Life, in its intricate and often unpredictable journey, rarely unfolds without its share of challenges. We all encounter seasons where the path becomes steep, the burdens heavy, and the way forward seems obscured by shadows. Whether it’s the sting of unexpected loss, the relentless pressure of financial hardship, the ache of chronic illness, the strain of broken relationships, or the confusion of a world in turmoil, difficult times are an undeniable part of the human experience. In these moments, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, to question, and even to feel our spiritual foundations begin to waver. The very idea of keeping faith in God during hard times can seem like an impossible task.
Yet, it is precisely in these seasons of struggle that our faith is most profoundly tested and, paradoxically, most powerfully refined. The Bible consistently teaches us that our God is not distant from our suffering, nor is He indifferent to our pain. Instead, He calls us to a deeper trust, inviting us to lean into Him when our own strength fails. This post serves as a short devotion on faith, a guide for navigating the storms of life with an enduring belief in God’s unwavering presence and unfailing love.
Understanding Faith in the Crucible of Hardship
Before we delve into practical steps, it’s essential to understand what biblical faith truly is, especially when faced with adversity. Faith is not a naive optimism that denies the reality of pain; it’s not a magical formula that makes problems disappear. Instead, biblical faith is a confident assurance in what we hope for and a conviction about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). It is a steadfast trust in the character and promises of God, even when circumstances scream otherwise.
Consider the heroes of faith in Scripture who demonstrated faith in difficult times: Abraham, who trusted God for a son in old age; Joseph, who endured betrayal and imprisonment with an unwavering belief in God’s ultimate plan; Moses, who led a rebellious people through the wilderness; Job, who lost everything yet refused to curse God; and countless others. Their stories are not tales of lives free from trouble, but of lives lived with an enduring trust in a faithful God amidst immense suffering. They wrestled, they wept, but they held fast to their conviction that God was good and true, even when His ways were mysterious.
This kind of faith acknowledges the pain but refuses to let it define God’s truth. It holds onto the truth that God is sovereign, loving, and working for our good, even when we cannot see the intricate pattern He is weaving. It’s about anchoring our souls to an unchanging God in a constantly shifting world.
Biblical Foundations for Faith in Difficult Times
The Scriptures are replete with faith in difficult times verses, providing both comfort and instruction for those walking through trials. These passages remind us of God’s presence, His purpose, and the ultimate hope that sustains us.
James 1:2-4 (NASB): Joy in Trials
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
This passage challenges our natural inclination to lament trials. James encourages us to find joy, not in the suffering itself, but in its purpose: the development of endurance, which leads to spiritual maturity. As Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes, “We may be glad of our afflictions, when we consider the good they do us.” [Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible]
Romans 5:3-5 (NASB): Hope Through Suffering
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Paul echoes James, highlighting a beautiful chain reaction: tribulation leads to perseverance, which builds character, and ultimately, produces an unshakeable hope. This hope is grounded in God’s poured-out love through the Holy Spirit, assuring us that our suffering is not in vain, but serves a divine purpose in our spiritual formation.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NASB): The Eternal Perspective
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
This powerful passage shifts our perspective from the temporal to the eternal. Our present afflictions, however severe they feel, are described as “momentary” and “light” when compared to the “eternal weight of glory” they are producing. It reminds us to fix our gaze on God’s eternal purposes, not solely on our immediate circumstances. Matthew Poole’s Commentary emphasizes, “The afflictions they endured were comparatively light, considering the support they had under them, and the glorious reward that should follow them.” [Matthew Poole’s A Commentary on the Holy Bible]
Psalm 34:19 (NASB): Many Are the Afflictions
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
This verse offers a realistic view: righteous living does not exempt us from trouble. In fact, we are promised “many” afflictions. Yet, it immediately follows with the glorious assurance that the Lord delivers us from *all* of them. This deliverance may not always be what we expect or desire in the moment (e.g., removal of the trial), but it is always God’s faithful upholding and ultimate rescue, whether in this life or the next.
7 Steps to Keep Your Faith in Hard Times
It’s one thing to understand faith intellectually; it’s another to live it out when life feels like it’s falling apart. Here are 7 steps to keep your faith in hard times, practical disciplines that can anchor your soul and strengthen your trust in God.
1. Anchor Yourself in God’s Unchanging Word
When the world around you is shaking, the Bible is your immovable rock. God’s promises are true, yesterday, today, and forever. Make it a daily discipline to read, meditate on, and memorize Scripture. Let His words fill your mind and heart, pushing out doubt and fear. Focus on passages that speak of God’s faithfulness, His power, His love, and His sovereignty. His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105), guiding you even when you can’t see far ahead. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown remind us, “The word of God is a sure guide, a light in darkness.” [Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown]
2. Prioritize Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving
In times of hardship, our natural tendency might be to retreat from God, feeling angry or abandoned. Instead, lean in. Prayer is your direct line to the Father. Engage in a devotion on faith and prayer by consistently bringing your fears, anxieties, and specific needs before Him. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us: “Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Don’t forget the thanksgiving part—even in pain, find something to thank God for. This shifts your focus from your problem to God’s character and past faithfulness.
