Life is full of unexpected challenges, and at times, it feels as though the weight of adversity is too much to bear. We pray, we hope, and we seek answers, yet difficulties persist, leaving us questioning where God is in our struggles. Many of us have faced moments when our faith wavered—when the silence from heaven seemed deafening and despair threatened to take over. This article explores 5 simple ways to stay positive during difficult times.
But what if true peace isn’t found in the absence of trials but in trusting God through them? Is a life without challenges even possible? And if not, will you let difficulties steal your joy? That would be a heartbreaking way to live. Through real-life experiences, scripture, and practical insights, we will uncover how trust in God and God-given authority can transform our perspective, bringing strength where there is weakness, hope where there is doubt, and peace where there is chaos.
Whether you are facing a personal crisis, battling uncertainty, or simply seeking deeper peace of mind, this article will reveal the incredible power within you, waiting to be unleashed through faith. As you read on, allow these words to encourage you, strengthen your heart, and inspire you to lean on the unshakable promises of God, even when life feels overwhelming. Peace is not the absence of trouble—it is the assurance that God is in control.
Life is Full of Trials: My Friend’s Struggles
Recently, I had a heartfelt conversation with a close friend whose child is battling a severe autoimmune disease. The situation is heart-wrenching: the child can barely sleep due to excruciating pain in her foot, which even strong painkillers can’t alleviate. Nights are filled with her cries and groans, and injections are needed just to bring some relief.
My friend, now in his seventies, struggles with limited income and no health insurance to cover the mounting hospital bills. In their desperation, they’ve tried everything within their means. They’ve sought appointments with specialists at public hospitals but to no avail.
One night, as his daughter endured unbearable pain, she tearfully asked him, “Why doesn’t God hear me? I have prayed and prayed, but nothing has worked! Why me?” My friend was left speechless. As a parent, what do you say to a child who’s questioning God’s presence and losing faith?
Despite his deep love for God and his dedication as a preacher, I saw a man on the brink of despair. “We have tried everything,” he said, “All we can do now is wait and see what happens.” In our conversation, filled with reflections on God and his ways, he posed a poignant question: “Do we completely trust God?”
This question made me pause and reflect deeply. “Do we truly trust in the Lord?” I pondered. When faced with overwhelming challenges, it’s natural to feel shaken. We might murmur, complain, and wonder if God hears our prayers. The battle between light and darkness is relentless, striving for control of our souls.
I have faced several health challenges myself, just like many of you. Years ago, I attended a local church in Botswana, where the preacher claimed that true Christians can’t be sick and that suffering would be far from them. I was shocked by this message. While I don’t wish to criticize fellow servants of God, such preaching can be misleading and out of sync with the word of God.
Jesus himself acknowledges that we will face challenges. In John 16:33 (KJV), he says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” He recognizes the inevitability of difficulties but offers hope through his triumph.
Consider these scriptures as well:
- 1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJV): “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
- Psalm 34:19 (KJV): “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
As long as we live, challenges will come in various forms. Yet, even amidst our trials, we can find peace and hope in God’s promises. Life throws many trials and tribulations our way, and the devil will challenge us at every turn. In my discussion with my friend, I offered some of this advice, and this is the script I follow when going through challenges:
Prayer Strengthens Us
When facing problems, the most obvious solution is prayer. I don’t know about you, brethren, but for me, prayer truly brings peace to my heart. I have a special spot in my bedroom where I always sit on a seat pad to pray. It might sound surprising, but when I settle into that spot and start talking to God, all my nerves seem to calm down. I feel a profound sense of peace and relaxation, far beyond what any other place can offer, no matter how comfortable.
A prayer is essentially a conversation with our Saviour. For me, prayers can range from intense spiritual battles to heart-to-heart talks with God, much like you’d have with a close friend. I often reflect on the toughest times in my life and remember how God has come through for me. This introspection reassures me that, even now, the same God will see me through. By the end of my prayers, I feel reassured, peaceful, energized, and ready to face another day with confidence that the Lord has my back, no matter what my circumstances are.
