Imagine that a new job opportunity comes up. It seems to be a natural progression for your career. You’ll have to move across the country, but the pay and benefits are outstanding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and God seems to be calling you toward this new opportunity. But only one month after uprooting your life and moving your family to a new and unfamiliar city, your new employer hits hard times and has to make some cuts. Your job is among the first to go.
You may not have experienced this exact situation, but you know the feeling — situations in life where you ask God, “Why is this happening?” Why would you be called to make such a significant life change only to end up worse off than before? It doesn’t seem to make sense. These are moments that can really test your faith. In times like that, you must know how to trust God when life doesn’t make sense.
Trusting God: What Does it Really Mean?
In trying times, we’re told that God has a plan and to put our trust in that plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
But even with this guidance, it’s normal to feel confused. It doesn't feel right to cede control when you don’t understand what’s happening in your life. That’s because we often misunderstand what it means to trust God. The first thing to know is that trusting God doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay or denying the reality around you. It’s about knowing that even in the midst of what seems to be chaos, God is still in control. It’s about finding peace in the promise that everything that’s happening is for the best, even when we can’t see the bigger picture.
Trust means believing that God knows what is best for us — even when we don’t understand what’s going on. It’s about getting past our limited perspectives and acknowledging God's infinite wisdom. Throughout the Bible, you will find stories of God making promises to Christians during trying times. In these passages, God promises their protection and eternal life. Your trust simply means believing God will fulfill those promises — even when we don’t see how it’s possible.
Why is it Hard to Trust God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense?
Of course, summoning such strong faith in trying times can be exceptionally challenging. If life doesn’t make sense, it’s only normal to want quick answers rather than accepting it may take time. It’s this human need for understanding that can make it hard to trust God in confusing times.
As humans, we want to know the reasons behind our suffering. Our emotions can overwhelm us in trying times. Anger, fear, and grief can cloud our judgment and make it difficult to discern God’s plan. In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Bible addresses our human nature by encouraging us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our limited understanding: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Finding Trust During Difficult Times
Struggling with trust during difficult times is a part of being human. But as Scripture tells us, God knows more and understands more than us. Fortunately, there are things you can do to strengthen your faith and lean on God — even when life doesn’t make sense. For example, you can spend time in prayer and Bible study.
As our direct line of communication with God, prayer is an opportunity to express your fears and doubts. After you do, ask for guidance. Similarly, reading the Bible allows us to hear God’s voice and character and be reminded of divine promises made. Scripture contains numerous stories of those who faced seemingly impossible situations but found hope in God. Reading these stories when life doesn’t make sense can offer clarity you won’t find elsewhere.
Spending time with fellow believers is also a great way to find trust when you need it. Remember, we are not meant to walk through life alone. Connecting with other Christians who understand our struggles is so helpful. Sharing your difficulties lightens the burden you’re feeling. The feedback you receive can help you see things differently. And once you shift your perception a bit, you’ll likely find you still have a lot to be thankful for.
In fact, cultivating an attitude of gratitude is crucial in times of hardship. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you’re lacking, or what you’ve lost, to what you have. This, in turn, helps you see God’s blessings, even when you’re unsure if you’re on the right path in life.
When Life Doesn’t Make Sense, It’s Time to Find Trust in God
When things go south, it’s very easy to slip into doubt. Before long, you may feel like you’ve lost your trust in God. Paradoxically, this is when it’s most important to rediscover that trust. The hard part comes from the fact that we want to be in control of our lives. By finding ways to communicate with God, it will soon become clear that God is in control and actually does have a plan for you. This doesn’t mean you have to like or accept difficult times in your life; it only means it’s time to rebuild your trust in God.
