Life is a remarkable journey, full of highs that lift our spirits and lows that test our very core. In moments of joy, we wish they would last forever. In times of sorrow, pain, or uncertainty, we desperately long for an end. It's in these challenging seasons that the ancient wisdom of "this too shall pass" resonates deeply within us.
This simple phrase offers a profound sense of perspective, reminding us that no matter how intense our current experience, it is not permanent.
The Bible, a timeless source of comfort, wisdom, and inspiration, echoes this sentiment repeatedly. It assures us that God is with us through every season, providing strength in weakness and hope in despair.
When we search for a Bible verse about this too shall pass, we discover a rich tapestry of scriptures that encourage perseverance, faith, and an understanding of God's sovereign plan amidst the changing tides of life. These verses offer solace, reminding us that trials have an expiration date and that joy will return.
They teach us to hold onto hope, trusting that even the darkest nights give way to dawn.
Finding Solace: Bible Verse About This Too Shall Pass
The concept that "this too shall pass" is not just a comforting idiom; it's a spiritual truth woven throughout the scriptures. From the fleeting nature of human life to the temporary struggles we face, the Bible consistently points us towards an eternal perspective, assuring us that God's faithfulness endures even when our circumstances don't.
Let's explore 35 powerful Bible verses that speak to the transient nature of life's seasons and offer profound encouragement.
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
Explanation: This foundational verse beautifully encapsulates the idea that life is composed of various phases, each with its own beginning and end. It reminds us that every experience, whether good or bad, is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated cycle.
2. Psalm 30:5
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Explanation: This powerful psalm offers immense hope, directly addressing the temporary nature of sorrow. It assures us that even the deepest grief is time-limited, promising that joy and God’s favor will ultimately prevail.
3. James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Explanation: This passage encourages us to view trials not as permanent roadblocks, but as temporary processes designed to strengthen our faith. It highlights that suffering has a purpose and will eventually lead to spiritual growth.
4. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Explanation: These verses offer a profound perspective: our current difficulties are “light and momentary” when compared to the eternal glory awaiting us. It encourages us to look beyond the temporary struggles to God’s eternal promises.
5. Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.
Explanation: This verse contrasts the temporary nature of all earthly things, like grass and flowers, with the unchanging, eternal nature of God’s Word. It reminds us that while circumstances shift, God’s truth remains constant.
6. Job 14:1-2
“Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. They spring up like flowers and wither away; they flee like a shadow and do not stay.”
Explanation: Job, in his suffering, reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and its inherent troubles. This verse underscores the temporary aspect of our earthly existence and its challenges.
7. 1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Explanation: This verse is a beautiful promise that suffering is only “for a little while.” God’s ultimate plan is restoration, strength, and steadfastness for those who endure, emphasizing the temporary nature of hardship.
8. Psalm 126:5-6
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Explanation: This psalm assures us that periods of sorrow and effort will eventually give way to joy and abundant harvest. It’s a powerful image of temporary suffering leading to lasting reward.
9. Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Explanation: Similar to 2 Corinthians 4:17, this verse places our current pains in the context of future glory. It helps us remember that what we endure now is temporary and will be overshadowed by God’s eternal blessings.
10. Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Explanation: Even in deep lament, the prophet acknowledges that God’s mercies are renewed daily. This speaks to the constant availability of God’s grace, helping us through each passing day and its temporary struggles.
11. Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 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.
Explanation: This passage encourages perseverance in our faith journey, recognizing that the “race” has a finish line. It implies that current struggles are part of a temporary course leading to an ultimate reward.
12. Psalm 90:10
Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Explanation: Moses reflects on the brevity of human life, emphasizing how quickly our days pass. This verse highlights the temporary nature of both our existence and the troubles within it.
13. Isaiah 54:7-8
“For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer.
Explanation: God speaks to His people, assuring them that any period of His perceived absence or anger is only “for a brief moment.” His everlasting love and compassion are the ultimate, enduring truth.
14. Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Explanation: This verse offers a glorious vision of the future where all suffering and sorrow will be permanently removed. It assures us that our current pains are temporary and will ultimately “pass away.”
15. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Explanation: While not explicitly saying “this too shall pass,” this verse provides the antidote to the anxiety caused by temporary troubles. It encourages us to find peace in God, knowing He is in control of all passing situations.
