Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right. (1 Peter 4:19, NASB)
When life is difficult, it can be hard to trust God with our circumstances. Pain, no matter what form it is can last a lot longer than we’d like. Waiting for a resolution, trying to understand our situation – all this can take its toll and start to wear us thin spiritually speaking. We wonder if we should place our confidence in God when we can’t seem to find the answers.
If you find yourself in that place, here are some thoughts that may help:
Get to Know God
It’s a fact. Trust works best when we know the person we are interacting with. If we’re in a hard place with trusting God, we might need to focus on His character. When we do this, we get to know Him better. No matter where we are spiritually, there is always room to know Him more because His love, the depth of His strength, and His compassion are infinite. Because of Jesus, we can always go deeper into our relationship with God our Father.
When we spend time in the presence of God, and when we get to know Jesus more and more, we can see that there is no other more worthy of our trust. Jesus asks us to come to Him with our burdens. Coming to Him means spending time in His presence where we’ll get to know Him in a much more intimate way. It’s there that we can find help for the burdens we carry.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28, NASB) Share on XCome to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, NASB)
God is Your Creator
Remember that God is our creator. As such, He ordained our days. He knew each one of them, and all of them were written before we ever even came into existence. We have a Faithful Creator who has arranged all the seasons of our life to bring about His eternal purposes. Often this includes trials. But our suffering is not without purpose. There’s a future in it – our eternity.
Trials and suffering aren’t only for our own growth. God, in His infinite wisdom and great desire that ALL should come to Him will use our painful situations. Adversity prepares us for leading, comforting and helping others in ways that nothing else can. If your suffering could help you reach out and bring another person closer to Christ, is it worth it? I’d say it is, and I imagine you would too.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16, NIV)
Remember His Faithfulness
Not one thing that God has promised has ever failed to happen. The whole Bible is full of men and women who experienced His faithfulness and comfort. God has proven Himself time and time again across all generations and through all walks of life. He is faithful and trustworthy; we can be sure of that.
Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the Lord your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed. (Joshua 23:14, NASB)
Wear His Garments
There’s one thing that can change our perspective and help give us strength to draw from, and that’s praising Him.When we praise Him we focus on His character and we remember just who God is and just what He can do.
And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)
When we put on His garments, think of what we are surrounding ourselves with! In every situation he is faithfully covering us (Psalm 91:4). He becomes our portion, giving us just what we need. He is the strength of our hearts (Psalm 73:26). By focusing on praise, we begin to see less of ourselves and more of Him. Instead of seeing our frailty, we see His greatness. Looking away from ourselves and toward Jesus in thankfulness and praise can be the peace-bringer we’ve been waiting for.
God Has a Purpose
This one is tough sometimes friends, but it’s so true. God is working in all circumstances, not just the easy ones. When we are really down and struggling what we have to remember is this – God is with us and will never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Jesus is walking beside us. The Holy Spirit constantly prays for us in ways we could not even begin to understand (Romans 8:26). God is working in every single situation for our good (Romans 8:28). Even when He seems distant, even when we can’t hear His answers, and when our emotions feel overwhelming, He is working.
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. (Romans 8:28, NASB)
It’s the Right Thing to Do
Sometimes, when there’s no other way to step forward, we just have to do something because we know it is the right thing to do. It’s right to surrender to God and to let Him be in control of our circumstances. Being obedient in this way is our responsibility – what happens after that is God’s.
It’s right to surrender to God and to let Him be in control of our circumstances. Being obedient in this way is our responsibility - what happens after that is God’s. Share on XTherefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right. (1 Peter 4:19, NASB)
So friends, let’s make it a point today to entrust our souls to our Creator, who faithfully loves and cares for us and meets us where we are. Let’s persevere to the end and let it be our business and desire to do right, to endure patiently, and to trust God to take care of the rest.
Focus Verses
Today’s verses are linked to their appropriate pages and www.biblehub.com where you will find free resources for further study.
Let’s Talk
What insights do you have for trusting God when it is hard to do so? Please share in the comments below. Your answer will bless another person who comes along after you!
Perfectionism and Trust
Perfectionism has a lot of opposites, and one of them is trust. (We’ve talked about how hope and perfectionism are opposites and you can find that post HERE.) Trusting can be hard for a person struggling with perfectionism because it means we lose control. Giving control to another person means we can’t make our own plans and our eager expectations just might fly right out the window and into thin air. Trusting someone else also involves the distinct fact that they might reject us at one time or another. This, too, is a hidden fear of perfectionism. No wonder we have trust issues at times!
However, think about the answer to these two questions:
Who is the One who will never reject us?
(Psalm 94:14, Deuteronomy 31:6, Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5)Who is the One that takes extravagant care of us, going to lengths beyond what we could ever understand, who pursues us and calls us to Himself?
(Psalm 139, Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 3:20-21, )
God. Jehovah Jireh. Our Provider. He is the answer.
These questions reflect truths we know about God and promises He gives. If we think on these truths about God, we’ll find no reason at all not to trust Him. None.
If perfectionism is something you struggle with, will you join me in a challenge the next few weeks to trust God with your most difficult circumstance?
The post How to Trust God When Life is Painful first appeared at www.journeytoimperfect.com.