The peace we experience is talked about in one common scripture in Philippians: Philippians 4:6-7“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Personal Encounter with Jesus
When your circumstances feel overwhelming and you start to doubt whether God exists, here’s my advice: Go to the Lord in prayer with a sincere and broken heart. Tell him, “I have some doubts about your existence. Please show yourself to me.” Be committed and persistent in seeking his presence with humility.
I promise you, my brethren, the Lord will reveal himself to you in one way or another. Your experience will be unique, but you’ll definitely know it was God. Take the story of the apostle Paul, for instance. On his way to Damascus, he was surrounded by a bright light from heaven. Saul, as he was known then, fell to the ground and heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” When he asked, “Who are you, Lord?” the voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
In my life, when things get incredibly tough and the devil starts filling my mind with doubts like, “Can your God save you?” or “Does God even exist?” I always remember my encounter with God. Those thoughts quickly fade away, knowing that I have experienced his presence firsthand.
Experiencing God first-hand is incredibly important for strengthening your faith and helping you get through tough times. Knowing that the Lord is truly with you makes it easier to overcome any challenge. I firmly believe that God’s revelation to people like Moses, Paul, Abraham, and Isaiah helped them persevere through great difficulties and hold on to his promises.
When you’re waiting for the Lord to come through for you, the world might ridicule you. The devil may send friends or relatives to suggest solutions that conflict with your faith. But having a personal encounter with God can help you stay strong in your faith and patiently wait for him.
My experience with the Lord has been my anchor during stormy times. Challenges can be numerous and relentless, but having that deep revelation of the Lord gives you the strength to keep the faith, even when there seems to be no hope. This connection with God can also help alleviate your stress and anxiety, providing peace and reassurance amidst the trials.
Pray without ceasing
Although this is related to the preceding point, I wanted to discuss it separately. Let’s dive into this powerful scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Now, you might wonder, how can we pray without ceasing? Is it even possible with our busy lives? After all, we have work, family, and a thousand other responsibilities. The Bible even encourages us to work, as it says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV): “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
I used to be puzzled by this scripture. Growing up, prayer was something we did before bed or maybe in the morning. I thought you needed a special time and place, away from everything else. But here’s what I’ve learned, especially during some tough times recently. Prayer doesn’t always have to be this formal, set-aside moment. Although that is the ideal situation, it doesn’t have to be all the time.
I’ve started praying continuously—at work, in the car, anywhere. You don’t always have to speak the words out loud otherwise people might think you are going mad, isn’t it? You can pray in your heart, silently. This experience has taught me that our hearts continue in prayer and worship even when we are busy with our other tasks. This way, you stay connected to God all the time. It’s like having an ongoing conversation with a dear friend.
The continuous prayer has been a lifeline for me. It keeps my spirit grounded and my anxiety at bay. No matter how stressful life gets, I know I can reach out to God at any moment. It’s comforting and empowering. I believe individuals like Enoch maintained a close relationship with God in pretty much the same way. Again, it’s not about finding a perfect time or place; it’s about keeping your heart in tune with God, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
As you pray continuously, you are drawing near to God, and in this process, God draws near to you. When God draws closer, your heart is strengthened, and all the fear and anxiety caused by life’s inevitable challenges begin to dissipate. This ongoing communion with the Lord brings a sense of peace that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
If it wasn’t for the peace of the Lord I enjoy through continuous prayer and a close relationship with him, I’m not sure I would be standing today, given the circumstances I currently face. This deep connection with God is what keeps me grounded and gives me the courage to face each day with hope and strength.
Practice Your God-given Power of Self-control
It was never God’s plan for us to be worried. Our bodies were not designed to withstand constant stress and strain. Isn’t the fear of the unknown our biggest cause of stress? We strive to secure our tomorrow. We always ponder this question: What will it be like tomorrow? If I die today, what will happen to my children? How will I pay rent if I lose my job? Granted, our mind will always wonder about all the time, but you are not completely powerless.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV): For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. This is what the amplified version says about the same scripture:
2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP): “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
In life-threatening situations—like facing a lion or a shark—our bodies kick into a natural “fight or flight” response. It’s an automatic survival mechanism that’s hardwired into us. But in most other situations, you might be surprised to know just how much control we have over our thoughts and emotions.
