort me.”
Related: Feeling Blue? Trust That God is Always There
HE MAY NOT IMMEDIATELY TAKE THE TROUBLE AWAY…
Luke 8:22-25
“Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
When we talk about anxiety, fear, and the dark night of the soul, the calming of the storm in Luke 8 is a good example of a time when Jesus used his power to remove the danger. But what about those nights when you’ve prayed, begged, and cried out, and the darkness still doesn’t subside?
That’s a part of God’s plan, too. (For more on this: Faith Over Fear: I Am NOT Afraid of Bad News.)
Acts 27-28:10
“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”
In this story, Paul was aboard a ship caught up in a hurricane-force storm that lasted for days. God did not calm that storm. Instead, he had another plan for Paul and the rest of the prisoners and sailors.
He has a goal for your suffering as well—and it’s for your good.
…BUT HE WILL BRING YOU PEACE.
Philippians 4:4-9
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God may not take away your troubles, but your prayers are not in vain. He will help you through whatever it is that plagues you. That moment when you feel a sudden and inexplicable peace?
That was from God.
Philippians 4:10-13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
This is the moment when that famous verse truly applies. You can make it through, but Christ is with you.
Related: How to Overcome Failure: The Bottom Line of Philippians 4:13
FOR HOPE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS.
Hebrews 12:1-3
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus suffered, too, in a most horrific way: He was utterly forsaken by God—something none of us has ever experienced, despite what we might think.
Consider his suffering and do not lose heart.
PRAISE HIM THROUGH THE DARKEST NIGHTS OF YOUR SOUL
Acts 16:16-40
Here, Paul and Silas found themselves in prison after being wrongly accused. But they didn’t sit there and complain. They worshipped God with prayers and hymns.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
If your suffering won’t go away, sing through it anyway and worship God for never leaving you. Check out my post Closer to God: How to Have a Heart of Praise.
Psalm 34
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
God promises to surround you with his protection and surveillance. That’s a reason to rejoice, as the psalmist suggests.
Related: Why You Can Trust God Instead of Freaking Out
Romans 5:1-5
“We also glory in our sufferings…”
Your worst battle—the battle against sin and hell—has been won for you by Jesus. Rejoice in your salvation, for this is your greatest hope in times of trouble.
Related: Justification By Faith Explained: A Simple High School Analogy
KNOW THAT IN CHRIST, YOU WILL EVENTUALLY OVERCOME THE WORLD.
1 John 5:1-12
Turning to scripture for hope in times of trouble will help you focus on the big picture.
“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
As a believer in Christ, your victory is coming. What happens on this earth will one day pass away, but you have been marked for an eternal reward.
More Places to Look in Scripture During Your Darkest Nights
- Psalm 91: Find refuge in him, and he will never let you down.
- Psalm 42: God is your rock. Remind yourself of that as many times as you need to impress it upon your heart.
Hang in there. Sometimes your greatest comfort comes with the knowledge that there will eventually be a true morning, a glorious dawn in which you rise to meet him.
And when that happens, the dark night of the soul becomes a thing of the past.
More Hope in Times of Trouble
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.