Trusting God in Difficult Times

There is an old saying I use to hear: In everyone’s life, some rain must fall. Even though rain fall in our lives sometimes, one thing is sure, God is there. He’s a very present help in times of trouble. Life is not predictable.

The truth of the matter is that no one is exempt from troubles and challenges during the course of life.

Trails do come. There are times you’re going to be in a fiery trial, but you will get through it. There will be times you are overwhelmed. Trouble will come, difficult times will come, there is a rock that is higher than I. That rock is Jesus.

Psalm 61 is the perfect psalm to recite to yourself during those times: verse 2 says, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Although when we are facing difficult times, it may appear as if everyone else is doing just fine, this is not the case.
The Bible speaks about ‘when trouble comes’ not ‘if trouble comes’.

– Nahum 1:7 ‘The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.’

The wonderful thing that we can know during difficult times is that the Lord is with us. He has not abandoned us, and He offers us Himself as a refuge, and He promises to be close to us as we trust Him while passing through the challenging times in our lives.

No matter who you are, life has probably placed you in a difficult situation. You have probably realized that life can be stressful and difficult at times, it can seem as if our troubles are overwhelming, and the more we try to escape them, the more they overtake us.

When we have these times, we have a choice. We can fall into the arms of Jesus and embrace His presence and His peace, or we can turn toward something or someone other than God, which leads to more heartbreak. But you can access a greater strength and peace like never before.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a familiar passage to many: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”

When we find ourselves in difficult times, that’s when we trust in the Lord. When it seems like there is no ending to the situation, we can trust God.

What Does It Mean to Trust God?

If you trust God, you believe that He is in control of everything in the world and your life despite your circumstances.

Trusting God goes beyond feelings. Rather, it means that you trust in both his character and his promises. You believe that he is good and that he loves you. You believe that he will fulfill all the promises he has made to you in the Bible. Rather than trusting in your own senses and ideas, you believe in God and his word.

Think of a friend you trust— you walk with every day. Someone you share a deep personal secret with. Why do you trust them? How did you learn to trust them? Is it because you know them personally, you know they are dependable, or you know they are for you? So, if you can trust them, how do we learn to trust God? The exact same way.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight. — Proverbs 3:5

To trust simply means, we can put our confidence or security in the Lord because we know that He can be trusted. God is a God that can be trusted. 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 world and about you is true.

Trusting God is a decision to have faith in what He says even when your feelings or circumstances would have you believe something different. Your feelings and circumstances matter and are very much worth paying attention to.

Yes, we can trust Him when time is good, and everything is going our way. However, can you still trust Him when all things seem not to go your way?

God cares about them both. But those things alone are not reliable enough to base your life on. You base your life on Jesus.

He’s the author and finisher of your faith. Your circumstances can change at any moment, even in an instant. God, on the other hand, does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of your trust.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Trusting God is living a life of belief in and obedience to God’s word even when it’s difficult. You make it a priority to trust God’s Word.

In Exodus God tests Moses, saying that God would destroy Israel and start again with Moses. Moses remembered that God had promised to work through a specific lineage and that He couldn’t “start over” with Moses and still keep His word. When Moses appealed to God to “change His mind,” God did. It was a key lesson in the life of Moses, that God keeps His word. Exodus 32:10  So, whatever God spoke, He will do it.

What do you do when uncertainty is in front of you? When you feel like you’re falling apart at the seams? You have to choose to trust God even in times of uncertainty. You are at a cross road,  either to trust God, or to lean on your own understanding.

It isn’t hard when life is sailing along, but when your problems pile up to the point where you can’t see where you’re going it can be difficult to hold on to hope but remember hope in the Lord.

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

God is with you always, even in the worst of times. His presence is with you, protecting you and working for you. He has empowered you with everything you need to face those difficulties confronting you. You have the power of His Holy Spirit and the spiritual weapons you need to stand firm against the devil’s strategies (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Even when you are in a difficult situation, and you don’t know what to do. When we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and trust Him to work everything out for your good. Difficult times set the stage for God to show Himself strong in your life.

