Are you looking for how to keep faith in God during hard times? Keeping faith during hard times can feel impossible, but it is essential for getting through life’s toughest trials. This article will explore practical ways to strengthen your relationship with God when you need Him most.
Life often deals us blows that shake us to our core the death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, illness, natural disasters, and more.
In these heart breaking moments, we desperately need an anchor. God wants to be that anchor, but clinging to Him through the pain and grief takes great spiritual discipline.
Fortunately, fellow believers through the ages have discovered habits and mindsets on how to keep faith in God during hard times.
By implementing even a few of their methods, you’ll find yourself drawing closer to your Creator, grasping His promises, and weathering the storms of life with resilience. The peace and comfort only He can provide await those who seek Him.
1. Pray Constantly
When we face trials that shake our faith, our first response should be to pray constantly. This should be our first action on how to keep faith in God during hard times.
As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us, we need to “pray without ceasing.” This means incorporating prayer into every aspect of your day and continually communicating with God.
Set aside time for longer prayer sessions, but also pray in the car, while washing dishes, or on your lunch break. Speak to Him throughout the day – about your fears, struggles, pains, and joys.
Be real and honest as you bring every emotion and need before Him. Tell God exactly how you’re feeling about your hardship and wavering faith.
Ask Him for strength, endurance, wisdom, and comfort. Pray for a spiritual breakthrough and renewed trust. While long days of silence can challenge our faith, persistent prayer draws us closer to our Provider.
It reminds us that though storms arise, He remains sovereign, loving, and true. As you constantly communicate with your Creator, your heart will find refuge in His presence.
You’ll discover afresh that God hears you, understands you, and will sustain you through unimaginable trials – even when your faith falters.
So in your dark night of the soul, when God’s purpose seems unclear, pray without ceasing. He promises that when we seek Him earnestly, we will find Him.
2. Read The Bible
Immersing ourselves in God’s living Word is a powerful way how to keep faith in God during hard times.. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is alive and active.”
When we engage Scripture expectantly, asking God to speak, the Spirit can use it to cut through our spiritual fog and confusion.
Reading biblical stories about believers who faced hardship can help give us perspective. We realize that storms have raged for centuries, yet God remains with His people. Meditating on the Psalms can bring comfort, as we relate to the raw emotions expressed by the psalmists.
Seeing how God faithfully delivered His people time and again in the Old Testament builds our confidence that He will help us overcome present trials.
Passages about God’s character remind us that our Creator is good, loving, and sovereign over every circumstance. Lean into Jesus’ promises that He has overcome the world (John 16:33) and will give us rest in times of adversity (Matthew 11:28-30).
Whether you need wisdom, strength, encouragement, or comfort, God’s Word contains boundless spiritual resources to revive flagging faith during hard times.
The Bible provides a lifeline to hope when our situation seems impossible. If you’re feeling disconnected from God, get back into Scripture. Ask Him to renew your spirit and give you endurance to walk by faith, not sight.
3. Attend Church Regularly
When trials arise, isolating ourselves from other Christians often worsens discouragement and weakens faith. That’s why the Bible emphasizes the importance of godly fellowship, especially during storms of life. This is a great way on how to keep faith in God during hard times.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 notes that “two are better than one” because they can lift each other up. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Attending church provides us with a community of support and keeps us anchored to truth. Worshipping alongside fellow believers directs our gaze back to God, renewing strength and perspective when our situations feel overwhelming.
We’re reminded through song and sermon that our loving Father works all things for our good. We receive prayer, counsel, and encouragement to persevere.
Staying engaged in church also gives us opportunities to serve others, taking the focus off our own pain. Practising outreach rejuvenates our faith as we witness God using us to bless others amid hardship.
Being part of a church family fulfils our human need for connection. It’s easy to isolate when trials hit, but we must fight through and lean on our church community.
Attending regularly, even when we don’t feel like it, proves that our identity and priorities are firmly rooted in Christ. It proclaims that no matter what storms may come, our faith endures.
4. Worship Wholeheartedly
During turbulent seasons that test our faith, passionate worship is a great on how to keep faith in God during hard times as it provides a powerful antidote to doubt and despair. Though pain and questions may shroud our hearts, choosing to praise God helps realign our focus to His goodness, power and love for us.
Lifting our eyes above the winds and waves and fixing them on Christ brings supernatural peace and strength. The act of worship declares that no matter what raging storms we face, God remains on the throne, worthy of honour and exaltation.
