Seven Quotes for Times of Trouble

Trial, hardship, pain, and loss are universal aspects of human existence. We all experience them, but sometimes, we need encouragement along the way. These seven quotes will provide you with hope in the darkness.

“It is good to be tired and weary by the vain search after the true good, that we may stretch out our arms to the Redeemer.” (Blaise Pascal)

God sends trials so that we will look to him. Trials are not the result merely of sin or random circumstances: they are divine opportunities for us to exercise faith and reminder his character. Sometimes the most painful trials are heartbreaks that occur as we pursue his good will – but even these remind us that God holds our future, and we must submit it to Him.

“The future is as bright as the promises of God.” (Adoniram Judson)

Trials have a way of dimming our perspective on life, causing us to focus merely on the present. Judson’s quote reminds us that the promises of God point into the future, and that future is bright for the Christian, no matter what pain he may be facing in the present.

“Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it.” (Jonathan Edwards)

In our haste to escape from difficulties, we often respond by doing anything necessary for the trial to end. What is truly significant is whether we have done what God called us to do. If so, then we can endure trials with a heart that knows that we have honored God.

“Pain, if sanctified, creates tenderness toward others.” (Charles Spurgeon)

The most beautiful human qualities are forged like diamonds: only through intense time and pressure. Having a tender heart is a lovely attribute, even if few of us desire to go through the suffering that creates it. Perhaps God is a better assessor of what is truly valuable for us.

“The milk and honey lie beyond this wilderness world.” (Asahel Nettleton)

Believers have often thought of the Christian life as a sort of ‘wilderness wandering’ before we ‘cross the Jordan’ and enter the ‘promised land.’ This is a biblical perspective: that our ultimate hope is in heaven, and that no matter what occurs in this world, the real joy begins in eternity.

“I am profoundly grateful to God that he did not grant me certain things for which I asked, and that He shut certain doors in my face.” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

We do not have the perspective to see the value of our current suffering. Sometimes the most bitter disappointments are designed by God to lead us to far better situations. Only with time will we be able to make out the ‘strange designs’ of Providence.

“I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” (Psalm 119:75)

The ultimate encouragement for times of trial is the reminder that God afflicts his people ‘in faithfulness.’ He only brings difficulties in order to help us and grow us, because He loves us and He is good. This is not merely a theory, but something that the Christian ‘knows’ beyond any doubt.