by In times of sadness, turning to the Bible can provide comfort, understanding, and hope. The Scriptures offer numerous passages that address the feelings of sorrow and despair, reminding us of God’s presence and love even in our darkest moments. Here are Bible verses about sadness, each to help deepen your understanding and provide spiritual encouragement. Do read on!
Bible Verses About Sadness
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Commentary: This verse emphasizes God’s closeness to those who are suffering. It reassures us that in times of deep sorrow and emotional pain, God is near, offering comfort and salvation. His presence is a source of strength and hope for the brokenhearted.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].”
Commentary: Here, the psalmist highlights God’s healing power. When we are overwhelmed with sadness, God provides healing for our emotional wounds. This verse assures us that God’s compassion is active and He is dedicated to restoring our well-being.
Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].”
Commentary: This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s promise to be with us always. It addresses the fears and anxieties that often accompany sadness, assuring us that God’s strength and support are always available to us.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn, for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].”
Commentary: In the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks of the blessedness of those who mourn. This verse highlights the spiritual comfort and renewal that God provides to those who are grieving, offering hope that sadness will be met with divine consolation.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid [let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge].”
Commentary: Jesus promises His peace to His followers, a peace that transcends worldly understanding. This verse encourages us to find solace in the peace that Jesus offers, which can calm our hearts and give us strength even in the midst of sadness.
Romans 8:18
“For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!”
Commentary: Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and insignificant compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective encourages us to endure hardships with hope, knowing that greater things are promised by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Commentary: This passage emphasizes the cycle of comfort that originates with God. When we experience God’s comfort in our own sorrows, we are then equipped to offer that same comfort to others in their times of need, creating a community of support and compassion.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].”
Commentary: This verse instructs us to bring our concerns and sorrows to God in prayer, with an attitude of gratitude. By doing so, we are promised God’s peace, which surpasses human understanding and protects our hearts and minds.
1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”
Commentary: Peter encourages us to cast all our anxieties and worries onto God, trusting in His deep care and concern for us. This act of surrender allows us to release the burdens of sadness and find rest in God’s loving care.
Revelation 21:4
“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain; for the former order of things has passed away.”
Commentary: This verse offers a vision of the ultimate hope and comfort in the future. God promises a time when all sorrow, pain, and death will be eradicated, and every tear will be wiped away, providing a profound sense of hope for those experiencing sadness.
Psalm 30:5
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
Commentary: This verse contrasts the temporary nature of sorrow with the enduring favor and joy provided by God. It reminds us that sadness and weeping are not permanent, and joy will follow, offering hope and encouragement.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.”
Commentary: This verse promises renewal and strength to those who hope in the Lord. It encourages us to trust in God during times of sadness, knowing that He will provide the endurance and vigor needed to overcome our trials.
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”
Commentary: God’s promise to be with us through all trials is a powerful source of comfort. This verse reassures us that, regardless of the intensity of our struggles, God’s presence will protect and sustain us.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.”
Commentary: These verses highlight God’s unfailing compassion and faithfulness. Even in the midst of sadness, we can find hope in God’s constant and renewing love, which is present every day.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”
Commentary: The familiar words of Psalm 23 offer comfort by affirming God’s presence and protection in the darkest times. The imagery of the shepherd provides assurance that God will guide and support us through every trial.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Commentary: God’s declaration of His plans for our future offers hope in times of sadness. Knowing that God has plans for our welfare and hope can help us endure current hardships with the assurance of better things to come.
Psalm 42:11
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
Commentary: This verse captures the struggle with inner turmoil and the reminder to place hope in God. It encourages us to look beyond our current despair and trust in God’s help and faithfulness, leading to eventual praise and joy.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).”
Commentary: This verse calls us to release our burdens to the Lord, trusting in His sustaining power. God’s promise to uphold the righteous reassures us that He will provide the stability and support needed during times of sadness.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].”
Commentary: Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This verse offers a personal and direct invitation to find peace and refreshment in Jesus, relieving the heaviness of sorrow and weariness.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life]. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [as in fact He did], even so God in this same way—by raising them from the dead—will bring with Him those [believers] who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”
Commentary: Paul provides comfort to believers by reminding them of the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ. This assurance helps alleviate the sorrow of losing loved ones, knowing that death is not the end for those in Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!”
Commentary: Paul contrasts our temporary troubles with the eternal glory they are producing. This perspective encourages us to endure sadness with the understanding that it is preparing us for a far greater and lasting reward in eternity.
Hebrews 13:5
“Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, ‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!’”
