How to Trust God in Difficult Times?

When you trust someone, you believe in that person’s integrity. Trust is the first step, the building block of any relationship, without which the foundation will always remain shaky. There is nothing as vital to a relationship as trust. I believe you can weather any storm when you have a relationship that is reliable, that is trustworthy. God is much more reliable than your most trustworthy friend. When things feel difficult, He doesn’t ask you to keep those feelings to yourself. He wants you to trust that He is able to take care of them. Regardless of what’s going on around us, we can know and be confident that God loves us. God’s promises in the Bible are for us. God is always working on our behalf.

The Bible says, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Trusting God isn’t that difficult when your life is just sailing along like so many of us. But when a senseless tragedy changes your reality and turn the tides, it gets hard to hold on to hope. There will come a time in a person’s life when their integrity, their trustworthiness will be tested. Friend, whatever you are facing at this season of your life, don’t give up on God. He can take even the most hopeless situation and pour life into it. He knows just what to do to make all things new.

We all go through difficult seasons, but no matter what season you are in, the storms of life may descend on us without warning, but God always has a rainbow in store for those who turn their lives over to Him and trust Him even in the most difficult circumstances.

As believers who follow Jesus, we are not immune from troubles. What we are given is the opportunity to experience Him in the midst of the trouble. Life comes with troubles, regardless of whether you follow Jesus or not. You get to choose if you want Him to join you in your troubles or if you would rather go through them alone.

What I want you to remember as you face life’s challenging storms is that Jesus is with you. You are not alone. And rather than focus on the problems, focus on the promises. If you focus too much on the problems, you will lose sight of the promises. Fix your eyes on Jesus and His Word and He will bring peace and calm to the struggles you are facing. I guarantee it. Because He says so.

The Bible says, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. (Psalm 30:5) KJV

All I can say is this: “If you can just trust God to get you through the night, joy will come in the morning”.

What Does It Mean to Trust God?

Trust is the faith you have in someone that they will always remain loyal to you and love you. To trust someone means that you can rely on them and are comfortable confiding in them because you trust them. The same with trusting God. He can be trusted. You can rely on Him, and you can be comfortable confiding in Him. You can confide in Him, and He will never share it with anyone else. Trusting God is when you can surrender your life to Him, knowing that He will take care of you.  Knowing that He created you, He knows everything about you. He loves you and He is a good God. He has the power to help you, and He wants to help you. When it comes to trusting God, that means believing in His reliability, His Word, His ability, His love, and His strength. The Bible says that God cannot lie. That He always keeps His promises. That He loves you and has good in store for you. Trusting in Him means believing what He says about Himself, about the Word and about you is true. Trusting God, means leaning not on your own understanding but trusting that His ways (and timing) are truly better. God wants us to put Him first in our lives. Not second or third. He wants us to make Him the final authority. He wants us to put our confidence and trust in Him, all the time, in everything.

How to Trust God Completely?

Faith plays an important role in our ability to trust God completely. You have to have Faith that God is real and listening. Faith that He loves you and wants to take care of you. Faith that he hears you when you cry out to Him during those anxiety filled moments. Faith that when He said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”, He meant it.

Remember:  You were created for God’s glory. God knows what you are thinking. He knows what you are going to say, before you say it. He knows when you are going out, and when you come in. He shaped you from the inside out. He formed you in your mother’s womb. He knows the number of hairs on your head. No matter where you go, He is there. You can trust God. He knows everything about you. HE CAN BE TRUSTED.  Psalms 139: 1-24

You are God’s own masterpiece. God watched you grow from conception to birth. He prepared each day of your life. He is God our Father. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (Luke 12:7)

Holding on to God in Difficult Times

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word in your life. The Bible talks about how powerful the Word of God. If you can just trust what God says in His Word, you will definitely live a stress- free, worry-free life. That’s why David says, “The entrance of God’s Word brings light.” (Psalm 119:130). God speaks to us through His Word, through people, even through circumstances. God’s Word is everything that we need to live victoriously in life. We face many challenges, Jesus said:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus is encouraging us not to hold on to the things of the world, because He has already taken care of it.

Now more than ever before, believers must pay close attention to God’s instructions. We must take hold of the Word of God, hold on to it, and refuse to let go—especially in these difficult times in which we are living. As a believer, you must aggressively pursue the Word of God and get it in your heart and mouth. You must fight off every unbelieving devil and every troublesome circumstance that comes to steal the Word of God. I refuse to be troubled by the temporary troubles of this world. They’ll pass away but God’s Word will never pass away. God upholds all things by the Word of His power ( Hebrews 1:3) and that Word will come to pass in my life!”

