The Single Best Way to Respond to Difficult Times in Your Life
Some time ago, I was in a season of life that I was ready to be out of as soon as I entered it. If you're reading this (and you're human), you know exactly what I'm talking about. Thankfully, I made it through these difficult times, which we always do. But this time was different because I found an alternative way to respond. Let me give you some context.
Listen to the Good Christian Podcast episode about this post:"How to Respond to Difficult Times in Your Life"
I am wired in a way that I always immediately try to fix everything that isn't right. (Sound familiar?) And during this difficult time I'm referring to in this blog post, that's exactly what I started doing.
But this difficult time in my life was different from any prior experience...
I couldn't fix or change what I was going through. As a result, I quickly became exhausted. I put a lot of time into trying to fix everything. Then one morning, I broke. You see, I had been pleading with God for weeks on this matter. But I would continuously ask God for the same thing over-and-over. But this morning, I decided to do something different.Instead of asking God to fix my problems because I couldn't, I instead decided to sit quietly and listen for His voice. Sounds simple, but when I just wanted everything "back to normal" or to be fixed in my life, it took a lot to sit quietly and not ask for God to intervene on my behalf to improve my situation.
When I finally got quiet before God, He responded.
I'll never forget it. I heard God speak clearly, and I wasn't sitting quietly for hours; no, it happened pretty quick! Do you want to know what God said to me that morning?
"Be still, and know that I am God."
That is all He said—nothing more, nothing less. I remember sitting there for a moment in shock. Then I was left with those words echoing in my head.It was a strange moment of revelation and peace. I realized at that moment that my job wasn't to fix or even change the difficult times I was facing. In fact, there was probably a purpose for what I was going through. What God wanted for me to do was to be still, which means to be at peace with Him, knowing in the end, He would take care of me.
A few weeks later, I stumbled upon a Bible verse that ended up being strangely familiar.
"Be still and know that I am God." - Psalm 46:10
I had no idea that the very words God spoke to me were also in the Bible! But, it was a similar moment of revelation and internal peace. A moment that I, to this day, am eternally grateful for.During these few tough weeks of my life, I ended up learning that there are times that we need to take a step back, exalt God for who He is, and be faithful in trusting God through our difficulties. We need to remember that He knows everything we are going through, good or bad. No matter what season of life you may be in, good or bad, I encourage you to don't be in a rush for the next thing. Take a step back, and refocus on God and His goodness. Thank Him for where you are!
Are you wondering what I was struggling with during this season of my life?
I typically like to give context in my blog posts, but I am intentionally leaving it out today. Not to seem private or secretive, but instead to further prove a point. It doesn't matter what we're going through or what we're struggling with. It could be big, and it could be small, no matter what, though, God is in control. If we can learn to be still and know that He is God, then, in the end, we will make it through what we're facing in life.Ultimately, here is the point I want to get across to you today:
God is in the midst of every season of your life, even the difficult times. Be still today; exalt God for who He is.
In conclusion of this blog post, I wanted to end it with a scripture speaking to me ever since I was a child; I believe it relates heavily to what I'm sharing today.
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. - Psalm 26:1-6
I don't know what you're going through in life right now or what you may be struggling with. But I know that no matter how good or bad things are right now, the best thing you can do is slow down, be still, and know that God is still God and He is still in full control of your situation.