Trusting God in the Mess: Finding Peace When Life Falls Apart
Let’s be real. Trials suck. There’s no sugarcoating it, and I won’t pretend otherwise. When life hits you with heartbreak, loss, or struggles you didn’t see coming, it’s tough. It’s messy. It’s exhausting. And if you’ve ever found yourself asking, “God, where are You in all of this?”—trust me, I’ve been there too.
We all know trials are part of life. Jesus even said it plainly: “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). He didn’t say we might have trouble or that some of us will. Nope, He said it’s a guarantee. But He didn’t stop there. He went on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” That’s the hope we get to hold onto, even when everything feels like it’s crumbling.
Let’s Talk About the Reality of Trials
Can I just say it? Trials are painful. They’re confusing. And they make us wonder why God is allowing us to walk through something so hard. It’s okay to admit that. I mean, look at the Bible. David poured out his soul to God in the Psalms, Job wrestled with unimaginable pain, and even Jesus wept when He faced grief (John 11:35).
God never asks us to pretend that we’re okay when we’re not. He knows how much it hurts. And He cares. But He also doesn’t leave us in the pain without purpose.
Trusting God When Life Makes No Sense
I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the middle of a storm, trusting God can feel impossible. I want answers. I want a timeline. I want to know why. But God often doesn’t give us the full picture and honestly, that can be frustrating.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” That doesn’t mean we won’t feel confused or hurt, but it does mean we can choose to trust Him even when it doesn’t make sense.
Think about Joseph’s story. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison. I know his emotions must have been all over the place! But years later, Joseph looked back and told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). God was working the whole time, even when Joseph couldn’t see it. And He’s doing the same for you and me.
Holding Onto God’s Promises
When the waves of life feel overwhelming, I’ve learned there’s only one anchor that truly holds: God’s promises. They aren’t just nice words. They’re unshakable truths.
God is with you: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
God is working for your good: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).
God will strengthen you: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
God will see you through: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2).
These promises don’t magically erase the pain, but they remind us that we’re not walking through it alone.
How to Keep Trusting God in the Hard Seasons
So, how do we hold onto faith when life is a mess? It’s not about being perfect or always having it together. It’s about showing up one small step at a time. Here are a few things that help me:
Be honest with God. Let it out. Cry, journal, or whatever you need to do to pour your heart out to Him. You aren’t too much for Him. (Psalm 62:8)
Stay in the Word. Even when you don’t feel like it, open your Bible. God’s truth has a way of cutting through the chaos and bringing peace.
Pray for perspective. Ask God to help you see things the way He does. Even if you don’t get all the answers, He’ll remind you that He’s in control.
Lean on community. Don’t isolate yourself. Find people who will pray with you, encourage you, and remind you of God’s goodness.
Take it one day at a time. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take the next step and trust that God will guide you.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re in a trial right now, I want you to know this: God hasn’t forgotten you. He sees every tear, hears every prayer, and holds every piece of your broken heart. And He’s not going to waste your pain.
I love Isaiah 43:2 because it reminds me of God’s faithfulness: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.”
Whatever you’re facing, God is in it with you. He’s working, even in the waiting. He’s faithful, even in the silence. And He loves you more than you could ever imagine.
Take heart, friend. You’re not alone, and this trial is not the end of your story.
Be blessed and stay hidden in Him,
Jean
