7 Adversity Poems
Be encouraged by these adversity poems. When we face hardships and difficulties, it can feel as though we are the only ones going through them.
Hard times do not get the final word. Keep going, keep believing, and take one step forward at a time.
Updated January 23, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer
These poems share thoughtful reflections on adversity to encourage you and help you find strength. A well known reminder many people hold onto is this: too shall pass. Simple words, yet powerful when life feels heavy.
Let these poems remind you that you are not alone and that strength often grows through challenge.
Adversity Teaches
Adversity can teach us many things
Even though we feel disaster it brings
There are lessons there
Lessons that we can share.
Life brings the good and the bad
Making us feel happy and sad
But look at adversity as an opportunity
To strengthen your identity.
When we look back at what occurred
And realize we survived and endured
A hardship we felt we'd never get through
We now see that there was a lesson due.
So change your attitude about hard times
Realize it was a mountain you climb
The adversity has made you stronger today
Learn from it, and be on your way.
Face Prosperity
We all would rather face prosperity
Rather than handle adversity.
But in life, trouble does come
Don't let adversity make you succumb
Be determined, look for solutions
To bring the issue to a conclusion.
While the trouble may make you feel down
Be positive and don't you frown
Keep looking ahead, don't look back
Adversity won't last, that is a fact!
Look Away
When the storm breaks over thee
And the angry billows roll,
Foaming with adversity,
'Gainst thy body and thy soul;
When the gale but wilder blows
As you struggle, plead, and pray,
Leave it with the One who knows;
Lift your eyes and look away.
If the storm is all you see,
And you hear naught but its moan,
Soon discouraged you will be,
Tossing helpless and alone;
If, instead, you look above
And in confidence hold still,
You shall prove God's care and love
While you rest in his sweet will.
When the Lord was here below,
Once he walked the troubled sea,
And one cried, "If it be thou,
Bid me, Lord, to come to thee."
"Come," and Peter firmly trod
On the surface of the deep;
For his eyes were on his God,
Who is always strong to keep.
When he saw the boisterous waves
And of them began to think,
Then he cried, "O Master, save!"
For his feet began to sink.
"Wherefore, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
Then the loving Master said.
While he watched the scenes about,
Fear had come and faith had fled.
Look away, then, look away
From the trials dark and long;
Heaven wills that every day
Hope should sing her cheering song.
Trust in spite of doubts and fears;
Heed not what the foe may say.
Angels whisper in thine ears,
"Look to Jesus, look away."
This, Too, Shall Pass Away
An Eastern monarch commanded his minister
to furnish a motto that should cheer in adversity,
and prevent excessive joy in prosperity.
He gave the monarch for his signet:
"This, too, shall pass away."
How greatly would such a thought console us in sorrow,
or restrain us in joy.
Every state of feeling or suffering, of hope or despair,
will pass away in this life.
A Touch Of Adversity Shows
It takes a touch of adversity to show whether a man is a man at all,
just as it needs the touch of frost to bring out the glories of the trees.
Even on a dark day in October, how royally the woods flame out!
Under what glorious banners they march to meet the winter!
What unmatched splendors, rich as sunset skies,
tender as the rainbow, shine out over the whole earth!
Those splendors are the treasures that the trees were silently laying up
when the summer's sun flooded them all day long;
and shall a man in his time of prosperity lay up no store of sunshine in his inner self,
whereby, when darker days come on, he shall be luminous with courage and good cheer?
Stand By Your Friend
Should a friend be in need
Of advice or kind deed.
Don't begrudge him your comfort to lend;
He will bless you at last,
When his troubles are past -
In adversity stand by your friend!
The Flame
Happiness is like a candle flame -
that flickers in a draught and loses light...
A breath of disapproval or of blame
Dims the lovely glow, however slight.
Let the candle of your happiness -
Keep its brightness, burning steadily...
Let it shine in times of storm and stress -
Undisturbed amidst adversity.
Key Reflections From These Poems
- Adversity can teach us
When we look back, we often see we grew in ways we did not notice at the time.
-
Keep your eyes on what helps
Like the poem Look Away reminds us, where we focus can change how we endure the storm.
-
Trouble will not last forever
This too shall pass is a steady truth that brings comfort and balance.
-
Store up courage in good times
Prosperity is a chance to build strength inside, so we are ready when hard days come.
-
Stand with others
In adversity, friendship and kindness matter more than we realize.
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Conclusion
No matter what adversity you are facing in your life, do not let it weigh you down. Hard times are part of the journey, but they do not define who you are. Focus on what you can do today and take one step at a time.
Every challenge carries a lesson, and with patience and perseverance, strength grows. Remember that difficult seasons pass, and brighter moments return. Keep moving forward with hope and trust.
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