Bible Studies


Helpful Scriptures in Times of Crisis

by Anonymous


One thing that all human beings have in common is having difficulties in this life. No matter where you live, what your gender is, or what your economic level is, you can count on having problems sooner or later. The Bible speaks much of times of crisis. One can easily think of Israel wandering in the wilderness or Jonah in the belly of the great fish.

How can I respond to crisis properly?

Take a look at Jonah 2:1-2, which states, “Then Jonah prayed to Yahweh his Elohim from inside the great fish. He said, ‘I cried out to Yahweh in my great trouble , and He answered me. I called to You from the world of the dead, and Yahweh, You heard me!’ NLT

Psalm 130:1-2, “From the depths of despair, O Yahweh, I call for Your help. Hear my cry, O Yahweh. Pay attention to my prayer.”

When we reach the end of our rope, the best thing to do is reach out to Yahweh. His strength can be manifested during our times of weakness. Our crises can be His opportunities to act in a mighty way. When you are weak and vulnerable, make it a point to seek the merciful and protective covering of Yahweh. In Psalm 28:7, we read, “Yahweh is my strength , my shield from every danger. I trust in Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filed with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

How can I help others in times of despair?

When others face crisis, we need to be there for them. The most important thing you can do, of course, is pray for the person in need. Also, consider phoning the person and asking what they need. They may need a babysitter for a few hours to take care of some personal things. Take over a hot dish—oftentimes when people are going through struggles, fixing food is the least of priorities on their list of things to do.

Proverbs 31:8 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing."

We also find in Titus 3:14, “For our people should not have unproductive lives. They must learn to do good by helping others who have urgent needs.”

Finally, realize that there is only so much you can do. Yahweh is the one in ultimate control. Only He knows the reasons we go through hard times. There comes a point, when we must lay our burdens at Yahweh’s feet and say, “Your will be done.” Many have also found comfort, in their prayers, by asking, “Yahweh what do You want me to learn from this trial?” Oftentimes, our trials are either to prove our faithfulness to Yahweh or for us to learn powerful lessons. May we all keep our faith in times of crisis.