Hard times in marriage don’t always look like what you’d expect. Sometimes it’s the big stuff like financial pressures, bigger stuffs like infidelity and broken trust, or maybe health issues . Other times it’s the slow erosion of connection through years of unresolved resentment, unmet expectations, and the exhausting grind of jobs, kids, and responsibilities that leave nothing for each other. Either way, you find yourselves on opposite sides of the bed feeling more like roommates than partners, wondering if this is all there is.
The gap between wedding day promises and present reality can feel unbridgeable. You’re not sure if you’re fighting for the marriage or just fighting. Every conversation feels loaded, every silence feels heavy, and the thought of one more conflict makes you want to shut down completely. Maybe you’re questioning if you made a mistake, if it’s supposed to be this hard, or if staying is even worth it.
These verses aren’t magic fixes that will instantly restore what’s broken. But they offer something crucial: hope that God can work in impossible situations, wisdom for navigating the mess, and reminders that you’re not meant to do this alone.
Bible Verses for Couples Going Through Hard Times
1. Matthew 19:26 – With God All Things Are Possible
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Two Are Better Than One
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
New International Version (NIV)
3. Romans 8:28 – God Works for Good
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
New International Version (NIV)
4. 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 – Love Never Fails
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
New King James Version (NKJV)
5. Philippians 4:13 – I Can Do All Things Through Christ
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
New Living Translation (NLT)
6. James 1:2-4 – Count It All Joy
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.
New International Version (NIV)
7. Psalm 46:1-2 – God Is Our Refuge
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
8. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – My Grace Is Sufficient
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
New King James Version (NKJV)
9. Isaiah 41:10 – Do Not Fear, for I Am with You
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
New Living Translation (NLT)
10. Ephesians 4:32 – Be Kind and Compassionate
Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
11. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
English Standard Version (ESV)
12. Romans 12:12 – Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
13. 1 Peter 4:8 – Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
New International Version (NIV)
14. Colossians 3:13 – Bear with Each Other and Forgive
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
New International Version (NIV)
15. Hebrews 13:5 – Never Will I Leave You
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
New International Version (NIV)
16. Psalm 34:18 – The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
17. Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Me, All Who Are Weary
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
New King James Version (NKJV)
18. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
New International Version (NIV)
19. Psalm 147:3 – He Heals the Brokenhearted
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
20. Ephesians 4:2-3 – Be Patient, Bearing with One Another
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
21. Jeremiah 29:11 – Plans to Prosper You
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
English Standard Version (ESV)
22. James 5:16 – Pray for Each Other
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
New International Version (NIV)
23. Philippians 4:6-7 – Do Not Be Anxious
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.
New International Version (NIV)
24. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – Though Outwardly We Are Wasting Away
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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.
New International Version (NIV)
25. Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
English Standard Version (ESV)
26. Mark 10:9 – What God Has Joined Together
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
New International Version (NIV)
27. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God Will Provide a Way Out
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
28. Psalm 55:22 – Cast Your Burden on the Lord
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
29. Galatians 6:2 – Carry Each Other’s Burdens
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
New International Version (NIV)
30. Isaiah 43:2 – When You Pass Through the Waters
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
31. Romans 15:13 – May the God of Hope Fill You
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
New International Version (NIV)
32. Lamentations 3:22-23 – His Mercies Are New Every Morning
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
33. Psalm 23:4 – Even Though I Walk Through the Darkest Valley
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.
New International Version (NIV)
34. Hebrews 10:24-25 – Spur One Another On
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
New International Version (NIV)
35. John 16:33 – In This World You Will Have Trouble
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.
New International Version (NIV)
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Couples Going Through Hard Times
Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat the reality that marriage can be incredibly difficult. The Bible acknowledges that trials will come, relationships will be tested, and there will be seasons where staying together requires more strength than you think you have. But it consistently points to something beyond human capability: God’s presence in the struggle and His power to redeem what looks beyond repair.
What’s striking is how many biblical principles about endurance, forgiveness, and perseverance apply directly to marriage. The call to bear with one another, to love when it’s hard, to forgive repeatedly, these aren’t abstract spiritual concepts. They’re survival skills for covenant relationships. The Bible treats marriage as sacred enough to fight for and important enough that God Himself enters into the battle with you.
The verses also reveal that hard times can produce something valuable if you let them. Trials test your commitment, expose areas that need healing, and create opportunities for deeper intimacy when you face them together rather than turning on each other. God’s goal isn’t just to get you through the crisis but to transform both of you in the process.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, our marriage is in a hard place right now, and honestly, we’re not sure how to get through this. The problems feel bigger than our ability to solve them, and we’re both exhausted from trying. We need Your help in ways we can’t even fully articulate.
Give us strength to keep showing up for each other even when it’s hard. Help us to extend grace when we’re frustrated, to speak truth without cruelty, and to listen with genuine openness rather than just waiting for our turn to defend ourselves. Soften our hearts toward each other and help us remember why we chose this in the first place.
We confess that we’ve hurt each other, sometimes intentionally and sometimes through neglect. Help us to forgive as You’ve forgiven us. Give us wisdom to know when to push through and when to seek help from counselors, pastors, or trusted friends who can offer perspective we can’t see on our own.
Remind us that You’re present in this struggle and that You can redeem even our worst moments. Help us to face this crisis as a team rather than as enemies. Restore what’s been broken and create something stronger than what we had before.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.