Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to.
We want sunny clear days with soft breeze blowing through the green luscious trees.
We want healthy children who are motivated to learn, respectful and friendly all of the time.
We want bills to be paid with extra for treats.
We want “good hair” days.
No one dying, please. No natural disasters to wreck our normal lives.
But what happens if life gets messy and times get tough? What would keep us stable and secure while the storm rages?
Here are 5 helpful things to remember when life gets tough:
1. Nothing is Permanent
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Remember that nothing in your life is permanent except for God. This tough time you are going through – it’s temporary, for a season.
Yes, I know it’s hard to remember this when your children are not responding to your parenting or the storm has invaded your house and everything you own is soaked.
But this too will pass. This too WILL pass.
2. God is Still in Control
“It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and [great] knowledge to those who have understanding!” Daniel 2:21 AMP
God is well aware of what is happening in your life. He is not surprised by it – it hasn’t caught Him of guard. He has a plan – it’s a good plan.
“Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish” Isaiah 46:10 NLT
“For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, The are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Believe that your Heavenly Father is in control – the events in your life have come through His hands first.
3. Nothing Can Separate you from His Love
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 NLT
Right now, in the middle of your tough situation, God loves you and will keeping loving you.
Nothing can change that.
Difficult times does not mean that God has stopped caring for you.
We shouldn’t be surprised that tough times come – Jesus told us they would but He also said for us to “take cheer for I have overcome the world”.
Just know, that in those tough times – you will be able to know the special presence of God more keenly. A precious peace is available just for you.
4. Fear not, God will not leave you
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. ” Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP
There are over 100 verses in the Bible where God says “Do not fear“. It’s one of the most crucial things to remember in tough times – God hasn’t left you and God doesn’t want you to be afraid of what might happen.
5. Thanksgiving Will Bring You Through
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
It’s God’s desire (will) that we are full of thanks in every season of our lives – tough times included.
Why would this be His desire? I believe because thanksgiving is incredibly powerful. It’s one of our strongest spiritual tools to overcome tough times.
I talk about mixing thanksgiving and petition prayers in my book “Simple Prayer: The Guide for Ordinary People Seeking the Extraordinary”.
Thanksgiving and petition make a powerful combo. Especially when you are waiting for an answer or you feel like you have run out of options – your next step is to thank and praise Him.
Everyday that you spend praising Him and living from His presence is a day closer to a decision and clarity.
So whatever you are facing today know that it is has gone through God’s hands first, it’s only temporary and you will get through this with God right there beside you – just stop, breathe and thank God. He’s got your back!
Please comment if you have found this to be encouraging or you have some suggestions for people going through tough times.
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hallo from a cold Johannesburg. As always, your message comes at the right time and right place. Thank you for this. Benn
You are welcome Benn – Thanks for your comment
Thanks for the encouragement Rachel. Just the reminder I needed. I’m praying for a return of the “full measure of His joy” (John 17)in my life.
Hey Sue – thanks for your comment. I need to remind myself everyday! Oh joy – yes it certainly helps doesn’t it. I am writing a new book on thanksgiving at the moment and Joy is so intertwined with giving thanks – a lesson that I am learning!