Trusting God when life hurts is a profound and challenging aspect of faith for many people. When faced with difficulties, pain, or adversity, maintaining trust in the Most High can be a source of strength and comfort. In the Bible, we learn about many people who faced uncertain times but maintained their faith in God. Sarah trusted God for a son, Job trusted God during his difficult moments, and Jesus trusted God for strength during His time on earth. We all face challenging moments in our lives, and at times, while it may look like there is no way out, God promises to guide us and provide a breakthrough. Here are some insights on how to trust God during difficult times:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Acknowledging your emotions and pain is important. Trusting God doesn’t mean ignoring or suppressing your feelings. God understands your struggles, and expressing your emotions is a healthy way to process what you’re going through.
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. – Psalm 62:8
2. Remember God’s Promises: Reflect on the promises and teachings of God’s word that assure you of God’s love, presence, and care. Scriptures often provide comfort and a reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. – Jeremiah 29:13
3. Prayer and Meditation: Engage in prayer and meditation to connect with God. Share your concerns, fears, and doubts openly. Prayer can provide a sense of relief and an avenue for seeking guidance and understanding.
Then, if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2Chronicles 7:14
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7
4. Seek Support: Reach out to your community of faith, friends, or family members. Sharing your burdens with others can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. – Hebrews 13:16
5. Learn from Scripture: Many scriptures in the Bible share the trials people went through and how they maintained their faith in God. In Luke 8:43-48, we learn how, through faith, the woman who bled for 12 years held Jesus’ gown and received healing. In Genesis 21, we know that through Sarah’s faith in God, she gave birth to a son. There are so many we can learn from. God is continuously extending His hand toward us, ready to offer us healing, peace, stability, and whatever we need to accomplish His will for our lives. These scriptures can offer insights into how trust in God sustained them and provide you with guidance in your own journey.
6. Focus on Gratitude: Even in difficult times, there are often elements in your life for which you can be grateful. Cultivating gratitude can help shift your focus from pain to the positive aspects of your life.
God fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! – Psalm 103:5
7. Trust in God’s Timing: Often, we may not understand why certain things are happening to us. Trusting God involves believing that there is a greater plan, even if it’s not immediately apparent. (SeeJeremiah 29:11)
8. Learn and Grow: Difficult experiences can be opportunities for personal growth, resilience, and empathy. Trust that God can use your pain for a greater purpose in your life.
9. Practice Patience: Trusting God involves patience. The path forward may not be clear immediately but trust that healing and understanding can come over time.
10. Look for Signs of God’s Presence: Sometimes, we can find signs of God’s presence and guidance in unexpected ways. Pay attention to moments of inspiration, comfort, or insight that may come during difficult times.
11. Release Control: Trusting God often requires letting go of the need for complete control. Surrendering your struggles to a higher power can bring a sense of relief and freedom.
12. Remember Past Challenges: Reflect on times in the past when you faced difficulties and emerged stronger. These memories can reinforce your belief in God’s ability to guide you through current challenges. When I face difficult moments, the Holy Spirit reminds me of past challenges I faced, and in that moment, I am encouraged and reminded of God’s unfailing love toward me. My encouragement for you today is to remember the little blessings in your life every day: the breath you take, good health, loving family, etc.; these are signs of God’s wondrous works in your life, and God is bigger than the troubles you are facing today.
Trusting God during times of pain is a personal journey that requires patience, introspection, and an ongoing relationship with your faith. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Ultimately, cultivating trust in God is about finding a sense of peace and comfort amid life’s trials.
