The phrase ‘This Too Shall Pass’ is an ancient and uplifting phrase that is found in many religions, cultures and belief systems around the world. It is an axiom of life that is both motivating and encouraging in difficult times. Many of us turn to this comforting phrase when faced with difficult times, asking ourselves “this too shall pass”. But where does it originate from and is it found in the Bible?
The exact origin of the phrase is not known but there is a reference to it in the Bible, although the exact phrase does not appear. In the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, it talks about time and the passing of seasons “a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted” (King James Bible). This passage is often related to this phrase – constructing the idea that life is full of both good and bad times, that these are just part of life and they will both pass.
But is the phrase “this too shall pass” found in the Bible? Well, not in those exact words but rather this is an interpretation of life and the experiences of the people and authors of the Bible. As Dr Joann Weaver, professor and director of the Charlotte W. Newcombe Center for Humanities and Religious Studies, said in a previous interview, “The Bible is full of wisdom that has been shared through the generations and people have found meaning and comfort in the words shared in the Bible.” The phrase “this too shall pass” is certainly one of the many ideas expressed in the Bible that people can cling to during hard times.
This phrase is more than just a motto to hold on to during hard times. It is a reminder that everything has a season and even the bad times will pass. This idea was expressed by many of the authors of the Bible, for example Ecclesiastes 7:14 says, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find outanything that will be after him.” In this way, the authors of the Bible expressed life as a cycle of good and bad and that the bad will pass.
So while the exact phrase “this too shall pass” may not be found in the Bible, its meaning certainly is. It is an ancient phrase that is full of hope, a reminder that even the bad times will pass and that life is always changing.
Tough Times
Many of us have experienced tough times in our lives. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, financial hardship, physical illness or career setback – these all leave behind emotional scars.
The Bible acknowledges the presence and even inevitability of hard times, giving advice on how to cope with and manage them. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, it mentions the time for “a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance”. This speaks to the cyclical nature of life, recognizing and accepting life’s ups and downs, rather than running away from our hard times.
The Bible also has numerous stories on how to stay strong during tough times. In one of the Bible’s most famous stories, Job, Job is tested by God and suffers greatly yet he is able to stay faithful and refrain from cursing God. In another famous story, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, are thrown into a fiery furnace, yet their faith carried them through this assessment and they emerged unscathed.
From these stories, we can learn to have faith during hard times, to resist the temptation to give up and to remain positive and hopeful during these times.
The phrase “this too shall pass” is a useful reminder in these trying times. It reminds us that no matter how bleak our situation may seem, it is not permanent and that brighter times are coming.
Turn To Faith
The Bible is full of stories of faith. These stories remind us of the power of faith and how it can carry us through life’s hardships.
As the Bible says in Romans 5:3-4 “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Perseverance and faith are crucial during these times, as the Bible teaches us that through faith, we will find hope in our difficulties.
Faith can also be seen as a form of mental strength. It can help us to stay focused on the future and keep us from making irrational decisions driven by fear and panic. This can be difficult to do, as fear and worry can be powerful emotions that drive us to act out of character. However, the Bible can provide guidance and can be a powerful source of guidance during hard times.
The Bible also teaches us that we are never alone and that God is always with us. This is another source of comfort during hard times. As Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 “… and remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Having faith in God can bring a sense of peace during hard times and can be a source of strength and courage.
The phrase “this too shall pass” is a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of having faith in God. It is a reminder that no matter how tough our situation may seem, we will eventually make it through, with God’s help, and that brighter days are ahead.
Rely On Support
Nobody has to go through tough times alone. The Bible reminds us of the importance of relying on family and friends during tough times. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, it says “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.” This speaks to the power of community and how relying on each other can be a powerful coping tool during difficult times.
Research has also shown that having a strong support system during tough times can be a powerful source of relief and healing. Studies have suggested that people with a strong support system are less likely to become depressed and are more likely to remain resilient during hard times.
Family and friends can be a source of comfort, a listening ear and understanding. They can provide practical support as well, helping us to manage our responsibilities, such as childcare and finances, while we are dealing with tough times.
Enlisting the help and support of a professional can be beneficial too. Professional counselors, therapists and support groups can provide emotional support and coping strategies during hard times.
The phrase “this too shall pass” is a reminder of the importance of support and relying on other people during tough times. It is an encouragement to seek out help and comfort and to rely on friends, family and professionals during difficult times.
Take Action
Taking action can be a powerful source of relief in tough times. Action can come in many forms, from seeking out professional help to changing our environment.
The Bible encourages us to take action when faced with hard times. In James 4:7, the writer says “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Taking action against the devil or “evil” can be seen as taking action against our hard times. Through action, we can regain control over our lives and begin to move forward.
Action can also involve self-care. Taking care of ourselves is one of the most important things to do during hard times and self-care has been proven to be beneficial in tough times. This can include anything from getting enough rest, exercising, eating well, spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities that give us joy.
The phrase “this too shall pass” can be a reminder of the importance of taking action during tough times. It encourages us to take action and to do something to help manage our situation and to focus on what we can do to make a positive change.
Any time this website quotes someone, that person does not exist. There is no Dr. Joann Weaver.