Despair can be an overwhelming emotion that can lead to discouragement and hopelessness. It can be difficult to find hope in times of despair, but the Bible actually has many verses on this topic. To help us cope with discouraging situations, here are 10 Bible Verses about Despair. These scriptures provide assurance that God is faithful and He will not abandon us in our times of need. We can draw strength and courage from these verses to help us through difficult times and find hope in Christ.
Scripture about Despair
10 Bible Verses about Despair
Psalm 34:17-20 ESV
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Romans 15:13 ESV
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.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 ESV
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 21:4 ESV
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Psalm 91:1-16 ESV
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, …
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
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.
https://www.openbible.info/topics/despair
Scripture about Despair KJV
My favorite verse about despair from the King James Version of the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11–13, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”. In these verses we are reminded that even in our darkest moments God has a plan for us. He has a vision of hope that is greater than any despair we may feel. His promise to us is that if we seek Him with all our hearts He will be found by us. This promise gives us strength in times of trouble and reminds us that no matter how hopeless things seem there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
FAQ about Despair in the Bible
The Bible does not say that despair is a sin in itself, but it does warn us to be careful of entertaining too much pessimism and discouragement. In Proverbs 12:25 it says “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” This verse teaches us that dwelling on thoughts of pessimism can be detrimental to our well-being, which is why we should strive to focus on uplifting and positive words instead. Additionally, in Hebrews 10:35 the scripture says “Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” This encourages us to have faith in God even when things may seem uncertain or bleak.
The Bible talks about the importance of expressing our sadness, as it is a human emotion and an important part of the healing process. In John 16:20-27 Jesus says “Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.” Jesus acknowledges our emotions, but reminds us that even in the darkest of times God will provide comfort and hope to those who put their trust in Him.
The word “despair” is used in the Bible to refer to a state of hopelessness and discouragement. In Job 6:11 it says “What is my strength, that I should hope? And what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?” This verse paints a picture of a person who is feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances and feels as if they are unable to find hope in the face of adversity.
The phrase “despair even of life” refers to a feeling of hopelessness and despair so great that it causes one to consider death as the only way out. In Jeremiah 8:18-20, the prophet says “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” This illustrates how someone in despair can feel overwhelmed by their suffering and may even consider ending their life as an escape from their pain. However, this should never be seen as a viable option, and instead we should look to God for help in times of distress.