“This Too Shall Pass” Is Not a Bible Scripture
“This too shall pass” is believed to be an ancient Persian adage that has been translated and used in many languages. The popular saying speaks to the temporary nature of suffering in the human condition.
However, contrary to popular belief, the phrase does not appear in the Christian Bible. Thankfully, God’s word speaks extensively about the ephemerality of human existence on Earth and the eternality of life after death.
Origins of “This Too Shall Pass”
The Bible teaches us about what things are lasting and eternal and what things are temporary. Perhaps the following scriptures are where this phrase may have originated:
“The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever,” 1 John 2:17
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away,” Matthew 24:35
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come,” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“This Too Shall Pass” Songs
Although God’s word doesn’t explicitly say “this too shall pass,” It has proven to be an effective slogan for Christian hope that God will see us through hard times.
In fact, it is so popular that famous gospel artists have created songs about it. These songs likely reinforce the popular misbelief that the phrase is Biblical.
Despite the common misinformation, Reverend James Cleveland and Yolanda Adams have produced beautiful songs based on the “this too shall pass” theme. We’ve included them here for your spiritual edification and musical enjoyment.
What Does the Bible Say About Suffering in Hard Times?
The Bible instructs believers to endure suffering with the knowledge that God can see us through any circumstance. Even Jesus endured the cross because He knew what was waiting on the other side of it.
God’s word does not say that we will not suffer. But it does instruct us on how we should handle the trials and tribulations of our daily lives. Specifically, we are instructed to trust God even when we can’t trace God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Proverbs 3:5 New International Version (NIV)
and lean not on your own understanding;
We Are Renewed Daily and We Have Eternal Hope
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.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
Through Christ Jesus, We Have Victory!
“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.”
John 16:33 New International Version (NIV)
Christ Comforts Us and We Comfort Others
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 New International Version (NIV)
Our Suffering Teaches Us Perseverance, Strength, and Endurance
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.
James 1:2-3 New International Version (NIV)
Suffering Reminds Us That Lasting Joy and Peace is Found in Christ
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13 New International Version (NIV)
God’s Power Operates Within Us
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 New International Version (NIV)
When We Are Tried in the Fire, We Come Out As Pure Gold
But he knows the way that I take;
Job 23:10 New International Version (NIV)
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Conclusion
Suffering can be an unexpected gift. If we face our suffering according to Biblical teachings, we can gain several spiritual benefits from our hard times.
Trying times often draw us closer to God and naturally increases our faith. When we emerge in victory, we are better positioned to witness to others and help them through similar circumstances.
Finally, our suffering is a reminder that our problems are not the end of our story. Even while we suffer on this side of eternity, we have the benefits of increased faith, spiritual assurance, fellowship with Christ, and hope that our heavenly father will see us through it all.
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