As Psalm 92:1-2 encourages, “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.”
When adversity strikes, take time to worship both privately and corporately. Listen to uplifting worship music that focuses your heart and mind on God’s greatness.
Sing out! Use scripture songs to combat spiritual attacks with truth. Play worship music in your home to cultivate an atmosphere of praise as you do chores.
Attend worship events and immerse yourself in an environment resounding with reverence for God. Ask the Holy Spirit to well up “songs of deliverance” in your heart, as referenced in Psalm 32.
Make praise through music your spiritual battle plan. As you exalt your mighty Savior, your faith will grow. Hope will rise. Doubt will fade. You’ll gain fresh vision, strength and endurance to keep believing God’s promises and moving forward in your stormy season.
5. Give Thanks
Gratitude is a potent antidote for how to keep faith in God during hard times. Though challenges tempt us to dwell on the negative, intentionally giving thanks shifts our focus to the blessings around us redirecting our spirit upwards.
As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” When we thank God for our continual lifestyle, especially in trials, we proclaim His sovereignty over every detail of our lives.
Thanking Him for walking with us through this valley, though we don’t understand it, keeps us trusting His purpose and character.
Expressing gratitude for provision, family, health, nature, salvation anything good reminds us this season won’t last forever. As Deuteronomy 31:6 declares, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you.”
He wants to show Himself faithful to us if we will lift up our eyes. Maintaining a spirit of praise combats the enemy’s lies that God has abandoned us. It declares that no matter what we face, God is good, His mercy endures, and redemption awaits.
Keeping a gratitude journal where we record daily blessings helps us strengthen our faith, even when we waver. When adversity strikes, thank God that His grace is sufficient for this trial.
Thank Him in advance for the spiritual growth and testimony that will come. As you give thanks amid affliction, you’ll experience the truth of Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.”
6. Trust His Timing
Human logic tells us difficult circumstances shouldn’t drag on. When trials continue for years, unresolved, our faith falters. Trusting in God’s timing is a tip on how to keep faith in God during hard times.
How can a good God allow ongoing pain? Why does He seem silent to our cries for help? But Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.”
We are confined to time; God exists outside of it. He possesses a billion ideas we can’t conceive.
What if He is allowing a lingering trial to protect us from something far worse? Or using it to reshape our character into Christ’s image? When storms feel unending, we must trust God’s timing over our own.
Believe that at the ordained moment, according to His perfect will and infallible wisdom, He will lift this season and restore joy once more.
Consider saints like Abraham, Joseph, and David who endured decades of difficulty before their promised blessings arrived. Though it’s hard to wait, God often uses delays to strengthen our faith and enlarge our capacity to receive His gifts.
As Lamentations 3:25-26 assure us, “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
So in this time of waiting, seek intimacy with God. Allow Him to deepen your trust in His sovereignty. And know that at the intersection of your pain and God’s purpose, His timing will prove perfect.
7. Cling To Hope
During dark seasons that test our faith, holding onto hope can feel impossible but this is a way how to keep faith in God during hard times. The enemy wants us to spiral into despair, questioning God’s goodness and doubting His faithfulness.
But we have so much reason to hope! Scripture brims with God’s promises to those who ask, seek and knock. Cling to hopeful verses like Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Speak this truth over yourself when discouragement sets in. Recall testimonies of God’s miraculous interventions in biblical history and in your own life. Journal about the hopes He’s given you for your prayers to be answered, pain to end, and purpose to emerge.
Prayerfully imagine what those fulfilled hopes will look and feel like. Ask God to awaken your spirit to signs of hope all around you a rainbow after a storm, a caring friend, a moment of unexpected joy.
Surround yourself with hope-filled music, movies and messages. When despondency drags at your soul, combat it through praise, Scripture and time with encouragers who’ve walked this valley already. Most importantly, put your hope in Christ alone.
He is the anchor that will never fail you. As days pass and trials continue, actively nurture hope through spiritual disciplines.
Let your soul take refuge in the promise that morning comes after even the darkest night. God is still writing your story. Stand firm in faith that He will complete the good work He’s begun. With Him, there is always reason to hope.
8. Help Others
When we’re struggling to keep the faith during trials, one of the most powerful ways how to keep faith in God during hard times is to turn our focus to helping others. As Galatians 6:2 encourages, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
Bringing comfort to someone else in their storm reminds us we’re not alone. We gain perspective as we listen to how God is sustaining them during hardship.