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) KJV.

Here are six scriptures to build your faith in difficult times.

1. Isaiah 41:10: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

God promised us that he will never leave us nor forsake us. He will strengthen and help us through difficult times in our lives.

2. Psalm 9:9-10: “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you”.

The Lord is our hiding place. A shelter in difficult times. He will not abandon His children.

3. Psalm 145:9:  “The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation”.

God’s mercies new every morning. Great is thou faithfulness. He is a good God.

Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”

4. John 16:33: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

God wants us to be at peace. Understanding that He has everything concerning us taken care of.

5. Philippians 4:6-7: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

God does not want us carrying the care. In other words, He want us to stay in peace, in faith, joy and love.

6. Philippians 4:13: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.

TWO Practical Steps to Trust God Completely

1. You have to make a decision not to worry.

The first step is simply making an intentional decision to trust God. This is so much easier said than done. But the only way to truly trust God is that you have to decide to trust God. And you can’t trust God if you’re worrying about the things, you’re trusting Him with. The thing is, worry and trust are mutually exclusive.  Until you actively decide to begin trusting in God, you are not walking in faith

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

2. Saturate your heart and mind with the word of God.

In order to take those worrisome thoughts captive, you need something to replace it with. Reading the Word of God is such an important part of our walk with Christ and this step is different/interesting because it’s a proactive step. You have to read the Word of God on a regular basis, as opposed to waiting until the moments you need it to look it up.

How Can I Learn to Trust God?

Pray and get in the Word of God.

Prayer and the Word of God is the foundation of our prayer life. This is so vital to know and understand. We need the grace of God to help us focus on uncovering His Word as the foundation for our lives, the source of our faith, and most importantly, our connection with God Himself.

 Prayer is more important than all the other activities of the day. Through prayer and getting in His Word, God gives us guidance, wisdom, and discernment for fulfilling His will and purpose. Prayer keeps you in constant communion with God. Praying the Scriptures deepens not only your prayer life but also your love for God’s Word. In order to overcome during a difficult time, you must focus your attention not only on our Savior but also on God’s Word.

Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. – (Matthew 4:4)

Trust God with all your heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 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. 

Cast your cares on Him.

Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5 to “cast our cares on Him, because He cares for you.”

“Cast all your anxiety, all your worries, difficulties, all your concerns on Him because he cares for you”.  Everything that worries you or weighs you down is to be given to the God who cares so deeply for us. Just throw it on Jesus and let Him carry your burdens. Jesus said we could cast all of our cares on Him because He cares for us! There is nothing we are going through that we cannot cast on the Lord.  We have a choice. We decide who we look to. But when your trust is in God, you become like a tree “planted along a river.” No problem is bigger than the Greater One who lives inside you. God is always with you, and He’s made a way out. It’s time to get the” greater mentality”. When God is for you, you cannot fail!

So don’t ever let the devil tell you that your problems are too stupid, small, or insignificant to bring to Jesus. The Lord is interested in everything that concerns you!

As you spend time reading and meditating on Scripture, you can learn to trust God more. The more you spend time in prayer, then you can hear God speaking to your heart and make decisions based upon what He’s leading you to do, not just what you think, feel or want.

God tests you and me, because He wants what is best for us. He tests us because He is getting ready to do something amazing in our lives. The way that He tests us is by putting us in a stressful scenario … something we often call a trial.

How Do You Have Faith in God in Hard Times?

When trusting the Lord in difficult times, go to the promises of God.  God’s Word is loaded with promises that teach us about having faith in God during hard times. 

You have to have faith. The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

Focus On God’s Promises in His Word

God has promised to do certain things for you and in you, and your faith in God is based on these unbreakable, unchanging promises.

Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

What are some of the promises of God?

1. He will never leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
2. God will strengthen you and uphold you. Isaiah 41:10
3. He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. Psalm 91:3
4. The Lord will go before you and be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12
5. He will fight on your behalf. Exodus 14:14
6. His love will never fail you. Isaiah 54:10
7. Wisdom when you ask. James 1:5
8. His plans are to prosper you. Jeremiah 29:11
9. God will meet all of your needs according to His riches. Philippians 4:19
10. Deliverance from all of your troubles. Psalm 34:17
11. He works all things out for your good. Romans 8:28
12. God is your refuge and strong tower in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
13. Guidance and Direction. Psalm 3:5-6
14. He will bless you and give you the crown of life. James 1:12
15. God will make you the head and not the tail. Deuteronomy 28:13

Benefits for Trusting God

Here are some things that you should gain if you fully trust God in all aspects of your life. With so many benefits of trusting God, one may wonder why most Believers struggle to trust God.

