Life can be very unpredictable. We go through good times and hard times too. As humans, we never know what tomorrow will bring.
While this uncertainty can bring anxiety and stress, for us as Christians it should inspire us to look to God who is our Creator and knows all things. That’s why it’s important to hold onto these encouraging Bible verses about leaning on God.
When unexpected times come, we can depend on the Lord and be reminded in his word that he is good and in control. The love of God will carry and sustain us as we look unto him for strength and guidance.
Leaning on God may sound weak but it’s based on a real and deep relationship with him. This relationship is founded on truth and trust. It’s better to rely on God who never changes than people who change all the time. Trusting God deepens our faith in him.
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Bible Verses About Leaning on God
Leaning on God shows that we realize that our own ways and strength will fail but his strength will never fail us.
If we don’t depend on the Lord God, we miss out on his wisdom which can guide us through life’s ups and downs.
When we depend on the Lord God, we look to him for what we need in life.
We trust him to lead us and direct us. This leads to confidence in him, not in circumstances or possessions.
Isaiah 26:3
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ESV
When we go through hard times, peace seems to be the last thing on our minds. We are caught in worry, stress, and anxiety about the unknown future.
But God wants us to trust in His character and goodness towards us.
The best way to do this is to focus on his promises in the Bible instead of our circumstances, our minds will have constant peace.
Philippians 4:6-7
“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.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
This is another great scripture that encourages us to have the peace of God which surpasses human understanding.
Instead of worrying the Bible encourages us to have gratitude about what God has already done while praying for our needs.
When we do this, he gives us his peace even during trials and challenges. This peace will guide us and strengthen us.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
In this encouraging scripture about leaning on God, we are encouraged not to give in to fear because God is always with us.
When Jesus went back to heaven, he promised us the Holy Spirit who is in us and with us.
The Lord will strengthen and help you in challenging times.
You can lean on him because his righteous right hand is powerful and victorious and he will hold us securely in it.
Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 NIV
In old Biblical times, people like David who wrote this passage could go behind rocks when in danger as it offered safety from the enemy’s attacks.
A fortress was a place of defense that was difficult for an enemy to penetrate. In the same way, our Lord is our rock and place of safety.
He empowers and delivers us from sin and even from the works of the enemy so we can face challenges with confidence and strength.
An animal’s horn is a source of strength and power and used for defense and attack. Our salvation in the Lord is our source of strength as well.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Trust is the foundation of our relationships with people and with God.
Trusting God can take time but because of his integrity, faithfulness, and all that he has done in our lives and in his word, we can choose to trust him.
We know that he is committed to fulfilling his promises to us.
We can’t lean on our own understanding and our own strength because we are limited but our God is not.
He is all-powerful and we can lean on him because he is our Creator. When we acknowledge him, he will guide us and make our paths straight.
Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 NIV
The Lord God is good all the time. In this comforting verse, we are reminded that God will help us in hard times. He becomes a refuge and safe place for us when we go through tough times.
He cares for us deeply and he proved that love already when he sent his Son to die for us.
Through Jesus’ death, we’ve been reconciled with God and he is our refuge in life. He also promises us eternal life so our future is secure as well.
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NLT
The name of God represents his character and all he is. In his name, we are baptized, find salivation, experience God’s love, and find grace and mercy. T
The reason we pray “in the name of Jesus Christ” is because his name has been given power and authority in heaven and on earth (Philippians 2:9-11).
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:25-26 NIV
What a powerful verse that encourages us to trust God instead of worrying about our needs.
Life is more important than the physical and material things we pursue.
When we see how our Heavenly Father takes care of the animals and plants, we can be inspired and reminded that we are more valuable than them.
We can lean on him because he cares and is trustworthy.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV
The Lord God is not there for us sometimes. There is no situation that is too hard or too messy for him to save us from.
He is an ever-present help for us. He is always there to lovingly rescue and deliver us.
This scripture about leaning on God reminds us that God is always present to offer us his strength when our own strength fails us. He is a reliable refuge that we can always rely on.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:5 NLT
One of the lies of the devil for our generation is thinking we can do it all and don’t need a Savior.
But the truth of God’s word is he created us and we will always need him.
When we commit our plans to him, he guides, protects, and helps us bring those plans to life. He makes a way and opens doors for us when we lean on him.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
The world looks at weakness as failure but according to the word of God, when we are weak God is strong for us.
His power works best when we admit that we can’t do it all and only he can provide us with the strength we need or the breakthrough we long for.
There are two ways God helps us when we have a burden. He can remove the burden or strengthen us to bear the load. God wants to teach us that we are insufficient and his grace is sufficient.
This comforting verse about leaning on God reminds us that being weak allows the Lord’s power to shine because we can rely on him alone.
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17 ESV
Because of God’s love for us, he has given all of us different gifts and blessings.
We can’t boast about what we can do for we have received the gifts by his grace.
We lean on him because he is the giver of all things. He doesn’t consider our behavior to determine what we have, he just gives because he loves us as his children.
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 ESV
Just like Jesus Christ, we as his disciples will suffer a little while before we experience eternal glory.
We would prefer no suffering but God knows that the suffering will help perfect, strengthen, refine, and establish us in his kingdom.
It’s when we suffer that we learn the benefits of leaning on God and relying on him fully not our own strength.
The good thing is this suffering is only temporary and we will not go through it alone.
