There are countless verses in scripture that refer to the ways that God is good to us, especially during tough times. Philippians 4:19 says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God never gives us what He knows would harm us. God distinguishes between our wants and our needs, and He is concerned with every part of our being. God provides for us beyond anything we can ask or imagine. He uses the tough times to not only shape, but also transform our lives. We can trust His guidance, goodness and care to do more for us than we could ever do on our own. There are times when we may doubt His power, but the truth is God can see us through all circumstances. While we may live in dark, fearful times, we can still experience and since of calm by trusting in God. Here are six ways to find inner peace in tough times.
Turn to words of encouragement.
Sometimes we wake up in the morning and before our feet even hit the floor, we know the day is going downhill fast. Life hits us with disappointments, challenges and heartache. Sometimes, there’s no obvious reason. Our mood just shifts from a positive place to a negative place. When you’re going through tough times, sometimes just hearing words of encouragement can lift your spirits up. You need some momentum to reframe your thoughts. Oftentimes, God puts a particular person in your path who will say something that really catches your heart and makes you feel better about what you’re going through. Other times, we will simply run across words that may show up on a series or a social media post that will simply brighten our day. These are little reminders from God that we are loved by Him and we can get through any situation.
Look at your challenges differently.
We should see the challenges and trials we face today as God’s divine way of preparing us for something bigger. When you’re going through tough times, God often puts someone in your path that can assist you through your trial period by lending you emotional support. Often, these are friends, family and loved ones, but sometimes God will even place strangers in your life to bring you though tough circumstances. God will also place us in certain situations to reveal Himself. Sometimes, His face isn’t always clear but when we are able to look back on these situations, we see that God was very present. There is a certain peace that comes with knowing that God is right there with us, not only in the people he places in our lives, but also in the situations He sets us up in.
Try something new.
When you’re going through a tough situation, it can be frustrating. Life can feel unpredictable and out of your control. During this trial period, God can inspire some really great ideas on ways to turn your life around. For example, if you’re currently stressed about being unemployed, God may inspire you to think of new and creative ways to produce additional income, while also channeling your talents. You can begin by making a list of services needed by people around you and a find a way to make yourself useful in those areas. This may be a test by God to humble you, while also helping you to grow. Trusting in God, along with having a positive mindset will help you find a sense of inner peace. It also allows you to think outside of the box which can be the first step in a life transformation.
Turn to God’s Word.
If you happen to be struggling through tough times, then scripture is a great place for healing and peace. The words you read can be also be a great blessing through hard times. We can find incredible power when we trust in God’s Word. Scripture can lead us to exactly where we need to be, even during our darkest trials. Sometimes, you can simply run through the pages of scripture, stop on a passage and discover that God is speaking through those words. Other times, you can simply listen to the readings or the pastor’s message on Sunday and really hear God speaking to you through those verses. No matter what the circumstance is that you are facing, you can always rest in the fact that God will always be faithful.
Know that God’s Spirit is present.
God’s Spirit is present in all situations we face. It’s important for us to remember that the Spirit is God’s personal presence. You may have already come to know this in your heart and mind. For some, it may have come during a talk, lesson or song. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. You feel inner peace, hope and joy when He speaks to your heart and mind that something is true. When you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you, darkness can be dispelled and the desire to do right and transform your thinking grows. When we’re going through troubled times, the key for each of us is to accept and hold the gift we have been promised by God.
Trust in God’s timing.
How many times have you turned on the radio or a playlist and a song just speaks to you? The song playing right at this moment is not accidental. God’s timing is perfect and He shows us so much grace and love while we walk through calamity. God will play certain songs at the right time so you know that He is present and that things will be ok. These moments are completely unexpected but can really brighten our spirits when we’re feeling particularly down. Getting through hard times can be extremely stressful and seem never ending, but God works in mysterious ways and provides the spiritual gift of music to some so that He can help people through some of their darkest trials. Music can really pull you out of the pit during tough times.
Psalm 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the Earth give away and the mountains fall in the heart of the sea, thought its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” God never says He will give us everything we want, but He makes it clear that He will provide for the needs for His children. This is one of the many reasons we can trust God to be there for us, not only when times are good, but also when times are rough. He knows exactly what you need and can bring us peace.