This post may be linked in the following places. Click through to find more hope and encouragement for your new year! Tea And Word Tuesdays / Tell His Story / Cheerleaders of Faith / Coffee for Your Heart / Sitting Among Friends / Moments of Hope / Salt and Light / Heart Encouragement Thursday / Tune in Thursdays / Counting My Blessings / Grace and Truth
Its hard for me to trust in God sometimes beacuse in the past i have been in painfl situations and that makes me worry, what if God put me in that situation again? what jf He doesn’t know what makes me happy and I worry I can never get my happy life
Trusting God when life is painful doesn’t always feel like the most natural thing to do- but through the Holy Spirit and with these practical, wise suggestions you have given, we can. And what a sweet blessing it is, to lean on Him! Thank you for sharing at Grace and Truth last week. I would love to feature this post tomorrow.
Dawn, thank you so much for visiting. It sure is a blessings to lean on Him! Thank you for your kind words and I’d love to be featured! Blessings!
Yes, it is so accurate it is hard to trust when we don’t know the person well. Getting to know God does bring about a willingness to trust him. The closer I am to him the more I believe. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up. I always love reading your posts. Maree
I cling to His loving kindnesses in the hard times & there has been many! Losing two children & my late husband to just name a few of those painfully hard times…
Presently, I have the challenge of chronic pain everyday from Fibromyalgia but keeping my eyes focused on Him I can praise Him! I remember that He knows what pain is all about & His bought great freedom for us. So in my pain I know He has a purpose! It has actually been a gift in “being” & having precious time with Him!
You’re most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration anytime!
Jennifer
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing and for your persective. It’s hard to see pain as a gift, but it can be. I’ve seen the same things recently and am thankful for the way difficulties help us depend on Him. I’m so sorry for your losses. It sounds like too much to bear, but it is good to see how God has carried you through so many difficult things. I’ll be by to visit soon! Thanks so much for stopping by!
It can be so hard to remember that there is purpose in our pain, oftentimes we just cling on and it’s not until later that we can look back and see God’s purposes. I love Psalm 57:1 where David just clings to God, reassuring himself with these words “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed”. I have prayed those words many times in difficult circumstances, and they are such a comfort. Then, looking back, once the “disaster has passed” I can see more clearly God’s purpose in my pain. Lovely post!
Sue, thank you for those thoughts. They are so very true and much appreciated! Thank you for visiting today.
It’s really hard to remember that suffering always has a purpose. The things in life often seem random and pointless, but thankfully that’s our earthly, human perspective and we can trust God to be true to His Word… even when we don’t see it at first. thanks!
Yes, Karen! Thank you for stopping by!
I like your point about perfectionism and trust. Really interesting!
Thanks, Susan! Appreciate your visit here!
Leslie – You had some great points and thoughts and yes, it is so very true that when things in life are painful it is hard to trust God, but trust Him we must. I love how you pointed out that God has a purpose for the pain and not just the good times. I think sometimes we forget that, until we are farther down the road and can look back and see how God redeemed it and used it for His purpose. We are neighbors today at #TeaAndWord Tuesday over at Meg’s Blessings to you 🙂
PS.. if you are looking for another place to link to on Thursday’s I would love if you would consider joining my linkup #TuneInThursday – it opens Thursday 3am PST and runs through Sunday night. you can find it at debbiekitterman.com/blog (Please feel free to delete the link if you think it inappropriate).
Debbie, thank you for visiting. And yes, when we are further down the road things become so much clearer! So happy we were neighbors! I linked up with you this week. : ) Blessings!
Dear Leslie!
Thank you very much for sharing this….It’s a reminder of not giving up on praying even when there is a lot of pain….God is good all the time!He never fails us…Be blessed…
Agatha, I’m so happy this encouraged you. He is good and never fails! Thank you for visiting!
Dear Leslie,
Thank you for sharing these precious words this week! These words especially touched my heart: “When we put on His garments, think of what we are surrounding ourselves with! In every situation he is faithfully covering us (Psalm 91:4)” There have been so many restless nights when the only way I have been able to rest is to surround myself with praise songs on repeat. Hearing the worship of Jesus has brought peace when nothing else could. Even during this current time while my husband is recovering from knee replacement, God is being so good to help us walk through each day. Truly He is our covering! Blessings to you dear sister!
Bettie, so neat you mention the praise songs on repeat. I do that as well and I’m getting ready to share my list of praise songs on the blog. Hopefully today or tomorrow! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thank you very much words of encourage you send at the right time when I was going through hard time this week you uplifted me and for remained me about how Great is My Redeemer thank you God bless you
Patricia, I am so glad this was encouraging to you. God’s word never fails to uplift us! Thank you so much for being here today and for commenting! Blessings!
Great post on hard truths, Leslie. Sharing on Twitter and Pinterest, friend!
Thank you so much, Sarah! Always love seeing you here!
This is all so good, Leslie. I quoted Psalm 139:16 in my post this week too … it’s one of my very favorite verses. 🙂 The truth that God is our Creator is so comforting … when I look at my weaknesses and perceived “flaws” and think He could have easily made me differently, it reminds me that since He didn’t, He must have had a good reason for it. I find that to be very helpful. Wonderful post!
Lois, thank you so much for being here today and for the kind words. I love your thoughts here! So true!