Nehemiah 8:10
“Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 ESV
Most times we can let emotions control our attitudes and behavior.
But feelings come and go while the truth and principles in the word of God remain forever and that is what should guide us.
Instead of grieving when times are uncertain and hard, we should lean on the joy of the Lord and let it be our strength.
We remember God’s promises and this brings gladness from deep within us.
This doesn’t mean we pretend that the pain is not there. Rather we acknowledge the pain but remember that our God is still in control and he will comfort and help us to overcome the challenge.
1 Peter 1:24-25
“For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 NIV
God’s word never changes and never dies. It has survived years and years of persecution, criticism, and manipulation yet remains the same. It will abide forever.
Because the word of the Lord is secure, steadfast, and constant, and inspired by God himself we can lean on it and the promises it gives us.
People come and go and they change to so we can’t rely on them.
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
The world teaches us to be self-seeking and vain. It encourages us to rely on ourselves and find security in finances, material possessions, and careers.
This is the opposite of what the Bible says that’s why this scripture encourages us to be transformed in our thinking.
Renewal of the mind means we become Christ-like in our thinking, priorities, and attitude.
This means we put our trust and faith in the Lord and not in worldly things. When we do this, we live according to the will of God.
James 1:2-4
“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.” James 1:2-4 NIV
When our minds are renewed we realize there is a reason and purpose for what we go through. Tough times are there to mold us and to serve God’s purpose not to punish us.
This is why the Bible says we can have pure joy in hard times. Because we know it grows our faith, makes us persevere and depend on the Lord, and become mature Christians.
Jesus Christ endured trials when he died a painful and shameful death on the cross.
This was not his will but God’s will. His death and resurrection brought us salvation and eternal life. It’s encouraging to know that beautiful results can come from pain and suffering.
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” 1 Peter 5:6 ESV
Leaning on God requires us to be humble and admit that we can’t live our way, with our own strength, ideas, and patterns. We need the Lord.
When we do this, the Lord promises to honor and reward us. We find rest, comfort, peace, and love when we depend on the Lord.
Titus 1:2-3
“In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.” Titus 1:2-3 ESV
God is truthful and never lies that’s why we can lean on him. We stand in anticipation of the eternal life he guarantees us.
As Paul was entrusted with preaching God’s word to unbelievers, we have also been entrusted with sharing it.
We may not be preachers and evangelists but we can share our testimonies and faith and pray that God changes those we reach out to so they can repent and start relying on God.
Isaiah 44:6
“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” Isaiah 44:6 ESV
God is unique because he created all things. He is the first so before him, there is no one and he is the last so he is supreme, majestic, and self-exists. He is not like other gods or idols that are created by man.
This reminder of the character of God is why we depend on him for all things. He redeems us from our sins because of his unconditional love for us.
Isaiah 40:28
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28 NIV
There are times when we doubt who God is and what he can do. But it’s in those times we need to remember what we’ve heard from sermons or other people about the powerful God we serve. That’s because faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).
Then we need to remind ourselves of what we know about the Lord.
He has been with us from our mother’s wombs, protecting, guiding, leading, and loving us. He is faithful until the end.
We can lean on him because he is our creator and he never grows tired or weak of helping us in our time of need.
We don’t deserve it because we sin and disobey him yet he loves us anyway.
Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
The secret place of the Lord is an intimate place where we dwell when we have a close relationship with him. This place is a shelter and a place of safety and protection.
We trust in God and rely on him when we stay in his presence and are near to him. Then he can be our source of protection and we can lean on him all the time.
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NKJV
Delighting in the Lord is abiding in him and developing a deep and intimate relationship with him.
When we do that we can follow his will and his ways and in turn, he will give us what we need and desire.
The closer you are to the Lord and the more you depend on him, the more your priorities will be aligned with his.
The more you know him, the more you desire to please him, walk in his ways, and glorify him.
Matthew 14:30-31
“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:30-31 NLT
This is a popular verse from the time Peter walked on water. As long as he was focusing on Christ Jesus, he could do the impossible.
But the moment he looked at his circumstances he lost his focus and began to sink.
When we rely on God we focus on him and have faith in what he can do for us.
The enemy may try to sway us and make us doubt but we can count on the Lord to help us remain steadfast and unwavering in our faith.
Romans 15:13
“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.” Romans 15:13 NIV
God is the source of our hope as believers. Our hope is in the anticipation of the good future he has promised while we are on earth and in eternity.
Because God is the source of our hope, he fills us with joy which is long-lasting and deep happiness.
He also fills us with peace even during trials. This is all possible through the Holy Spirit. We can also overflow with hope when we lean on the Lord to help us.
If studying the Bible better is on your list of things to do this year, be sure to visit our Bible Study Resources page where you’ll find everything you need to make Bible study a regular part of your daily routine.
Dear friends, it is better for us to depend on God, not people. While people can betray us or disappoint us, God is faithful and always there for us.
Depending on the Lord has benefits in this life and when we inherit eternal life.
We can experience the peace of God, joy, hope, guidance, and protection just to name a few when we lean on God.
The Lord God wants a deep, fulfilling, and ongoing relationship with us as his children. He wants us to lean on his daily not just in tough times.
May these Bible verses about leaning on God inspire, direct, and encourage you to depend on the Lord as he sustains you.
Your faith and confidence in him will grow as you learn to trust him in every area of your life.
