When life gets too busy with work and challenges, sometimes it's tough to stay positive. What can we do if we start losing hope and feel like we're falling short?
For me, relying on God in hard times changed how I see life's struggles. It took a while to understand what that really means. We often hear about it, but rarely are shown how. I want to offer seven tips that have helped me practice becoming more reliant on God - especially when I’ve done all that I can. Everyone's different, but we can all benefit from sharing what we've learned with those on a similar journey.
1. Prayer
Prayer is always my lifeline - but especially when I'm on the verge of failure and can't see a way out. Whether it's through journaling or speaking out loud, prayer allows me to pour out my concerns, fears, and challenges to God. I ask for guidance, peace, and intervention, and pray for the strength and faith to trust in His plan for my life. Without getting bogged down about the right way to do it, I just open up and speak my heart at my own pace and in my own words. When I pray, I’m reminding myself that I’m not the source of all the answers, God is.
2. Studying Scriptures
I'm amazed at how often I come across a popular quote and later realize it came from the Bible.
It makes sense - it's an endless source of wisdom that covers a surprising range of real-life experiences. And reading it helps me better understand the God I'm entrusting my future to. That's why when life gets messy, I turn to scripture for guidance and empowerment. I even like to personalize verses to connect to them deeper. Like how I add a little spice to the scripture “...we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 💁🏿♀️” from 2 Corinthians 1:9. Doing this makes God's nature, His promises, and His actions in others' lives more relatable and meaningful to me.
3. Trust in God's Plan
I know. Trusting God's plan is no easy task. It requires developing a mindset of trust and surrender, recognizing that God is ultimately in control. And that takes more energy than we think we have. But in the face of uncertainty or difficulty, I find peace and freedom in knowing that I’m on God’s time - and God's timing is impeccable. I make a choice to do what I know to do and trust that there is a purpose for my life and I live as though I believe He is working all things out for my good, even in the midst of a rough patch.
4. Seek Community
As an introvert, my natural inclination is to withdraw and figure things out on my own. However, I've learned the importance of connecting with other believers who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. Being part of a like-minded community where we can pray together, share our experiences, and offer guidance has a profound impact. It leaves me feeling refreshed and empowered, weakening the hold of distorted thoughts that tend to take over when I'm alone.
5. Find Strength in Worship
Worship takes on different forms for each of us, but the essence is the same—focusing on God and experiencing His presence. Personally, I feel closest to God in nature, where I can admire His creations. It reminds me of my own significance and purpose in this big world He designed, but it also reminds me that life (and this world) is so much bigger than just me. Worship, in whatever way it resonates with you, helps shift the focus away from personal crisis and towards the God who holds all the answers. It fills me with gratitude and reverence.
6. Practice Forgiveness & Love
When I'm splashing in my kiddie pool of emotions, forgiveness can be challenging. However, I've learned that forgiveness is an act of release and trust in God's ability to handle the situation. Holding onto unforgiveness clouds judgment and takes up valuable mental space that can be better used for so many other fruitful things. Letting go of grudges opens up room for personal growth and paves the way for healing.
7. Serve Others
Serving selflessly shifts our focus away from our own problems and pursuits, reminding us that life extends beyond our immediate struggles. By seeking opportunities to bless and encourage others, we follow the example set by God Himself. Doing good selflessly, without expecting praise or recognition, brings a sense of peace that cannot be manufactured. Selfless service connects us more deeply with God and with the people around us.
Remember, relying on God isn't about passively surrendering or abandoning personal responsibility. It's an active call to seek His guidance and strength as we navigate the challenges of life. Through prayer, study, trust, community, worship, and selfless service, we can learn what it truly means to rely on God and embrace the messy moments.
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