Trusting God In Difficult Times: 4 Reminders To Cling To When Life Is Hard

Trusting God in difficult times is something many of us struggle with in our Christian walk. Here are 4 reminders to cling to as the trials of life arise.

Kayaking had been on my bucket list for quite some time. I could picture the scenario perfectly in my mind… the colorful sunrise over majestic mountains, a lovely aroma of wildflowers wafting in the breeze, birds singing a sweet melody, and me gliding peacefully along a serene lake. I just knew it would be the perfect way to unwind and melt away a heap stress!

I finally got my chance to put my plans into action a couple of years ago… in the ocean. Oceans are breathtakingly beautiful, but they are not serene. They have waves, and currents, and boats that make more waves.

Imagine my surprise when my kayaking adventure began and ended in panic, exhaustion, and frustration as I attempted to control my vessel without any prior instruction. I feel the need to also mention that we were paddling to “Shark Tooth Island”…

Fast forward to last month and I got yet another opportunity to kayak in the ocean… this time in tandem with my husband. Guess what happened? I was calm. I smiled. I laughed and enjoyed myself. Going against the current was still physically draining, but I was able to push through as I rested in the fact that my strong husband was behind me to provide comfort and a break if need be.

Why do I share this story with you? Because I realized that it perfectly describes my struggle to fully trust God in all circumstances.

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Trusting God In Difficult Times

Trusting God in difficult times doesn’t come easily for the majority of us. Unfortunately, the natural response of my own anxious heart is to leap into action and strive with all of my being to control a difficult situation… much like my failed attempt to control my kayak the first time around.

God is patiently teaching me to keep my eyes firmly fixed upon Him and rest in His goodness and grace as the trials of life arise. When we turn to Him for strength He graciously shoulders the burden with us while holding our hand through the struggles.

So how do you trust God in hard times when your world is falling apart? Here are a few truths to remember as we prepare for the trials life throws our way.

1. To Trust God Completely Develop A Deeper Relationship With Him

To be able to trust God completely we must, first and foremost, earnestly seek Him. You cannot trust someone you do not know. Trust is built upon a solid foundation of evidence seen in the past.

Our time spent faithfully drawing near to the heart of our Creator through the study of His Word and prayer will strengthen our faith and ability to trust in His sovereign will.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

James 4:8

2. To Trust God in Difficult Times Learn About His Character

There are two main reasons that we struggle to trust God in difficult times:

1. We prefer our will to be done over His
2. Other people have hurt or failed us in the past and we project those faults onto God

As broken people with hearts bent toward sin we often gravitate towards the belief that the world revolves around us. We would prefer not to experience pain or endure suffering so that is exactly what we pray for.

When God fails to shield us from the harshness of the world around us we cast doubt on His goodness rather than accept the simple fact that His ways are much higher and greater than our own (Isaiah 55:9).

We conveniently forget His promise to work all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

We would prefer to gloss over the fact that we’re told to “rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Sweet friend, we must learn to view the world through a gospel lens. When we take a step back to see the big eternal picture we will realize that God often uses the trials of life to get ahold of our hearts in ways that a life of ease never could.

When we dig into Scripture we will find a God who is loving, merciful, and kind, but equally holy, righteous, and just. He is faithful, gracious, forgiving, patient, infinite, all-powerful, pure, and wise.

It is these very attributes that remind us that not only is He safe to rest in, but His loving embrace is the absolute most precious and comforting place in all of the world to be.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23

Related: WHEN GOD IS SILENT: 4 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR PRAYERS GO UNANSWERED

3. To Trust God In All Circumstances Read the Testimonies of Faithful Christians

It is such a blessing to have access to the stories of faithful believers who’ve gone on before us. If you’re not familiar with the lives of well-known Christian missionaries, hymn writers, theologians, pastors, and evangelists (and the prayerful mothers of these men!) I’d encourage you to dig into their stories.

They suffered and grieved, and yet it was those very trials that pressed them closer to their Savior. Many were anxious and fearful, some were lonely and struggled with depression, but each of them chose to trust God through their bleakest moments because they knew of His goodness and the depth of love He held for them. 

The biographies of these men and women will edify and encourage your heart.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Hebrews 10:23

4. While Seeking God During Difficult Times Expect Life To Be Hard

Many of us are under the impression that life is supposed to be full of sunny skies and smooth sailing. Without ever realizing it we embrace the “American dream” ideal, and become disillusioned and embittered when life throws us a curve ball.

We fail to realize that we were born into the freest country at the freest time in history which, unfortunately, often leads to a sense of entitlement. For thousands of years men and women all over the world have known nothing but suffering.

It is this very suffering that has shaped and molded their character. It is this suffering that opened their eyes to their desperate need for a Savior.

And it can do the same for us.

How can we expect to live a life of ease in this broken world when our Savior endured so much in our place?

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

What Does the Bible Say About Trusting God in Difficult Times?

The Bible has a lot to say on the topic of trusting God in difficult times. As I’ve been reading through the Psalms I’ve been reminded of the immense suffering that many of the psalmists went through. Yet, nearly every one of them points back to God’s faithfulness as a way to endure the trials. They knew that He was trustworthy because He continually proved faithful.

All throughout Scripture we’re reminded of the importance of looking back on God’s goodness. He will never leave us nor forsake us. If you’re currently struggling to understand why God is allowing you to experience pain and suffering I’d encourage you to memorize some helpful Bible verses about trusting God.

Scripture on Trusting God

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

• “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10

• “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

• “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

• “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
• “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
• “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.” Psalm 32:10

Psalms That Remind Us To Trust God In Difficult Times

Nearly all of the Psalms can be summed up as either offerings of praise or lamenting pleas for help. Below are a few to help redirect our thoughts as we battle the effects of living in a fallen world.

• Psalm 4- Answer Me When I Call
• Psalm 22- Why Have You Forsaken Me?
• Psalm 23- The Lord is My Shepherd
• Psalm 34- Taste and See That the Lord is Good
• Psalm 37- He Will Not Forsake His Saints
• Psalm 40- My Help and My Deliverer
• Psalm 42- Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?
• Psalm 91- My Refuge and My Fortress
• Psalm 139- Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart

I recently heard a quote about seeking God during difficult times. Andrew Brunson, an American missionary to Turkey, was falsely accused and imprisoned for two years because of his Christian faith.

This marked a period of intense wrestling with his faith. While visiting her son behind bars Andrew’s mother told him “Andrew, there’s a long line of people who have suffered for Jesus Christ. My son, it is now your turn to stand in that line.”

As people around the world prayed for his release she reminded them not to pray for his freedom, but to simply ask God to work through him while in prison. She knew that God often uses the painful trials of a believer to strengthen their faith and point others towards the forgiveness of His merciful Son.

If you are in the midst of a difficult season and struggling to trust God completely please don’t walk away. Seek Him with all of your heart and trust that there is a purpose to your pain.

We serve a good and gracious God and behind the scenes He is working everything out for the good of those who love Him.