How to Think When Life Gets Difficult

A New Season Is Right Around the Corner

…God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature],

and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed

beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure….

1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMPC)

The truth is that getting upset about our problems never changes them. However, choosing to adopt a positive attitude can. No doubt, when bad things happen, it’s even tougher to think and say things that are positive. But it’s helpful to remember that things will change...a new season is always right around the corner.

In our family, when difficult things are happening, we like to say, “This too shall pass.” Maybe you’re having a financial difficulty, relationship problems, or a tough time battling an illness. It’s important to remind yourself that it won’t last forever.

I love 2 Corinthians 12:9. Here, the Lord tells us that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. This means we can go through difficult times—God wants to show Himself strong through us.

Sometimes we don’t think we can make it through a tough season, but God thinks we can. In fact, He promises us in His Word that He will never allow more to come on us than we can bear as we rely on Him (1 Corinthians 10:13).

When life isn’t going well, we can choose to think thoughts that make us happy. When I am in the midst of a difficult time, I often turn to Romans 8:35-39. I remind myself that God loves me no matter how difficult life is at the moment.

During tough times, it’s easy to think, I can’t do this—it’s just too hard. Watch for that type of thinking and when you recognize it, remember that it’s a lie. Then replace it with a God-inspired thought like: I can do whatever I need to do because God is with me. This too shall pass.

Prayer: “Dear God, help me to rely on You no matter what is happening in my life. I know that I can trust You to take care of every situation—no matter how difficult. You have never given me anything that I can’t face with Your help, so please be with me through [insert your prayer requests here]. Thank You for always being with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Study Tip: One of the best ways to get your thoughts in order when spending time with God is by journaling. So, take some time now and write down all the problems and difficulties that are on your heart today. Don’t think too hard about them. Just list them simply, then pray over each one, giving them to God in turn. Once you’re finished, go through the Bible and look up verses about trusting God to care for you. Some good places to start are: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 55:22, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7.