The Importance of Trusting God in Difficult Times

A man kneeling in front of the cross as a sign of repentance for the mortal sins he has committed.

Published August 7, 2022

Life, as they say, is like a roller coaster. There are times when you’re up and everything is right with the world. But then, there are also times when your world suddenly turns upside down. It is in these moments that we tend to ask ourselves: where is God?

Trusting God is easy when things are going your way. But when the going gets rough, that trust can easily turn to doubt. Before you know it, you’re blaming him for all the unfortunate things happening to you.

But why is trusting God in difficult times so hard to do?

When we are going through a hard time, we tend to be so consumed with our sorrow that we disregard everything else. Of course, it’s perfectly valid to feel that way. But when we focus so hard on our own grief, we forget that there are people who care for us. We do not notice the people who are hurting because we are hurting.

Our problems and struggles become the center of our attention. We zoom in on that and in the process, it becomes magnified. Soon enough, we forget our blessings. We forget the good things that God is doing to us because of the trials that he gave us.

Yes, God gives us trials. But, oftentimes, it’s nothing compared to his blessings.

It’s like staring at a blank sheet of paper with a little black dot in the center. You tend to zoom in on the dot, on the imperfection. Yet, you fail to notice that there’s a whole lot of blank, clean space surrounding it. And just like that, your faith in God erodes and you slowly find yourself descending into a labyrinth of self-doubt, anger, and resentment.

But that’s not how God wants us to be. And I doubt, that’s what you want for yourself too.

Living with anger and resentment makes you a bitter person. Before you know it, you’re projecting those feelings to the people around you. Those people will, in turn, treat the people around them the same way. It’s a small wonder then that the world we live in today is full of people who are mean to others for no particular reason. It started with a person losing their trust and confidence in God because of a few stumbling blocks.

But as I’ve said, finding the courage to trust God during the darkest moments of your life can be a challenge. If you feel yourself being weighed down by problems right now, here is how you can trust in God even in the midst of hardship.

Why Trust God in Difficult Times?

Before we talk about the how, let’s first understand why we need to have absolute faith in God.

1. All Things Are Possible with Him

As Jesus once said, “everything is possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23). Whatever concerns you have right now, no matter how seemingly impossible it may be, know that it’s possible with God. This is why we have the word “miracle” because there are things that our human understanding have never fathomed to be possible, but it happened nonetheless.

If you need any more proof that everything is possible with God, just look at the world around you. If he can create the world and everything that’s in it, then what can’t he do?

2. He Has Plans For You

You may not understand why all these things are happening to you right now, but someday you will realize that it’s all a part of God’s plan.

Take the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. He was sold by his brothers into slavery and was even thrown into prison. But if not for that, he wouldn’t have been able to interpret the king’s dream and save the people from famine.

That’s how God works. God allowed all of that to happen to Joseph because his ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). He designed us according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) even while we were still in our mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). His plans for us are not to harm us but to prosper us and to give us hope and a better future (Jeremiah 29:11).

3. He Knows You More Than You Do

Sometimes we think we know what we want only to find out that it doesn’t really make us happy. That’s because, most of the time, we tend to want the things that society wants for us. We spend all our time at work to buy things we don’t need and impress the people we don’t like.

God, on the other hand, knows the desires of our hearts. We might have plans of our own but he establishes our steps (Proverbs 16:9). He knows what we really want deep inside our hearts. We can hide nothing from him. He knows our unspoken thoughts and the longings that we have to constantly keep bottled up inside us. So if he didn’t answer your prayer, that doesn’t mean he does not care for you. On the contrary, he cares so much for you that’s why he won’t give you the things that he knows will only harm you.

4. He is Our Refuge

We all had those moments where the world seems so chaotic that we just want to hide from it all. It is in these moments that we need God the most. He is our fortress and an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He does disappoint those who call on Him.

