Trusting God In Difficult Times
Life has a way of throwing challenges our way. Whether it’s the weight of sadness, the overwhelming grip of depression, or the suffocating feeling of hopelessness, there are moments when we find ourselves feeling lost, confused, and unsure of where to turn. If you’re facing difficult times, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is hope, even when it feels like hope is nowhere to be found.
In the midst of these struggles, trusting God can feel incredibly hard. It’s easy to question where God is when everything seems to be falling apart. But even in the darkest moments, God is with you, and He is trustworthy. Through the storms of life, we can hold onto His promises and lean into the peace that only He can provide.
I’ve walked through seasons of despair, just like you, and I want to share with you the journey of learning how to trust God in difficult times. Trusting God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Here’s how I’ve learned to trust God when life is hard, and how you can too.
1. Remember that God is Always Present
One of the most comforting truths about God is that He is always with us — even in our darkest moments. It’s easy to feel like we’re alone when we’re struggling, but the Bible assures us that God is never far away.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse was a lifeline for me during some of the darkest seasons of my life. Even when I felt alone, I knew that God was near, understanding my pain and offering me His comfort.
When life gets difficult, remember that God’s presence doesn’t depend on how we feel. He is with you, walking beside you every step of the way. Even if you don’t see Him, He is there, holding you close and providing the strength you need to carry on.
2. Lean on God’s Word for Comfort and Strength
In hard times, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn. But the Bible is full of comfort, encouragement, and wisdom that can help us navigate the storm. When I was going through tough times, I found myself turning to God’s Word more than ever. It became my anchor, my source of strength, and my reminder of God’s promises.
Isaiah 41:10 is one verse that carried me through many difficult moments: “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.” God promises to strengthen and help us, no matter what we’re facing. His Word is filled with promises like this that remind us of His unwavering love and faithfulness.
If you’re struggling to trust God, take time to immerse yourself in His Word. There are verses in the Bible that speak directly to your pain, offering hope, encouragement, and the assurance that God is in control.
3. Trust in God’s Timing
One of the hardest aspects of trusting God during difficult times is waiting. We often want things to change immediately, but God’s timing doesn’t always align with our expectations. Yet, we can trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels like things are moving too slowly.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This verse helped me understand that God is at work in every season of my life. Even though the seasons of hardship feel unending, they are not wasted. God uses each moment to shape us, teach us, and bring us closer to Him.
Trusting God in difficult times means surrendering to His timing and understanding that He knows what’s best for us. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even in the midst of struggles, we can trust that God is working everything together for our good.
4. Remember that God Uses Our Pain for a Greater Purpose
When you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s easy to wonder why you’re going through such pain. But the truth is that God doesn’t allow us to suffer without purpose. God can use our pain to shape us and prepare us for something greater.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “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.” This verse reminded me that the comfort we receive from God isn’t just for us — it’s for others, too. God allows us to experience hardship so that we can comfort and help others who are going through similar struggles.
As you trust God in your difficult times, remember that He is using your pain for a greater purpose. He is shaping you, building your character, and preparing you to be a light for others who are struggling.
5. Keep Praying and Surrender Your Worries to God
When life feels overwhelming, prayer is one of the most powerful ways to stay connected to God and trust Him. Prayer allows us to pour out our hearts, share our fears, and seek God’s guidance. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us: “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.”
I’ve learned that when I surrender my worries and fears to God in prayer, He gives me peace — even when the circumstances around me haven’t changed. Prayer is an invitation to trust God with the things that are weighing us down and to receive His peace that surpasses all understanding.
6. Trust That God is Working Behind the Scenes
Even when we can’t see it, God is always at work in our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” There are times when we may not understand why things are happening or how God is working, but we can trust that He is always moving, orchestrating His plan for our lives.
I found peace in knowing that God sees the bigger picture. His plans for me are good, and His timing is perfect. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, I have learned to trust that God is working behind the scenes in ways I can’t yet understand.
7. Choose to Praise God in the Storm
When life is difficult, it’s easy to focus on our problems and let them consume us. But one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our trust in God is through praise and worship. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Praising God, even in the midst of the storm, shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness.
I began to see how praising God in difficult moments changed my perspective. It reminded me that God is sovereign, that He is bigger than my circumstances, and that He is worthy of praise no matter what I’m facing.
Conclusion: Trusting God in the Midst of Life’s Challenges
Trusting God during difficult times isn’t easy, but it is always worth it. When life feels overwhelming, remember that God is with you. He is near to the brokenhearted, and He is working all things for your good. Even when you can’t see it, trust that He is moving behind the scenes, shaping you, and preparing you for what’s ahead.
If you’re struggling today, take heart in the fact that God is trustworthy. Lean into His Word, pray, and surrender your fears to Him. Trust that He is in control and that He will bring you through this season. God’s love for you is unwavering, and He will never leave you.