Standing Firm in Faith When You’re Feeling Down
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
Are you feeling hopeless? Have the circumstances of your life become overwhelming? Are you unsure as to how you’ll make it through the day (or night - or both)?
When you’re in the midst of despair, when things seem unbelievably bleak, it helps to lean into God and to stand firm in His word. During times of darkness, it can help to run toward Him - perhaps like you never have before.
Also useful is to keep in the front of your mind that He hears your cries, He is well aware of your pain and He has promised that he will never leave nor forsake you. While you might feel very alone now, He truly never leaves you and He knows exactly where you are. You might not understand why He has you there. You might not like it. But He has allowed it and He is still with you in the midst of it. He is ALWAYS there!
Of course, right alongside the Lord is the enemy. The thoughts of discouragement and defeat that you’re experiencing? – those are coming from him. It is the enemy who wants you to believe God is nowhere to be found. The enemy wants you to believe there is no hope and God has left you. But that just isn’t true! Those are lies and schemes which the enemy is using to defeat you and to separate you from God. Any feelings and ideas in your head which steal your peace are not of God. From the Lord we receive strength, faith, and hope. It is the enemy who wants to push you down and who wants you to give up. Anything in your mind that is causing upset and doubt is NOT of God.
It really can seem impossible when you feel like you’re stuck in the bottom of a ditch. How will you ever overcome? How will you get out of this? Life can get hard sometimes. Unbearably so, at times. But again, God sees you. And God will lift you up in His own perfect timing because there is one thing which has and always will be true – nothing is too hard for God. He will be there to walk with you through it all and there is no circumstance that He can’t turn around or use for your greater good if you remain in faith and run toward Him. Hear and obey His commands, and He will carry you through. Remember this - your God is greater than everything. Nothing is too difficult for Him. No matter what has come against you, He is forever for you.
There can be many reasons why God has allowed you to be in this tumultuous season. In the bible we are promised not an endlessly easy life, but instead we are told that fiery trials are almost sure to come. Hardships are practically guaranteed. So stand firm in them and know God is beside you throughout.
But why is it happening? The trials, while challenging, can be for our greater good. God can use these times to grow us in many ways. These times are also periods when our faith can grow and accelerate, for example – we can advance significantly in our spirituality and our relationship with God can go deeper. Perhaps you can reflect back on your life and maybe remember a time of trial. In hindsight, you might be able to find some positive - for example, it taught you a lesson, or developed an important character trait in you.
So, what does it look like to turn to God during times of trial?
Here are some ideas:
Pray
Your prayers don’t have to be formal or fancy. If you have any written prayers you’d like to rely on, that’s great. If you just want to have a conversation with God, that’s fantastic, too. God just want to hear from you and be with you. Reach out to Him. Share your time with Him. Speak to God from your heart. He is waiting patiently and lovingly to hear from you. He made you and He wants to spend time with you!
Share your time and faith with others
If you’re not attending church, then now is a good time to begin. It can be helpful to surround yourself with a community of believers. Attend services. Consider volunteer opportunities at your church. Talk to others about God, both in person and online (there are lots of faith-based groups online which you can become part of. These can be great for soaking up some faith from others as well as sharing yours to be a source of hope for someone else).
Read
Get out your bible and start reading. The bible is full of wisdom and inspiration. The bible is even online now, so we all carry it around with us on our phones. Also, consider devotionals. There are many to be found online or you can also purchase books full of inspirational readings to get you through each day. There are also lots of books and articles to consider.
Listen
There are audio versions of the bible available. There are also lots of faith filled podcasts and sermons to listen to. Listen while you complete chores around the house. While you’re driving is also a great time to listen to a faith filled lesson, an inspiring or instructive sermon, or there are also even recorded prayers you can pray along with. Technology offers many ways to connect with God.