3. Practice Intentional Gratitude
This may seem counterintuitive when you’re hurting, but actively practicing gratitude is a powerful antidote to despair. It forces you to look beyond your immediate pain and acknowledge God’s blessings, however small they may seem. Keep a gratitude journal, listing specific things you are thankful for each day. This discipline helps to reframe your perspective and reminds you that God’s goodness is still present, even in the midst of suffering (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
4. Embrace and Lean on Christian Community
You are not meant to walk through difficult times alone. The body of Christ is a vital source of strength and encouragement. Share your struggles with trusted brothers and sisters in your church community. Allow them to pray for you, offer practical help, and remind you of God’s truth when your own faith falters. Accountability and support from fellow believers are crucial in keeping faith in God during hard times. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
5. Remember and Recount God’s Faithfulness
Look back at your own life, or at the lives of others, and recall how God has been faithful in the past. Remember the times He provided, protected, comforted, or delivered you from previous trials. If your personal history feels bleak, reflect on the countless stories of God’s faithfulness throughout biblical history. Recounting His past acts of faithfulness builds confidence for the present and future. “Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23).
6. Surrender Control and Trust His Sovereignty
Often, our anxiety stems from our desire to control outcomes. True faith involves surrendering our will and our circumstances to God’s sovereign plan. This doesn’t mean becoming passive or irresponsible, but rather releasing the need to understand everything or to orchestrate solutions on our own. It’s about acknowledging that God is on His throne, He is good, and He is working all things for His glory and our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Trusting God in difficult times verses often emphasize His control and wisdom, like Proverbs 3:5-6: “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 your paths straight.”
7. Focus on the Eternal Perspective and God’s Promise
Our earthly lives, even with their deepest pains, are temporary. Our hope is not found in the cessation of suffering in this life, but in the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ. Keep your eyes fixed on the finish line—the promise of eternal life, the absence of tears and pain in heaven, and the glorious presence of God (Revelation 21:4). This eternal hope provides an anchor that prevents your soul from being shipwrecked by temporary storms. It helps you see your current suffering as “momentary, light affliction” in comparison to the “eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
The Unwavering Character of God: Why We Can Have Faith
Having faith in difficult times is ultimately rooted in the unchanging character of God. Our faith is not in our own strength or ability to endure, but in who God is. When life is hard, we can cling to these truths:
God is Good
Even when His ways are mysterious, and His plan is not immediately clear, God is inherently good. “The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made” (Psalm 145:9, NIV). His goodness is not dependent on our circumstances but is an essential part of His very nature. He desires what is truly best for us, even if that “best” involves walking through a season of pain for our ultimate spiritual refinement.
God is Sovereign
He is in control of all things, ruling over creation, history, and every detail of our lives. Nothing catches Him by surprise. “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). This truth means that even the hardest circumstances are filtered through His loving hands and are part of His overarching, perfect plan. He is never overwhelmed, never outmaneuvered, and never powerless.
God is Faithful
He keeps His promises. He does not abandon His children in their time of need. “Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations” (Psalm 119:90). His faithfulness is the bedrock of our hope. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and He is faithful to complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6). His past faithfulness guarantees His future faithfulness.
God is Loving
His love for us is profound, unconditional, and eternal. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). His love is not a sentimental feeling but an active, self-sacrificing commitment. When we suffer, His heart is moved with compassion, and He draws near to us, comforting us with His presence through the Holy Spirit.
The Fruit of Enduring Faith
When we commit to keeping faith in God during hard times, the journey is transformative. It’s not about avoiding pain, but about enduring it with purpose and hope. The fruit of such faith is profound:
- **Deeper Intimacy with God:** Adversity often drives us closer to Him than prosperity ever could.
- **Increased Spiritual Maturity:** Our character is refined, and virtues like patience, perseverance, and humility are forged.
- **Unshakable Hope:** A hope that transcends circumstances and is rooted in eternal realities.
- **Greater Empathy for Others:** Our own suffering equips us to comfort and minister to those going through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
- **A Powerful Testimony:** Our endurance with faith brings glory to God and can inspire others. This can be a living faith in difficult times sermon to those around us.
Conclusion: Cling to Him
Life will inevitably bring its share of hardships. There will be seasons where our faith is stretched, challenged, and tested to its very core. But as believers, we are not left to face these trials alone or with a fragile, fleeting hope. We have a faithful God who is good, sovereign, and loving, and who promises to work all things for our ultimate good and His glory. The path of having faith in difficult times is not easy, but it is profoundly rewarding.
May you be encouraged to cling to Him, to immerse yourself in His Word, to pour out your heart in prayer, to embrace your spiritual community, and to fix your eyes on the eternal hope that awaits. For in Him, even when life is at its hardest, you will find the strength, the peace, and the enduring faith to persevere.