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

I think of many of the Old Testament characters who faced the unknown with some fear yet with the assurance that God would be with them, they trusted and believed God.

Abraham was asked by God to leave his home and go to another country. He trusted God to guide him and show him where he was to go.

Moses heard God speaking from a burning bush telling him to go back to Egypt, face the Pharaoh and lead his people out of slavery. God said that he would go with Moses.

Then Joshua was given the responsibility of conquering the Promised Land and settling the Jewish nation there. And again, God told Joshua that he would go with him into the new land and into a new world.

There are so many men and women who have gone before us as examples of trusting God’s words as they stepped into the unknown, even as they experienced some fear. They trusted God.

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

Here is a collection of Bible verses about trusting God, may they inspire you when you need it the most.

I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you’” (Genesis 12:1-3).

God promised to bless Abraham and to make his name great. He promised to bless the whole world through his descendants. “God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child” (Acts 7:5). 

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! Psalm 20:1

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. Psalm 5:11

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. Prov. 3:5&6

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

In the day of my trouble, I call upon you, for you answer me. Psalm 86:7

This God–his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

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. John 14:27

 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Psalm 118:8

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Prov. 30:5

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

Trusting God goes beyond feelings. Rather, it means that you trust in both his Word and his promises. You believe that he is good and that he loves you.

You believe that he will fulfill all the promises he has made to you in the Bible. Rather than trusting in your own senses and ideas, you believe in God and his word.

If you trust someone, you feel comfortable being honest with them about anything. God is much more reliable than even your most trustworthy friend. When things feel difficult, He doesn’t ask you to keep those feelings to yourself.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) NIV

Because God loves you, you can trust Him with the intimate details of your life. God knows what you are going through. He is not disappointed or frustrated by your struggles, doubts, worries, or pain. He cares about you, and you can trust Him with those things.

When you trust God, you go to God and His word when life is difficult. You also act on obedience (doing what God says in His Word) and trust that He will ultimately take care of the rest. In trust, you do not look for security in other things; you look to God to hold you securely in difficult circumstances.

He cares for your hurts. He pays attention. How comforting it is to know that the God of the universe is also paying attention to you. Knowing that God is for you will strengthen your trust in Him during times of hardship and the unknown. So, how do we learn to trust God? The exact same way.

As you read Trusting God in Troubled Times: Developing unshakable faith for unpredictable circumstances, you will learn to trust God, it will strengthen your faith in Him.

Here are Five Practical Ways to Trust God in your Everyday life:

1. Get to know God personally.

The Bible talks about how much God desires a close personal relationship with each of us. He pursues us and loves us and wants to be known by us.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” — 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

God loves you and wants to spend time with you. The more time you spend with Him, the more you get to know Him. The more you fall in love with Him. And the more you get to know Him, the easier it is to trust Him.

Our God is a God who comes through for you. Not every now and then. Every. Single. Time. God doesn’t come through for you because you deserve it or because you’ve been good. God comes through for you because that’s who He is. Remember when God’s been faithful to you before and let that build your confidence in Him.

You can trust God because He’s faithful and can be trusted.

• Spend Time with Him

Spend regular time with God. Establishing a consistent time with the Lord when times feel good will help you to continue to go to Him when things feel rough. If you have not established that, it is never too late to start.

Read His Word. Spend time in prayer acknowledging who He is. Meet with other believers and set your eyes on things that are bigger than your circumstances. Serve those around you. These simple practices will help you see God outside of difficult things, which will establish trust in your heart that He will move in your circumstances.

• Walk in the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit lives in anyone who trusts in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is your constant helper, pointing you to Jesus.

When Jesus was telling His followers that He was going to be killed, He knew that they would be worried. They would feel scared about being left alone. So, He shared this with them to give them comfort.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26, NIV)

The Spirit comforts and reminds you of the truth. The Spirit will also lead you in obedience. He will bring direction to you.

A common struggle in difficult times is feelings of helplessness and worry about an unknown future. The leading of the Spirit can ease struggles by guiding you to acts of obedience. He does not always give you the big picture, but He will show you the next step.