Commentary: This verse reassures us of God’s constant presence and support. In times of sadness, the promise that God will never leave or forsake us provides immense comfort and stability.
Psalm 31:9
“Be gracious and compassionate to me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; My eye is clouded and weakened by grief, my soul and my body also.”
Commentary: The psalmist’s plea for God’s mercy in the midst of grief resonates with our own cries for help. This verse acknowledges the deep impact of sadness on both body and soul and calls upon God’s compassion and grace for relief.
Psalm 56:8
“You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not recorded in Your book?”
Commentary: This verse offers a poignant image of God’s care and attention to our sorrows. It assures us that God sees every tear and keeps a record of our pain, highlighting His intimate concern for our emotional struggles.
Psalm 119:50
“This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me and given me life.”
Commentary: The psalmist finds solace in God’s Word during times of affliction. This verse underscores the life-giving power of Scripture, which can revive our spirits and provide comfort amid sadness.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.”
Commentary: This proverb highlights the heavy burden of anxiety and the uplifting power of an encouraging word. It reminds us of the importance of speaking words of hope and encouragement to ourselves and others to counteract sadness.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me To bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted, To proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives And freedom to prisoners.”
Commentary: This verse, which Jesus quoted in Luke 4:18, speaks of His mission to bring healing and freedom to those who are brokenhearted and captive. It reassures us of Jesus’ compassion and His power to heal our deepest wounds.
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”
Commentary: This verse portrays God’s delight and love for His people. It assures us that God’s presence brings salvation and joy, and He rejoices over us with singing, providing comfort and encouragement in times of sadness.
Job 5:11
“So that He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety.”
Commentary: This verse speaks of God’s care for the lowly and those who mourn. It reassures us that God will elevate and protect those who are humble and grieving, offering hope and safety.
James 1:2-4
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
Commentary: James encourages believers to find joy in trials, knowing that these experiences test and strengthen our faith. This perspective helps us to view sadness as an opportunity for spiritual growth and maturity, leading to a more complete and peaceful faith.
Isaiah 51:11
“So the redeemed of the Lord will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, Everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Commentary: This verse promises everlasting joy to God’s redeemed people. It assures us that, in God’s presence, sorrow and sighing will be replaced with gladness and joy, offering hope and anticipation of future blessings.
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord also will be a refuge and a stronghold for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.”
Commentary: The psalmist declares God as a refuge and stronghold for the oppressed. This assurance of God’s protection and safety provides comfort and strength during times of trouble and sadness.
Psalm 62:8
“Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.”
Commentary: This verse calls us to trust in God and pour out our hearts before Him. It reassures us that God is our refuge, a safe place where we can bring our deepest sorrows and find comfort and protection.
Isaiah 54:10
“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, Nor will My covenant of peace be shaken,” Says the Lord who has compassion on you.”
Commentary: This verse emphasizes the unchanging nature of God’s love and covenant of peace. Despite any upheaval or turmoil, God’s compassion remains steadfast, providing a foundation of love and security in times of sadness.
What Does the Bible Say About Sadness
Sadness is a part of life, and we all feel it at some point, whether it’s because of loss, disappointment, or simply having a bad day. The Bible understands this and talks about sadness in many ways, offering comfort and guidance to help us through tough times.
One of the things it tells us is that it’s okay to feel sad; it’s a natural human emotion. Even the strongest and most faithful people in the Bible felt sadness and expressed their sorrow openly, showing us that we don’t need to hide our feelings or pretend everything is fine when it’s not.
The Bible also encourages us to turn to God when we are sad. It tells us that God cares deeply about our feelings and is always there to listen and provide comfort. When we pour out our hearts to Him in prayer, we can find peace and strength to carry on. Sometimes, we might not understand why we feel sad or why bad things happen, but the Bible reminds us to trust in God’s greater plan and His love for us.
Another important thing the Bible says about sadness is the value of community and support from others. It teaches us to lean on our friends, family, and fellow believers in times of sorrow. By sharing our burdens with others, we can find relief and encouragement, and we can also be there for others when they are going through hard times.
Moreover, the Bible talks about hope and the promise of joy that comes after sadness. It assures us that sadness is temporary and that brighter days are ahead. This hope can give us the strength to keep going, knowing that our current troubles are not the end of the story.
In conclusion, the Bible acknowledges that sadness is a real and unavoidable part of life, but it also offers us comfort, hope, and a path to healing. By turning to God, leaning on our community, and holding on to hope, we can navigate through our sadness and come out stronger on the other side.