Everyone may desert you, but He will always be by your side. Whether you’re passing through high waters or walking through fire, He will never leave you alone (Isaiah 43:2). He is the defense for the helpless (Isaiah 25:4) and our forever stronghold.

Remember how the Israelites wandered for forty years in the desert? Despite the harsh conditions, they were able to thrive. The Lord did not just give them food and water, He also provided them a safe refuge from their enemies. They called on Him and He answered. He always does.

How to Trust God in Difficult Times

Yes, it can be challenging to trust God in our darkest moments. But it can be done. Here are some of the things you can do to grow in faith even in difficult times.

1. Trust in God’s Word

When God said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest”, he means it.

Remember God does not go back on his word. He gave Sarah a son. He freed the Israelites from servitude. He fulfilled his promise of salvation by sending his only begotten son. All throughout the Bible, you will see stories of how he keeps to his word. So, you have no reason to doubt that he will give you rest when you are tired and weary. All he asks is for us to trust Him.

2. Be Grateful

A grateful heart has no time to dwell on the negative. Learn to thank God for even the smallest things. Sometimes, they are blessings in disguise.

Being able to wake up each day is already a blessing, not everyone does. Having something to eat is another blessing. There are a lot of people around the world who go through the day without eating anything. At all times, be grateful.

3. Be Courageous

Courage does not mean the absence of fear. Rather, it’s about soldiering on despite the fear. This is what God wants us to do. He wants us to be courageous in times of adversity. He doesn’t give us trials to break our spirit but to strengthen us.

Remember the story of Daniel? He probably was very scared of the lions that were trying to eat him. But instead of giving in to his fear, he entrusted his life to God. That, my friends, is the true definition of courage and trusting God in challenging times.

4. Take Up Your Cross

Jesus said that,

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

This means that to be a true disciple of Christ, we must learn to take up our cross. Our sufferings resemble the cross that Jesus carried on the way to Calvary. He patiently carried it because he knows it was the only way to save us. We must do the same for him. Enduring our trials and suffering is a testament to our willingness to become Christ’s follower in every sense of the word.

5. Wait on the Lord

Waiting for something isn’t really easy that’s why we consider patience a virtue. But as I’ve mentioned, God has plans for us. The pain and suffering you’re going through right now are all a part of His plan. This is why trusting God involves waiting on Him. So, how do we wait on the Lord?

The Bible says that to wait on the Lord is to be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer (Romans 12:12). He will fight for us if we only learn to be still (Exodus 14:14). Don’t let your worries and anxiety get the better of you. As the apostle Matthew says, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself (Matthew 6:34). Remember that there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). So instead of asking God why he’s not answering your prayers, ask him to give you the strength during this waiting season and consider this time as an opportunity to work on your spiritual growth.

Bible Verses About Trusting God in Difficult Times

If you need more encouragement, here are Bible verses about trusting God that will surely inspire you:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Psalm 3:5-6
Trust the Lord and do good; live in the land, and farm faithfulness. – Psalm 37:3
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 1:10
God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid. – Isaiah 12:2
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. – 1 John 5:14
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
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. – John 14:1
My God, I trust you. Please don’t let me be put to shame! Don’t let my enemies rejoice over me! – Psalm 25:2
For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does – Psalm 33:4
Those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, Lord. – Psalm 9:10
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act – Psalm 37:5
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? – Matthew 6:26-27
We live by faith and not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. – Psalm 32:10
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10
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

Walking in Faith

As you may well know by now, trusting God is something that is easier said than done. It’s not something that can be done overnight either. Trusting God completely involves walking in faith every single day. It’s letting go of our worries and fears and accepting what God has in store for us. When we lift everything up to Him and trust in His wisdom, we don’t exactly become fearless. But it gives us the courage to face the difficult times with hope that God will always have our backs.

Seek a Deeper Connection with God and Join Lay Cistercians of South Florida

Lay Cistercians of South Florida, is a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercian on our website. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.

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About The Author

Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.