Walking closely with the Holy Spirit will not only give you direction but will remind you that you are not alone. God is not distant. He is with you in difficulty. He is making a way for you.

• Wait on the Lord

The Holy Spirit will lead you to what you should do. Sometimes what you need to do is wait. Faithfully continue to seek the Lord but wait on His timing. Wait on Him to act on your behalf. Wait on Him to do what you cannot do yourself.

In the book of Isaiah, God responds to the Israelites who thought that God had turned away from them. He reminds them that He does not sleep or take a break. He always sees them and is always working for their good.

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, English Standard Version)

He will help you wait with endurance. Waiting on the Lord reminds you that you are not in control. Thank goodness! He is bigger than any of your circumstances. He will sustain you and grow your faith in the waiting.

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17, ESV)

• LET GO AND LET GOD

Whether we know it or not, we all trust in something every minute of every day.
What are you trusting? Maybe you’re trusting what you can do.

And yet to fully trust God we must let go of these other things and grasp hold of God with both hands.

Trust that’s not fully given isn’t real trust—it’s simply wishful thinking in disguise.

How Do You Have the Faith to Trust God in Difficult Times?

Having faith in God during difficult times can be incredibly hard. Trusting God is an expression or fruit of our faith, but it is not faith itself. Our faith is what we believe in our hearts as an outcome of being persuaded of it by God.

Faith is not what we do, but what we possess. It is because we possess the gift of faith (being persuaded of the truth) that we are able to do what we do; that is, trust and obey.

20 Powerful Reasons to Trust God

1. God’s Word Is Absolutely and Completely True

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17).

There is not one single part of God’s word that is not the absolute and complete truth. His word is true. We hope in the Lord because His word is true.

2. He Does Not Lie

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19)

But the Lord is absolutely and infinitely holy. He cannot lie and he does not lie.

Satan tries to make us question the Lord’s truthfulness. So, the question is always, what am I going to believe – my eyes, my feelings, my own assessment of things, or His word? The Lord does not lie and never has lied.

3. He Never Changes in His Being

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

The Lord never changes in his being. He is the same today as he has been for all eternity. We can rely on Him because He never changes.

3. God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19)

Because the Lord never changes, he never changes his mind. The Lord never changes his mind, and because of this, we can put our faith in Him.

5. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

God will fulfill his purpose for us, even though we will fail at times. He will fulfill his purpose for us even when we don’t know what that purpose is.

His great purpose is to make us like Christ and glorify Christ through us, and despite our many weaknesses he will certainly fulfill that purpose.

6. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). 

God fulfilled every single promise he made to the Israelites. He brought them out of slavery and into the promised land. He subdued all their enemies. Not one of his good promises failed.

And I have seen him fulfill many of his good promises in my lifetime. And I’m still asking him to fulfill promises. Even if I don’t see them in this life, I know that in heaven I will see how he has done every single thing he has promised.

Because he has never failed to fulfill his word, we can trust in Him.

7. “You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you (2 Chronicles 20:6).

We can make promises, then circumstances may stop us from keeping them. But nothing can stop the King of Kings. He is sovereign over every molecule in the universe. He is sovereign over the angels of heaven and every demon.

Satan and all his minions together can’t prevent Him from saving people, providing for us, and fulfilling his plans for us.

Because He is all-powerful, nothing can stop him from fulfilling his promises.

8. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

Because he is infinitely wise, his promises are perfect. Because he is infinitely wise, everything he has said is true and perfect and best for us.

9. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

What a wonderful truth. We can stake our lives upon his faithfulness. He will never disappoint us because he is faithful. He will never forget to fulfill his every good promise in the Bible.

10. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8).

Again, what a scary universe this would be if Jesus were not loving. But because he is, we can trust him. We can trust that every single thing he does in our lives, he does and allows and works to our good because he loves us.

11. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). 

The fact that God gave his most precious gift to us is the ultimate proof of his love. If he gave us the most precious gift he could give us, will he not give us every other good thing?

