It may look different for each of us, but the reality is we’ve all had seasons of our lives when we’ve felt discouraged and defeated. Seasons when we’ve desperately needed strength outside of ourselves.
Sure, we can try to grin and bear it for a little while. We can try to lean on our own understanding. We can attempt to fake it until we make it or even pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.
But here’s the thing: we cannot rely on our strength. Sheer willpower and self-sufficiency won’t get us very far.
This is why God has given us two incredible gifts to strengthen us: His Holy Spirit and His Holy Bible. These are what will ultimately help root us, ground us, strengthen us, and give us the courage we need for the battles we face.
I hope these inspiring Bible quotes about courage and strength help draw you closer to God and infuse your spirit with hope today.
1. Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This Scripture verse was written to people who felt overwhelmed and abandoned, but God met them with reassurance. The same God who upheld them is still holding you. Let this verse remind you that you are not alone.
2. Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
In this verse, the Israelites were stepping into the unknown. They were scared and intimidated, but God reminded them that His presence would go with them. And in the same way, He’s with you—He is a God who goes before you!
3. Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Our strength is a finite resource. Our heart and flesh will fail us time and time again. This verse is a reminder that God is your strength. The word “portion” can also be translated as share, inheritance, or allotment. God’s promised presence is our inheritance, and in Him we have all we need.
4. 2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul famously struggled with his “thorn in the flesh” and pleaded with God to take it away. And God’s response was, My grace is sufficient for you. Sometimes God doesn’t remove the obstacles and struggles we face, but gives us an opportunity to lean on His grace and strength as go through them.
5. Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
This Bible verse may often be applied to sports or workouts or hustling harder—but it’s about enduring whatever comes because Christ is your strength. In good times and bad. It’s about experiencing peace and contentment no matter our circumstances, and it’s available to all of us.
6. Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Before Moses passed the leadership baton to Joshua, he reminded the people that courage doesn’t come from circumstances; it comes from knowing God is with you. You may be facing real battles today—some that leave you intimidated and fearful. This verse will remind you that just as God was with Joshua and the Israelites, God is with you!
7. Psalm 46:1–2
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
Our world may feel chaotic and heavy at times, but God is our refuge and strength. He is not a distant or far-off God—He’s right here, present with us, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
8. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
This Bible verse is a call to spiritual stamina. Paul encourages us to stand firm—not in our own ability, but in faith. Sometimes strength looks like acknowledging your weaknesses, seeking help, seeking wise counsel, and taking small, but faithful, steps forward.
9. Isaiah 40:29–31
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for 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.
God doesn’t expect you to have it all figured out. He promises to renew your strength as you wait on Him. Sometimes we get stuck in patterns of striving, but God’s invitation is to surrender.
10. Romans 8:37–39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is the truth we must lean on every day: nothing can separate us from His love. Nothing in your past, present, or future. We are more than conquerors in Christ. Remind yourself of this truth when shame and fear try to keep you from receiving His grace.
Read these Bible verses about courage and strength. Highlight them in your Bible, pray them daily, write them on sticky notes to put around your house, and watch as a strength that can only come from above empowers you. God loves you and is with you!
