The Power of Trusting God in Hard Times
Layers of altostratus rest above the western tree line like wet towels hastily folded. Splinters of sapphire peer through their sparse creases and remind me of promises for better days to come. Closing my eyes, I remind myself of the power of trusting God in hard times.
The darkness will pass.
Light is coming for us all.
We all need this reminder from time to time.
The Power of Trusting God in Hard Times
Not long ago, I sat with a friend whose heart was broken. We talked about how to find healing when we’re hurting, and I shared as much insight as I could offer.
Whether you’re sitting beneath sunny skies or waiting for the light to break through, I pray these words will help lift your head in the brokenhearted seasons as well. May these words help you grow in trust as you experience the power of trusting God in difficult circumstances.
Let’s look at several ways to experience God’s power in troubled times.
1. Experience the power of trusting God by creating space to sort through your emotions with him.
I’ve learned to give myself a few minutes at the end of each day to sit with my feelings and bring them to the Lord. I give myself permission to be honest about what I’m feeling. Usually, I realize there’s something I need to grieve. But I don’t stop there. I bring my wounds to God, but I also celebrate the good moments.
It might help to name your emotions in this space. Identify what you’re feeling, name it, and dig beneath it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask God what he wants to show you about your emotions and pay attention to any realizations that come to mind. You might find deeper roots hidden beneath your pain. Keep digging. (For more on how to feel what you feel but stand on the truth, join me here.)
2. Hide God’s Word in your heart.
After hashing out your emotions with God, return to Truth by opening your Bible. Find a verse to speak into your pain, and stand on that verse whenever you feel weak and doubtful.
Our family has recommitted to the practice of memorizing verses. I’ve been posting a verse each week, and it’s amazing how these truths are touching our hearts. At least ten times a week, a certain little boy in our home repeats his favorite verse from our memorization journey: “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).
3. Extend grace to yourself.
Give yourself extra grace during times of grief. This might not be the ideal time to start a new diet program, commit to an excessive workout program, or launch a new ministry. Be gentle with yourself. Take care of yourself.
Try to eat well and sleep well.
Leave margin in your days and avoid the stress-inducing rhythms of hurry.
Create time for activities you enjoy.
4. Spend time with people who fill you up.
When your heart is broken, find time to connect with people who fill your soul. Carve out time to laugh with these friends. Ask them to remind you of what is true. Let them speak encouragement to your heart.
5. Connect with God by going outside.
Research suggests that even a short walk outdoors can lower sympathetic nerve activity and boost your mood. Take a 15-minute walk around the block, stroll through a park, or sit on your porch. The heavens declare the glory of God. Get lost in the glory of the created world for a few minutes, and you will move in the direction of healing.
6. Experience the power of trusting God through worship.
Even when your heart is broken, God is still on his throne. Connect with him by worshiping in song. Find a playlist, go to a quiet place, and tell God he is good—even in your pain. Broken-hearted worship is a beautiful sacrifice to the Lord. He will use your worship to bind up your wounds and heal you.
7. Write the Word.
God’s Word heals. Interacting with the Bible in any way can bring healing when your heart is broken. You might read, memorize, study, or meditate on Scripture. When my heart is hurting, I like to write specific Bible promises in a notebook. I search for verses about healing, God’s love, God’s faithfulness, and God’s goodness, and I write them down. The act of writing the words for yourself will help your mind imbibe their truths. God will send forth his Word and begin the work of healing your broken heart.
For a list of powerful Bible verses for times of grief and trouble, join me here.
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Navigating the choppy waters of heartbreak is never easy. However, when we learn to run to Jesus with our broken hearts, he uses our pain to mold us to his image. Our suffering bears fruit. As you continue forward, hold onto hope. Light is coming for us all.
When we learn to run to Jesus with our broken hearts, he uses our pain to mold us to his image. #GodsLove #Jesus #JesusHeals Click To TweetA Free Devotional Book to Help You Experience the Power of Trusting God:
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