1.God will lead you into all the truth.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

God has a plan for our lives and all we have to do is to fully trust Him; and obey what He has told us to do. As we lean not on our own understanding, the Bible says, He will direct our path. He will direct our paths and will give us a bright future that we could never imagine. He always knows what He is doing and His plan for us always prevails. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21. So, look forward to God’s plans in your lives and surrender your lives to Him. God will lead your life and will watch over you. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – (Psalm 32:8)

2. You can count on Him.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9

Whatever life challenges may throw your way or whatever circumstances, you are facing right now, you can always count on God. He didn’t sleep or slumber and He is always with us. All we need to do is to seek His face and please Him. “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:4. He is faithful and has the power to be able to do anything that you ask. Thus, God will never leave you even if you have shortcomings. He is willing to forgive you and His mercy endures forever. “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” – Joshua 1:5

3.  Let not your heart be troubled.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God is our Comforter, and He is our Refuge so we can run to Him and hide under the shadow of His Wings. Put your trust in Him, cry out to Him, tell Him everything and let His love give you comfort and peace. “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.” – Isaiah 41:10. He is always present in times of troubles, and He will not turn His back from you. He will strengthen you and gives you the courage to carry on. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” –( Psalm 46:1)

4.  Let God Fight Your battles.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – (Exodus 14:14)

God will help you to go through anything and He will fight for your battles. “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” – (Deuteronomy 20:4). Just put on the whole armor of God and trust Him — He is in control and no weapon of evil shall prosper in your life. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” – (Isaiah 54:17)

5. Cast your cares on the Lord.

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” – (Psalm 55:22)

He is our Jehovah-Jireh and He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. His love and mercy are more than enough for us — He will never leave us or forsake us – He will never let us be thirsty or hungry. He always provides and He is our Bread of Life. Just do your best and ask Him what you need and have faith that you will receive it. “So, Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” –( Genesis 22:14). Thus, He does not only provide our financial needs, but also gives us strength, power, and life to carry on every day. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – (2 Corinthians 12:9)

6. He will fulfill all His promises.

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” – – Joshua 21:45

Those who trust in God shall not be disappointed — he will fulfill what he has promised and  his word will never fail. “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” – Joshua 23:14. Just believe in Him and hold on to His Word. “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” – Luke 1:45

Thus, trusting God has enormous benefits that you can’t count. So, when life gets you down — don’t be afraid or faint, instead lift your worries to God and put your trust in Him completely. Meditate on His Word and let His love and blessings manifest in your life.

Reflection:

Please take a moment to meditate on these promises of God to deepen your own understanding of How to Trust God in Difficult Times.

• In what areas in your life, you did not trust God.
• When you trust God, you will not allow your heart to be troubled?
• What happens to you when life get you down, and fear causes you to faint?
• Did you find Him in those rough places to be a God of grace and mercy?
• When you come out of a difficult season, how can you encourage the next person to trust God?

 

Prayer

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I stand on Isaiah 41:10: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

 Father, I will not be discouraged or afraid in these difficult times, because you are with me. No matter what difficulties I may face, whether at home, on the job or with others, I know You will lead and guide me in the way I should go, Lord. Help me to walk in love and unity with those who may be difficult to love and get along with. Give me wisdom on how to handle disagreements or challenging situations I may be facing with family, friends, my boss or co-workers. May I see others as You see them and strive for peace in every situation.

Psalm 91:9-10, 14-16 says, “because I have made the Lord my refuge, and the Most High my dwelling place, there shall no evil befall me, nor any plague or calamity come near my house. Because I have set my love on the Lord, therefore He delivers me. He sets me securely on high, because I have known His Name. I call upon the Lord, and He answers me. God is with me in trouble. He delivers and honors me. With long life He will satisfy me and show me His salvation.” I have no reason to fear, or be concerned about my future, because You are my refuge and protection. You have set me on high and I can rest in the knowledge that I can call upon You, and You will answer me. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and I refuse to fear when it comes to my future. In Jesus Name Amen.

Free Printable Bible Reading Plan with Prayer Journal

Reading the Bible is one of the best ways we can spend our time, but what do you read each day? Where do you even start? I’m so glad you asked–that’s where printable Bible reading plans come in handy. This free printable Bible Reading Plan with Prayer Journal focus on a specific topic or subject to provide a scripture to study and meditate on each day.

Our Free printable are a gift just for you. Yes, you can absolutely have as many as you’d like. I pray that you will find the answers you need when you begin to read these scriptures. My prayer for you today: BE ENCOURAGED

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