When life gets tough, when fear starts to creep in, or when you just feel like you’re running on empty—what do you do? Where do you turn for strength and courage? For many, the Bible is a trusted source of peace, reassurance, and powerful truth in those very moments.
The Scriptures offer us more than just encouragement—they give us divine strength, timeless wisdom, and the courage to press on when we feel weak or afraid.
Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, dealing with grief, or stepping into something new and unknown, these verses from the Bible about strength and courage are here to help you stand firm and keep going.
Below are 35 carefully chosen Bible verses, each paired with a short explanation to help you reflect on how these words apply to your life.
Key Takeaways:
- God’s Word provides strength when you’re weary and courage when you’re afraid.
- Scripture is a steady anchor during life’s toughest storms.
- These verses offer both encouragement and practical truth to help you persevere.
1. Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Explanation: God reminds Joshua—and us—that strength and courage are possible because He is always with us.
2. Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Explanation: No matter how overwhelming things feel, God is right there, offering strength and support.
3. Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Explanation: Our strength doesn’t come from ourselves—it flows through Christ.
4. Deuteronomy 31:6
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.
Explanation: God’s constant presence means we never face battles alone.
5. 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?
Explanation: When God is your foundation, fear loses its power.
6. 2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Explanation: We were created to live boldly, not in fear.
7. Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Explanation: Hope fuels strength—when we trust in God, we find the courage to keep going.
8. Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Explanation: God’s name alone is a source of refuge and security.
9. Nehemiah 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Explanation: God’s joy can lift us even in sorrow and give strength to our spirit.
10. 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.
Explanation: God walks with us through every dark season, giving courage and comfort.
11. Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Explanation: When God is on our side, we can face anything.
12. Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Explanation: God strengthens those who feel drained and powerless.
13. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Explanation: In every crisis, God is a safe place and source of strength.
14. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Explanation: Paul calls believers to be alert and brave in their walk with Christ.
15. Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
Explanation: God’s strength is both our protection and our victory.
16. 1 Chronicles 28:20
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God… is with you.
Explanation: This reminder is for anyone starting a big task—God will not leave your side.
17. Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you.
Explanation: God is mighty and loving—He both defends and delights in you.
18. Psalm 118:14
The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
Explanation: Trusting in God brings strength and freedom from fear.
19. Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… the rivers will not sweep over you.
Explanation: No matter how deep the struggle, God won’t let it overwhelm you.
20. Deuteronomy 20:4
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.
Explanation: God is not just near—He actively fights on your behalf.
21. Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”
Explanation: Knowing God is your helper makes courage possible, even in fear.
22. 2 Samuel 22:33
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
Explanation: Your strength comes from God’s protection and guidance.
23. Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Explanation: God not only empowers you—He gives peace that strengthens your soul.
24. Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord… is my strength and my defense.
Explanation: Faith in God replaces fear with unshakable strength.
25. 1 Peter 5:10
After you have suffered a little while… will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Explanation: God restores strength after seasons of suffering.
26. Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Explanation: God answers when we seek Him and frees us from fear.
27. Joel 3:10
Let the weakling say, “I am strong!”
Explanation: Even when you feel weak, God invites you to speak strength over your life.
28. Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Explanation: Our strength grows when we rely on God’s power—not our own.
29. Psalm 138:3
When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.
Explanation: God answers our prayers with strength and courage to keep going.
30. Isaiah 33:2
Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning.
Explanation: God offers fresh strength each day when we seek Him.
31. Matthew 19:26
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Explanation: God’s strength can accomplish what feels impossible on our own.
32. Psalm 112:7
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Explanation: Trusting God leads to courage, even in uncertain times.
33. Proverbs 24:10
If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!
Explanation: Trials reveal the strength within you—lean on God to grow stronger.
34. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Explanation: God’s power shines most when we feel weakest.
35. Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
Explanation: God is both strong and kind—a shelter for all who trust Him.
Final Thoughts
Life will always have its challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. These 35 verses from the Bible about strength and courage are powerful reminders that God is with you, strengthening your heart and calming your fears.
Lean into these truths, and you’ll find that the strength you need is already available to you through faith.
Now it’s your turn. What Bible verse gives you courage in tough times? Do you have a personal story where God gave you strength when you needed it most? Share your thoughts or favorite verses in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!