The truth is this, life can be extremely difficult. Sometimes life is so difficult we don’t see any merit in continuing to try. We give up on God, people, situations, and even ourselves. Quitting when we should persevere can lead to regret, sorrow, and at worst, suicide.
Why Should We Keep Going?
Though we may know quitting is wrong, sometimes that’s the only option we see. We lose the motivation to hang on, to keep trying. This happens especially when we feel alone, disconnected from God and people. There’s seemingly no one to help us get back on our feet.
Believe me, I know the feeling. I’ve given up on sobriety, relationships, being polite, and sometimes I’ve even given up on God. But I also know that sometimes we have to pick ourselves up while we wait to feel that reconnection with God or wait to find new people in our lives.
We have to keep going even when we want to quit.
Why, you ask.
Because God is more important than the ‘thing” bothering us. More important than the person, the situation, the longing, than us.
So, we make the choice to quit or keep going. If you’re looking for some motivation, here are 30 verses to keep you going when you feel like quitting.
Read them. Study them. Recite them. Use them. Every day or as needed.
30 Verses to Keep You Going When You Feel Like Quitting
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
What a great motivation to hold throughout life - knowing Jesus died for our sins. That gives us reason to live and live fully despite our failures.
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Waiting on God comes with perks and promises!
“I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
We can’t overcome every obstacle on our own. Thankfully, we’re not on our own.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Fear is a common excuse to quit. Yet, Scripture tells us how to respond to fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Another truth about fear.
“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Another promise to those who don’t quit.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When you feel like quitting, have you reached the end of your wits because of over relying on yourself?
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Don’t worry, keep going!
“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” (Colossians 3:23)
Living for God as opposed to living for ourselves, others, or things, is a great motivator.
“You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
A promise for those who keep trying to connect with God.
“Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
To be fervent is to be enthusiastic. To be enthusiastic is to be motivated.
“But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.” (Psalm 13:5)
There is no need to quit. God will deliver us.
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.” (Psalm 27:10)
Even if no one else is in our corner, God is and forever will be.
“Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans.” (Psalm 37:7)
Quitting is what we choose when we don’t get our way. What if we allowed God to have His way instead?
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)
God gives us a recharge.
“You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
We can find peace amidst the chaos in our lives. We just have to look in the right place.
“When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
God’s love is a powerful motivator.
“And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
God will supply how many of our needs?
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalm 37:5)
If God’s got our back, why give up?
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
God appreciates patience.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
God has created us to do good things. Quitting is choosing not to do them.
“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
Life gets hard, but hard does not mean insurmountable.
“Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully.” (Colossians 1:11)
God gets us the strength to carry on.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.” (Proverbs 18:10)
More evidence that we can find rest in God. After resting, we keep pushing forward.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
There should be no doubt about how we ought to treat fear.
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
Difficult people have a way of making life difficult. But who’s in charge of our lives at the end of the day?
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Just because people are difficult doesn’t mean we should always give up on them.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
God walks through life with us.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
If God uses even the bad for our good, why is the bad a reason to quit?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Keep moving forward. With a mind focused on Christ, God will help you get what you need. Maybe not what you want, but definitely what you need.
May each and every one of these verses serve to edify you and I as we strive to perfect our walk with Christ each and every day.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kieferpix
Aaron D'Anthony Brown is a freelance writer, hip-hop dance teacher, and visual artist, living in Virginia. He currently contributes to Salem Web Network’s Crosswalk platform and supports various clients through the freelancing website Upwork. He's an outside-the-box thinker with a penchant for challenging the status quo.
Get in touch with him at aarondanthony.com and check out his debut short story anthology Honey Dreams on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.