People don’t usually look forward to having hard times or difficult moments. If we could choose, I believe we would all want life to be good for us at all times. However, there will be unpleasant moments in this life so, instead of being unprepared for those moments, we should learn how to handle the hard times.
(If you prefer a video version of this post rather than reading it, please, watch this video where I discuss how to overcome hard times.)
Over time, I have learnt that it’s important to have the right mindset about hard times. I believe it influences how you approach hard times and your response during difficult moments. I hope the advice shared in this post helps you to have the right mentality about hard times before they come and while you go through those moments.
Here are 6 ways to handle hard times or difficult moments:
1. Know that hard times will come while you are in this world.
To my surprise as well, my pastor brought my attention to this fact one Sunday. He made us read John 16:33 and personalise it.
Here’s what John 16:33 says:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
As a Christian, it’s unlikely you want to make such confessions that you will have troubles in this world but another surprising fact is that it was Jesus speaking here.
Jesus told His disciples, and us by extension, that we will have trials and sorrows in this world but beyond that, He tells us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world.
So, that’s our victorious stance. Yes, as believers, we will have troubles in this fallen world but we have already overcome them because we are in Christ.
You have an advantage because you know ahead that hard times will come but you also know that you have won in Christ so, they will not last forever.
2. Know that God is with you and for you even during the hard times.
Hebrews 13:5b tells us, “For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
This is God’s promise to you. Let His promise that He will never leave you be rooted in your heart even when your feelings say otherwise.
Keep His Word before you so you can always remember it. Put this promise as a reminder on your phone’s wallpaper if you have to. Write it down. Keep it in sight. Do whatever is necessary to keep this truth before you and in your mind. God is always with you and He is on your side even during the hard times.
3. Tell God about it.
God cares about you and He is always willing to help. He loves you so much. Rather than struggling on your own, turn to God and let Him help you.
As 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
God is the solution so, don’t run away from Him no matter how you feel. Bring your emotions to Him, He can handle them. He will happily help you through the hard times. Let the words out and talk with Him, tell Him how you feel. Or get a pen and book and write to Him. God listens to you, He cares and will respond to you.
4. Get involved in good and edifying activities.
You may not feel like doing these things but it’s important that you push through your feelings and get involved in good and edifying activities. Pray, study your Bible, fellowship with other believers, sing praises and worship God. Make your boast in Christ, rejoice in the Holy Spirit and thank God even during the hard times or difficult moments.
Doing these activities help to build up your faith in God rather than being consumed with worrying about the troubles that you’re facing. It also helps you see that is God is good and He will take care of you just like always.
5. Surround yourself with the right company.
When you are going through a hard time or difficult moment, surround yourself with the right kind of people. Be in the midst of people who can encourage you, strengthen your convictions in the Word of God, pray with you and for you.
Yes, you may be struggling but the strong people around you ought to strengthen you by their strength.
6. Ask for help and receive it.
You don’t have to go through hard times or difficult moments alone. When you believed in Christ, you were also brought into a family so, share your troubles with your family. There is help and support for you in this family of God.
Ask for help and as you do so, it is important that you are also open to receiving help when it comes.
With these 6 tips, I trust you are better equipped to handle hard times when they come.
Finally, remember that God loves you, now and always. Nothing can ever separate you from His love for you in Christ (Romans 8:35-37). Fix your heart on God. You will come out of every storm as a victor because God is with you.
Please, feel free to add other helpful tips on handling hard times or difficult moments in the comment section. Thank you.
Be good!
2 comments
Having the right reminders is helpful, that’s what this article does for me. Thank you, Oyinkansola!
Happy to hear this, Dipo.
It’s my pleasure.😊