Because our Father gave Jesus to pay for our sins and give us eternal life, we can rely on him.

12. The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate (Job 37:23). 

If I had to go to court before a judge who had a reputation for being unjust, I would be terrified. But our King is infinitely and totally just. He is righteous.

He always does the right thing. He will never do anything unjust. He is The Rock – all his ways are justice. He is “without iniquity,” without sin. He never does anything wrong.

Therefore, we can trust him all the time, even when things are difficult.

13. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

What a wonderful reason to trust our Father! He has bags and bags of grace stored up for us, that he is just waiting to pour out on us.

He has good plans for us, plans which nothing can stop him from fulfilling. So we can always rely on him.

14. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

In the Bible, we learn that not only does he have good plans for us, but his great plan is to conform us to Christ.

Yes, he has plans to provide for us and protect us, but what could be more encouraging than knowing He is making us into the likeness of his Son, and that every single thing we go through is part of that plan? Trust him that he is doing that right now in your life.

15. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8)

Because He is good, we can take refuge in him. We will won’t ever be disappointed.

16. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).

Not only is he infinitely good, but he is our loving heavenly Father, and we are his children. Most earthly fathers want to be good to their children, though even the best fathers fail at times.

But our heavenly Father never fails to do good to his children. He will give us every good thing and do everything that is good for us. Therefore, we can trust him.

17. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Another reason to trust him! He never takes a break. He never forsakes us, never says, “Hang on, I’ll be back in 10 minutes.” No. He is with us 24/7. Every day of our lives. Therefore, we can trust him.

18. Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

He cares for us. Deeply. Jesus is a sympathetic high priest. God is filled with compassion for us. Therefore, we can trust him.

19. Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22). 

What a rock-solid Bible promise. He won’t let the righteous be moved. He upholds us and keeps us.

Let the storms of life come. They can never lose his grip on us. Therefore, we can trust him.

20. He Is with You

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Are you walking in darkness right now? Are you walking through a storm, passing through a fiery trial?

In the Bible, he has promised: “I will be with you.” He is with us wherever we go, whatever we go through. Therefore, we can trust him.

19 Bible Verses About Trusting God

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 37:5 – Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Psalm 40:4 – How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.

Psalm 18:30 – As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

1 Corinthians 2:5 – So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

2 Samuel 22:31 – As for God, His way is blameless, the word of the Lord is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Proverbs 3:6 – In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Psalm 146:3 – Do not trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.

Psalm 40:5 – Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; there is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count.

Deuteronomy 1:32 – But for all this, you did not trust the Lord your God.

Romans 15:13 – Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Psalm 91:2 – I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

Psalm 106:13 – They quickly forgot His works, They did not wait for His counsel.

Psalm 73:28 – But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.

Psalm 118:8 – It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

When it’s hard to trust God, remember that Christ is with you.

The Lord said in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He pledged through the Prophet Isaiah that “though a mother should forget her offspring, I will never forget you.” And just before Jesus ascended into heaven he said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”

Now more than ever before, we as believers must pay close attention to God’s directions especially in difficult times. We must dive into the Word of God like never before, and don’t let go.

Everyone has the choice as to whether you will choose to believe God. Don’t get overwhelmed with everything that comes your way. God knows how to tell you what he wants you to know. Let him do what he’s going to do. In your confusion, lack of clarity, emptiness, your despair, you worship. You simply say Lord, all I can do is adore you because I have no explanation for anything that’s going on right now. God calls for an act of faith. God invites you to keep your eyes on him as he did Peter when he invited him to walk on the water.

Prayer for Strength During Difficult Times

Father, In the Name of Jesus, No matter what difficulties or challenges I face, 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.  When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. May I see others as You see them and strive for peace in every situation. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

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

FREE PRINTABLES

I pray that this is a place where you can gain encouragement in your prayer life and in your relationship with God! Here you will find a free printable, “Trusting God in Difficult Times” Daily Bible Reading Challenge” that you can download by clicking on the highlighted links.

You are welcome to use this printable for personal use or in small group Bible studies.

Have a wonderful day! Enjoy!

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