Helping others takes our minds off our own troubles and ignites our gratitude for the abilities and resources we can share. Consider supporting a family going through illness, volunteering with your church, or mentoring a young person.
Prepare meals for new parents or send cards to lonely widows. Do practical acts of service for neighbours and friends facing difficulties. Visit those who are sick or mourning. Your presence can lift their spirits more than you realize. Donate goods and money to ministries feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless.
Ask God to open your eyes to the needs around you, then propose to meet them. As you bless others through giving of your time, talents and treasures, your faith will grow.
You’ll be reminded that God is still working through you – and that your trials have prepared you to minister to others with new compassion.
Pouring yourself out to help those in need brings renewed purpose and spiritual strength. The act of service declares your hope and trust in God’s loving care, both now and in the future. Let caring for others revive your weary soul and empower you to keep believing.
9. Keep Perspective
When challenges arise, it’s easy to become consumed by the mountain looming over us. Our hampered perspective fuels anxiety, discouragement and hopelessness.
That’s why it’s crucial we keep lifting our gaze up to God’s vantage point. Keeping perspective is a great way how to keep faith in God during hard times.
Through prayer, we gain a glimpse of His reassuring perspective – that trials are temporary opportunities for growth. We’re reminded that God promises to equip us to handle difficulties and use them for His glory.
As 2 Corinthians 4:17 notes, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Hardships are a chance to relinquish control, lean into Jesus, and let Him refine us into His image.
When we ponder examples of biblical heroes who remained faithful despite oppression and persecution, we realize countless believers before endured worse trials.
God gave them supernatural courage, comfort and strength as He promises to give us. Meditating on how God has helped us through previous struggles builds faith that He will do it again.
As Psalm 34:19 declares, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Ask God to guard your mindset. Reject negative thinking patterns that exaggerate the problem. Any time fear, anger or despair tries creeping in, combat those thoughts with truth.
Remind yourself that no pain lasts forever, God’s plans are to prosper you, and even the valley leads to better days. Call to mind Scripture promises that nothing can separate you from God’s love.
Keeping perspective requires intentionality, but will prove one of your most powerful tools for persevering with joyful hope intact.
10. Remember God’s Promises
One of the most effective ways how to keep faith in God during hard times is to continually remember and claim His promises for us in Scripture.
When challenges shake our trust, combating those doubts with truth is key. That’s why playing Bible verses on repeat and scrawling them on notecards is so essential when trials strike.
Remember that God has promised never to leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6), to work all things for your good (Romans 8:28), and to complete the work He’s begun in your life (Philippians 1:6).
Remember Christ has overcome this fallen world (John 16:33) and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). You have access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20), and all things are possible for those who believe (Mark 9:23).
During turbulent times, our feelings will try to override these truths. That’s why continually filling your mind with specific promises from Scripture is vital. Let them dwell richly in you.
Write them on your mirror. Make them your phone lock screen. Hide them in your heart so you can recall them instantly whenever fears start to rise.
Allow these words of life to renew your mind, revive your spirit and infuse you with courage. God stands behind each and every one of His promises.
Though the enemy tries convincing you they no longer apply, don’t buy the lie. Hold tight to God’s assurances – they will prove an anchor for your soul when storms toss you to and fro. You can stake your life on the eternal truth of Scripture.
Conclusion
When we walk through seasons of hardship that threaten our faith, we can feel overwhelmed and unequipped. Yet God promises to be with us in every storm and provide the strength we need to persevere.
Clinging to that truth and utilizing practical strategies can help anchor our hearts when turmoil strikes.
Through consistently praying, surrounding ourselves with community, worshipping, serving, giving thanks, and remembering God’s promises, we can withstand every trial.
God doesn’t intend for us to just survive hardship, but to let endurance have its full effect in developing Christian character (James 1:2-4).
If we keep our focus on Christ instead of the swirling storms of life, we will emerge refined and better prepared to minister to others. Dark seasons remind us to fix our eyes on Jesus, our faithful anchor in every storm.
So take heart, weary Christian. You have a Savior who understands your every struggle and catches every tear. He promises mercy and goodness will pursue you all your days, and His faithfulness extends to every generation (Psalm 23:6, Psalm 100:5). You are not alone.
God hears your prayers and is right by your side. Let Him replace doubt with courage, despair with hope. The storm won’t last forever. Joy comes in the morning. God remains sovereign. His purpose will prevail. Keep clinging to Him – He will be your strength.
Save this for later!