16. John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Explanation: Jesus acknowledges that troubles are a reality in this world, but He immediately follows it with a powerful declaration of His victory. This assures us that while troubles come, they are temporary and ultimately overcome.
17. Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Explanation: This verse encourages patience in affliction, implying that affliction is a season to be endured rather than a permanent state. Our hope is in God’s eventual resolution.
18. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Explanation: This psalm reminds us that God is always available during our troubles. His presence helps us navigate difficult times, knowing that these troubles are not our final destination.
19. 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Explanation: This verse assures us that God limits our trials and temptations, always providing a way to endure or escape. This “way out” confirms that our struggles are not meant to be permanent.
20. Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Explanation: This prophet finds joy in God even when all earthly circumstances are dire. This demonstrates a faith that looks beyond temporary lack and finds steadfastness in God’s unchanging nature.
21. Psalm 103:15-16
The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
Explanation: Another verse comparing human life to fleeting grass and flowers, emphasizing its temporary nature. This perspective helps us to not cling too tightly to earthly woes or joys.
22. Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Explanation: This promise highlights God’s presence *through* difficult situations, implying that we will “pass through” them. The troubles are not meant to consume us permanently.
23. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Explanation: This beloved verse assures us of God’s good intentions for our future, even when our present seems bleak. It underscores that current difficulties are not His ultimate plan for us and will pass.
24. 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: The psalmist speaks of “walking through” the darkest valley, indicating a journey *through* a temporary difficult period, not a permanent dwelling in it, with God’s presence as comfort.
25. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Explanation: This verse speaks to a radical spiritual transformation, where the “old” life and its struggles pass away, making way for a “new” life in Christ. It’s a spiritual “this too shall pass.”
26. Psalm 34:17-19
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
Explanation: This psalm assures us that while the righteous may face “many troubles,” God ultimately delivers them from *all* of them. This promise highlights the temporary nature of these afflictions.
27. Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Explanation: This passage outlines a progression where suffering is a temporary catalyst leading to perseverance, character, and ultimately, a steadfast hope. It shows that suffering has a temporary, transformative role.
28. Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locusts and the young locusts, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.”
Explanation: This verse offers a powerful promise of restoration after a period of devastation. It assures us that even deeply painful, seemingly irreparable losses are not permanent, and God can restore what was taken.
29. Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Explanation: Jesus emphasizes the eternal nature of His words in contrast to the passing nature of even the physical heavens and earth. This puts all earthly troubles into perspective as temporary.
30. Psalm 118:5-6
In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Explanation: The psalmist recounts being delivered from anguish, demonstrating that even intense distress is a temporary state from which God can provide freedom.
31. Isaiah 60:20
Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Explanation: This prophetic verse paints a picture of a future where sorrow permanently ends, and God’s light is everlasting. It explicitly states that “days of sorrow will end,” affirming the “this too shall pass” theme.
32. Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.
Explanation: When feeling overwhelmed, the psalmist chooses to remember God’s past faithfulness. This act of remembering helps to shift perspective from current, temporary difficulties to God’s enduring power and love.
33. Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Explanation: This verse encourages perseverance, implying that the struggle of “doing good” will eventually lead to a reward. The weariness is temporary, and a harvest awaits those who don’t give up.
34. 1 Corinthians 7:31
For this world in its present form is passing away.
Explanation: This verse directly states the temporary nature of the world as we know it. It reminds us that our earthly circumstances, joys, and sorrows are all part of a transient reality.
35. Psalm 102:25-27
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
Explanation: This profound psalm highlights the temporary nature of creation itself, contrasting it with the eternal, unchanging nature of God. Everything else “will pass away,” but God remains forever.
Enduring Faith Through Changing Seasons
The phrase "this too shall pass" is more than just a saying; it's a profound truth that anchors us in turbulent times. The collection of Bible verse about this too shall pass provides a spiritual roadmap, guiding us through life's ever-shifting landscape.
These scriptures remind us that whether we are experiencing overwhelming joy or profound sorrow, these moments are temporary. They encourage us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and fix our gaze on the eternal promises of God.
Embrace these powerful truths. Let them be a source of strength when you feel weak, a beacon of hope when darkness surrounds you, and a reminder that every season serves a purpose in God's grand design. Trust in His unfailing love and know that He is working all things for your good, even when it's hard to see.
Your current situation, whatever it may be, is not your final destination. This too shall pass, and God will remain.
We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite Bible verses that bring you comfort during challenging times? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.