What to do in times of hardship and stress

The Power of choosing to trust God

What do you do when life gets tough, when the daily challenges seem overwhelming, and when you feel things are out of your control?

I know the feelings that rise up in such circumstances, I’ve been there!  I’ve had to face major challenges in my own life, where the outcomes looked horrible. In these times, when my thoughts and the lies began to become overwhelming, I was forced to make important choices.  How should I respond? Where can I turn? Will I become fearful, have a “pity party,” or will I choose to trust the Lord?

In today’s post I share about how to  …”trust in the Lord with all your heart” and  “not lean on your own understanding”… Proverbs 3:5-6.  (His words are in blue).

Handling life’s difficulties requires choices

“Son, you face many things each day. Some are trivial and other situations can be grave. Some situations and issues are obvious, but others can be challenging and even paralyzing in their seriousness.  In all of this you have a choice. You can choose to go on your own, using your resources, personal knowledge and wisdom. You can choose to rely on the expertise, wisdom, help, and solutions of others.  Or you can choose to follow Me and trust in My way as the answer.

It is important to know that your personal wisdom, experience, knowledge and resources can be good. You have matured and gained over the years, and this expertise is valuable. Similarly, the inputs from others can also be valuable in dealing with particular events and situations. However, apart from Me, these inputs into the circumstances of your life pale. I know all you face, all that has gone before and, most importantly, what lies ahead.

My way, My wisdom, My answers to life’s challenges are always best.

This is because I can integrate all you know, all that you have experienced, and the inputs from others with My perfect plan to produce the best outcome.

This is the challenge to you – to trust that I not only KNOW what’s best, but that I am ABLE to bring about the best outcome.

Trusting in Me is the choice that says you believe I love you totally, care for you completely, provide for all your needs, and that My results are always good–in fact, the best!

If you are worried or fearful, it is because you have chosen to trust in something other than Me. Every provision, every solution apart from Mine will be less good and less effective.  Choosing to trust in Me produces peace. Peace that never comes from natural ways, peace that has the conviction of success, and goodness based on hope and My love for you.

What happens when you choose to trust God

  • When you choose to trust Me, even in times of fear, worry and doubt, you are declaring My loving goodness toward you.
  • Trusting in Me is a praise statement in word and deed. By choosing to trust Me, you are saying that I am who I say I am – the lover of your soul and your ever-present strength to give you victory.
  • Choosing to trust Me is proof of your faith. It is a testimony, it is a declaration, and it is a prayer that I always answer.
  • When you choose to trust Me in your most difficult times and darkest hours, you are stating that I am the ONE; I am Almighty God who comes alongside of you, walks with you, and gives you victory.
  • To choose to trust Me opens your life to the fullness that I have for you.

The power of choosing to trust God

It releases Me to act. It empowers you to live in peace with the expectation of victory that overcomes everything you face.

Choosing to trust Me releases the fullness of My life, character, and faithfulness into your circumstances.

Placing your trust in anything else releases fear, worry, doubt and thoughts of loss and destruction. This is wisdom from the natural.  So choose to trust Me in all things My child. I will never let you down.

It is important to remember that putting your trust in God doesn’t mean being passive and doing nothing.  Sometime we have to seek Him for guidance, take action and trust Him for the results.  Then, when our actions are in partnership with Him, we can expect Him to act for us.

Question: I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.  When have you chosen to put your trust in the Lord and He has dramatically met you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

If this post has been helpful to you please share it with your friends. Please subscribe if you want to receive these posts automatically in your email.

To join the discussion, please LEAVE A REPLY by simply entering your name, email address, and your comments; then click "Post Comment".
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

3 thoughts on “What to do in times of hardship and stress

  1. This is very important, practical and germane information on one’s journey of spiritual growth. Trust in God and God’s way are something I think most of us need to be reminded of on a regular bases! Trust is a good word, a stronger word than hope. Lord, help all of us to seek and trust in only Thee!

  2. Hi Michael,
    Back in 2006 I was laid off by a company I worked with for 18 years. I was able to take a year long course for another occupation and I did not seek the Lords direction and chose what I thought best. In 2007 I began my new occupation and it was a disaster. I lasted 3 months and quit without having no direction. My wife and I were going through a program at the time with our son which was another reason I quit the job. The day I quit I fully put my trust in the Lord, asked for guidance and fasted my dinners for a full week with prayers. About a week after my fasting was done I was talking with one of the people we were working with for our son and he asked me how my new job was coming. I told him I quit and was not sure what I was going to do. He informed me they were looking for people who could work with the parents of at risk youth. I immediately applied for the job and I am still doing the work with parents and their children today. That happened because I stopped following what I thought was best and turned it over to the Lord. Praise the Lord. Martin.

    • What a great testimony to the power of trusting in the Lord to guide and care for us. He certainly works for good in unique ways in our lives. Thanks for sharing.