Facing hardships and struggles is a part of life. Whether it’s a strained or painful relationship, an unhealthy job or home environment, or the unexpected shock of a life-threatening medical diagnosis, the hard seasons that we face can knock us down, even if we know they may be coming.
While we can’t always control our circumstances, we have the opportunity to choose how we react to what’s happening to us. And one of the best ways to handle a hard situation is to lean into God.
Like Psalm 143 reminds us, we can look back and know that God loves and cares for us time and time again. Here are 4 Biblical steps you can take when you feel like your back is against the wall.
1. Remember
“I remember the days of old…”
When we’re in the middle of a storm, it’s easy to focus on all that’s going on around us in the moment, and forget what’s happened in the past. But when we pause and intentionally remember, we can start to see a pattern of who we used to be, what we’ve gone through, and how God has shown up in all of it. And we can lean on that truth to see us through this storm, too.
2. Ponder
“I ponder all your great works…”
After we remember that God showed up, we need to realize just how great he is, and the vastness of his power. In the moment, our past problems may have seemed immeasurably large. But when we look at them now, we’ll see that God was always bigger. Compare that to the situation you’re facing now, and believe that the same God that was bigger then, is still bigger.
3. Meditate
“...and think about what you have done.”
Now that we know God is bigger than our circumstances, we can take time to meditate on all that he’s done for us in the past. Remind yourself over and over how God has cared for you personally. And if you’re new to the faith, remind yourself of how you’ve seen him care for others, and know that he will care for you the same way.
4. Worship
“I lift my hands to you in prayer”
And finally, surrender your circumstance to God. Trust that he is greater, and that he knows the desires of your heart. But trust that he also knows you better than yourself. Make a conscious choice to focus on him, and not the moment you’re in.
You can repeat this process over and over, in any circumstance that you’re facing, with confidence that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Check out Psalm 143 for a reminder of his steadfast love for you whenever you find yourself with your back against the wall.