I rely heavily on my faith in God to help guide me through life. However, it can be extremely difficult to “keep the faith” or even be filled with hope when the world around you is in complete disarray. In times like this, I have to encourage myself to dig deeper into the Word, pray more fervently, and essentially just spend more time in His presence.

As I’ve mentioned time and time again, having anchor scriptures to refer to during tough times can be extremely helpful. That said, here are 13 scripture references for hope and healing during trying times:

1. Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2. Psalms 30:2 (NIV)

“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”

3. Psalms 42:5 (CEV)

“Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I should trust you, Lord. I will praise you again because you help me.”

4. Psalms 71:14 (CEV)

“I will never give up hope or stop praising you.”

5. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

6. John 10:10 (CEV)

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.”

7. 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.”

8. Romans 5:4-5 (CEV)

“And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.”

9. Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

10. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

11. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

12. Psalms 34:18 (NIV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

13. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

“If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

I hope you find peace and comfort in these scriptures. I also encourage you to meditate one or more of these verses for the rest of the month. I pray that you are blessed and I pray that you stay prayerful and remain hopeful.