When life is good, it’s really easy to trust that God is in control. But when it seems like everything around you is falling apart, trust becomes a little more challenging. Jesus tells us in the Scriptures to come to Him when we’re weary, but what about when we feel completely broken? Paul says not to be anxious about anything, but what about when we’re facing a crisis? Afternoon host and North Pointe Community Church pastor Jeff Loman shares several things that we can do to trust God when it feels like things are crumbling.
PRAYER
It may seem like the basic Christian answer, but praying is critical. We might not be able to do anything about our most broken circumstances. But when we choose to pray about our crisis, we no longer have to carry the burden. Instead, we can trust God with it.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In addition, God always knows how you feel and really what you’re thinking. He’s fully aware of your circumstances and how it’s affecting you. So be honest when you pray.
Throughout the Psalms, we read of King David’s honesty. He questioned God and even shared his frustrations with the Lord through prayer. He vented his anger, too. It’s ok to share the tough stuff with the Lord. When you open up to share those things, you’ll discover He’s not only big enough to handle the criticism, but He reveals Himself as trustworthy time and time again.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
COMMUNITY
Finding people who love Jesus can also help you to trust God. During a time of crisis, the people you turn to, that you surround yourself with, are vitally important. Those people have an immense influence on how you handle that crisis. Also, I think it’s important to be vulnerable. If no one knows what you’re going through, they can’t really help you. I know it’s hard. It’s not easy, it requires humility, but yet it’s important for us as Christians to share life together so that we can lift each other up and trust God better.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
If you’re looking for a church, we invite you to check out the live streams or events of some Wilmington area churches. But don’t just watch online. Attend in person. Engage and serve. Get to know the people of God in a personal way.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
SCRIPTURES
Finally, turn to the scriptures. When I go through hardships, trials, suffering, or pain, I want to hear God’s voice. Whatever you’re going through, God does have something to say to you through His word. And yes, even in your darkest moments, He can still be trusted.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
WHAT HELPS YOU TRUST GOD?
When you’re walking through a tremendously difficult season, what helps you to trust God in the midst of it? Tell us in the comments!
But if you’ve never trusted God in the first place, you won’t know the comforts and help He can give you in the middle of a heartbreaking season. Find out how to know Him today.
