Sometimes, you’re just mad at life. The budget didn’t stretch far enough this month. Your kid got bullied at school. Bad weather canceled your trip. Your relative got a bad diagnosis.
When you find yourself in pain, it’s natural to seek immediate relief. Everyone wants the injury, illness, or heartbreak to disappear as quickly as possible. It’s easy to turn to the wrong things to find comfort when you’re facing hard times. But food, shopping, work, entertainment, and substances can only bring temporary relief (and can lead to problems of their own).
You Can Find Hope in God
Here’s the good news. God can bring us true, lasting hope no matter our circumstances. Here’s how one author of the Bible, Paul, described God’s comfort:
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT
When Paul uses the word “comfort,” he’s describing a God who provides hope, encouragement, and strength. No matter how bad things get, God’s presence can comfort you in a way that no one else can. No matter what you’re facing, you can lean on Him.
And because God’s Spirit is within His people, His people can also comfort others. He works in them and through them to offer a hope that’s beyond any present or future pain.
God Cares About Your Pain
Are you hurting physically, mentally, or emotionally? There’s a God who cares, and there are people who want to help. Cry out to God through prayer, and ask trusted friends, family members, pastors, and professional counselors for help during hard times.
God Doesn’t Waste Your Pain
During Jesus’ ministry, He preached a famous sermon to a crowd of people who had plenty to be frustrated about. They’d been persecuted, cast out, and looked down upon. They’d been praying for years for things to change. Maybe you can relate?
What did Jesus tell this tired, frustrated group? He said, “You’re blessed.” Wait, what? That’s right. Here’s some of what He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:3-5 NIV
Jesus didn’t brush over their pain, but He revealed to the crowd that the way we view our pain is important in God’s kingdom. What matters most to God isn’t necessarily that everything goes well for us every day, but that we develop into the people He made us to be. All of our pain matters to God, and God won’t let any of it go to waste.
Whatever you’re experiencing, remember: Jesus knows well the very real pain of being human. He understands your hurt. And He wants you to know that, in His loving hands, you are blessed—because He’s with you, He’s leading you, and He’s growing you.
No pain is ever wasted in God’s kingdom, and God delights in giving you everything you need for today.
3 Prayers for Hard Times
When you feel like screaming that life is unfair, don’t scream into the void. That’s just noise. Instead, let God know how you feel—you don’t even have to calm down first. Don’t worry. He can handle your anger. Try these prayers for hard times:
A Short Prayer for Hard Times
Dear God, please help me through this difficult time. My life feels so unpredictable, so chaotic, so unfair right now. I’ve tried my best to control it, but I’m coming up short. Father, I need You today. I know You’re in control, even in hard times. I want to live like I believe that truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for Courage When Life Is Hard
Dear God, I believe You hear me. Thank You for Your comforting presence. Today, help me to shift my perspective from today’s frustrations to Your loving kindness. Show me what truly matters, and help me find courage in You. Jesus, help my will line up with Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer for Trusting God in Tough Times
Dear God, help my thoughts match Your own. My life isn’t perfect, but You are. I believe You care about my pain, and I believe You won’t waste it. Thank You for providing everything I need for today. I trust You with today. I trust that You’re with me and that You love me even when life feels impossibly difficult. Thank You for Your kindness. Help me to share it with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Keep Seeking Support
God is with you, even when life feels impossibly difficult and you’re facing unanswerable questions. So keep seeking Him. He’s close, and He cares.
As you seek God through prayer, also seek help from trusted people in your life. If you’re not sure who to talk to, you can always ask for prayer or find an online small group through Life.Church. Don’t struggle alone. Seek help today!