How to Stay Hopeful During Difficult Times
Have you ever found yourself feeling…
lonely?
disconnected?
apathetic?
distant from God?
discouraged?
I’ve been there too! Falling into a negative or a victim mindset can be more accessible when facing adversity. After all, everything may seem to be going against you. The only thing to do is to continue spiraling downward. But if we can take a step back - difficult times can serve as opportunities to grow and learn.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the things I worried about never happened as I imagined them to be. If something did happen, it was very different from how I pictured it. But even during the most challenging times, I also found that I was much stronger than I had ever thought I could be.
When I was in college, pursuing my undergrad, I decided to change my study major. I didn’t want to at first, and because of that, I didn’t take it well when it happened. I freaked out. I remember calling my mom, sobbing. I wasn’t in danger; everything would be okay - it was just a change I had to make and learn to adjust to. But I didn’t understand how to at the time. Because of my attachment to the idea that things must go a certain way, I shattered when they didn't.
Do you believe things will work out if something doesn't go your way? I ask because this is the key to handling life’s hardships. I took some time to reflect on how my faith has guided my life during hardships so I could offer some guidance to you.
Stop thinking about the worst-case scenarios.
Your thoughts are influential, more than you know. Sometimes unintentionally, you can manifest what you think and believe, almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s real. But the Lord has promised His people power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind.” His design is for you to live in His power, have strong relationships, and have a mind that is at peace and filled with joy. When we allow our circumstances to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness for God.
A practical way of doing this starts with taking a moment to relax, visualize, and affirm ourselves. Stopping to take a moment to relax is likely the hardest part for me. It takes a great amount of willpower. But once you are able to stop and take a moment to reassess the situation, I promise you, you will be able to pray through it and process your thoughts with peace of mind.
Let go of trying to control the outcome.
The beauty in all of this is that we can acknowledge the difficulty of our situation in the world around us while still living with hope. You can endure hardship but still have faith and hope for the future. One way to do this is to actively think of what you can look forward to beyond your present situation. Consider what a positive future looks like when you find your breakthrough. Focus on the things you can change for the better, no matter how small it can be.
When I’m going through a hard time, I like to practice caring for my mental health by going outside and getting some sun. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) confirms that time in nature can improve our mental (and physical) health. But one of the most shocking things is that we don’t do it. In 2019, the Outdoor Foundation found that nearly half the U.S. population didn’t participate in outdoor recreational activities. What was more shocking was that only 18% of Americans went outdoors at least once a week in 2018. That’s unbelievable, right? Most of our time is spent staring at screens because every device we own vies for our attention. Our brains aren’t wired for this kind of bombardment.
A short walk at your nearest city park, or gardening in your backyard can be equally effective for boosting vitality and wellness. Work with what you have one step at a time.
Don’t withdraw; reach out to others.
Asking for help can be scary because vulnerability doesn’t come easy. But the reality is, we need each other. Hebrews 3:12-14 says, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that no one may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” God created us to be in community with others. In times of hardship, God’s encouragement can also come from other people. God can and will send others to you for encouragement, fellowship, and help. This will reinforce these things in our minds and help us to focus on Christ and His desires and goals for us, not by our own strength but by His. I know He can do it in your life, He’s done it in mine.
Scripture:
Here are some of my favorite bible verses about trusting God in difficult times. I pray you find encouragement, healing, and hope.
Genesis 50:20 - You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1 Samuel 30:6 - David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Romans 8:18 - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 66:10 - For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Psalms 145:14 - The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
Matthew 19:26 - With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Mark 5:35-36 - While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Philippians 3:13-14 - Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
How can I pray for you today?
xoxo,
Eliset
