Have you ever wondered whether God cares about the pains, struggles, and troubles of your life or someone you know?
Have you ever experienced a crisis or difficult life moment and questioned why God would allow you to suffer?
Perhaps you are grieving a loss, dealing with health challenges, or experiencing financial stress and worry. Maybe you are experiencing the pain of broken relationships with family or friends, addiction, or even trauma.
Alternatively, you may be feeling isolated or disconnected, as though you do not belong anywhere or to anyone, or even struggling with a combination of these challenges.
During challenging times like these, sometimes God responds instantly, while other times it may seem like He is completely silent. Despite this, it can be easy to let our circumstances take control of our emotions, reactions, and our ability to find peace and joy amidst our struggles.
How can peace be found in times of crisis and suffering?
One one many ways to find peace during times of crisis and suffering is to look to the examples of those who have gone before us.
In the Bible, there are many stories of people who have faced immense hardships and yet remained faithful to God. Although Jesus is the ultimate example of suffering innocently, there are other individuals whose stories can offer hope and inspiration. Job, Joseph, Paul, Ruth, and Hannah are just a few examples of those who persevered through difficult times and ultimately found peace and comfort in God.
In fact, Paul suffered greatly in many times of crises throughout his life, including imprisonments, beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst, and a physical ailment. But Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-8:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
Paul wrote these words from a prison cell, facing uncertain circumstances and an unknown future. Yet, in the midst of his struggles, do you know what Paul decided?
Despite facing immense struggles and challenges, Paul chose to respond in a way consistent with his faith. He did not blame or reject God or harm himself or others.
Instead, he activated faith in God, turned to prayer, and focused his thoughts on what is good and true. Paul knew that God was with him even in the midst of the storm, and he trusted that God would work all things together for his good.
In the same way, we too can activate our faith in God when we face times of crises and difficulties in life. We must turn to God in prayer, trusting that He is with us and will use our circumstances for our good. We fix our hearts and minds on what is true, pure, and holy, rather than allowing our circumstances to control our thoughts and emotions.
When we activate our faith in God, we experience the grace of God’s full measure of peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not based on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. It is a peace that comes from knowing that God is with us, that He loves us, and that He is working all things together for our good.
So, when you find yourself in times of crisis, even right now, remember to activate your faith in God. As you do, you will have God’s peace, hope, and strength to face whatever comes your way.
So, how do you practically find peace when you’re overwhelmed by a crisis?
Practical Next Steps to Find Peace:
- Take a moment to be encouraged by reading 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 94:19, Proverbs 3:5-6, and John 16:33
- Take time to pray and seek God’s guidance in the midst of your difficulties.
- Fix your thoughts on what is true, pure, and holy, rather than allowing your circumstances to control your thoughts and emotions.
- Speak with a family member or friend, counselor or therapist, or pastor to share the burden of your difficulties.
Reflection Questions:
- What are some ways you can activate your faith in God when you face difficult circumstances?
- How can fixing your thoughts on what is true, pure, and holy help you in your time of crisis?
- What are some practical steps you can take to trust that God is with you and working all things together for your good?
Let’s Pray Together:
Dear God, we pray for Your guidance and support during difficult times of crisis. Meet us in our moment of pain, struggle, and difficulty, empowering us to activate our faith, trust in You and find peace in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