Take my friend Samuel, for example. He grew up in Kenya in a polygamous family, where his father had multiple wives. As a young boy, Samuel watched helplessly as his father abandoned his mother. This experience left a deep mark on him, and he made a firm decision that he would never put his wife through the same pain.
Whenever his wife had to travel, Samuel stayed home and avoided any situations that might lead him astray. He refused to form close friendships with any woman who could potentially compromise his marriage. To this day, as far as I know, he has remained true to his commitment.
People often say that a woman is a man’s weak point. But isn’t Samuel a man too? Of course, he is. Yet, through sheer determination and self-control, Samuel conditioned his mind, and his body followed suit. His story is a powerful reminder that we have more control over our actions and thoughts than we sometimes realize.
I’ve heard many stories of married men getting involved in affairs with house helpers. Early on, I decided that this was something I would never do, and I’ve kept my word to this day.
Now, what’s my point in sharing this? I do not seek to judge anyone. I’m simply sharing my personal experiences to highlight the incredible power and authority that God has given each one of us. As it says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The Lord has given us a spirit of self-control. In the same way Samuel controls his desires, you too, have the power to steer your thoughts toward positivity.
The truth is, what you dwell on matters. If you’re constantly thinking about what could go wrong, you’re going to develop a pattern of negative thinking, and before you know it, that becomes your default thought process. I’ve been there myself—I used to worry about almost everything. My mind was so tuned to negativity that I would see what could go wrong before considering what might go right.
But things changed for me when I developed a closer relationship with God through prayer and bible study. Do I still worry sometimes? Of course, I do. But those moments are brief and don’t control my life like they used to. When tough situations arise and my mind starts to drift into negative thinking, I quickly pivot back to positive thoughts. And to find peace, despite whatever chaos around me, I remind myself of God’s promises and turn to prayer whenever possible. This has brought me strength and has allowed me to go through my days feeling calmer and more at peace.
Listen Brethren, there is nothing more important than a peace of mind as seen in this scripture:
John 14:27 (NIV): Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. God has given you the spirit of self-control, empowering you to govern your actions, thoughts, and emotions. You have the ability to discipline your mind and steer it toward positive and uplifting thinking.
Activate the Feel-Good Effect: The Feel-good Hormones
I’ve spent a lot of time researching anxiety disorders and, to a lesser extent, depression. When it comes to treatment, anti-depressants are often the go-to prescription. There are different types, but they all share a common goal: increasing the amount of serotonin, a feel-good hormone, in the brain.
Now, serotonin is that wonderful neurotransmitter that’s tied to feelings of happiness and well-being. But here’s something that might surprise you: you might not need anti-depressants after all—at least not in every situation. Let me be clear, though. If you’re already taking anti-depressants, please don’t stop without consulting your doctor. I’m simply sharing a revelation that the Lord showed me, one that has made a huge difference in my life.
The truth is, you have more control over how you feel than you might realize. It’s a power that God has given us. I never knew this until Jesus opened my eyes to a simple yet incredibly powerful trick which in my opinion makes you feel better than anti-depressants would. I have used anti-depressants before and for a long time.
Think about it—why do people go on holiday, seek out beautiful scenery, or relax by the beach? Whether they know it or not, they’re trying to increase the feel-good hormones, which ultimately make them feel better. But here’s the thing: The Lord has shown me that you don’t need to travel or spend money to feel good. Sure, if you can afford a nice vacation, that’s wonderful. But the ability to feel good doesn’t depend on that. Believe you me, you can activate that feel-good feeling within yourself by simply having an internal conversation. Just tell your body to feel good, and watch how it responds. In my book “Conquering Anxiety for Good“, I discuss feel-good effect in detail and other actionable faith-based strategies you can employ to completely overcome anxiety. The book is completely free on Payhip but if you prefer major retailers like Amazon, Applebooks and others get it from as low as $0.99. These stores do not permit free listing. Should you choose to read the book, kindly leave a review to in order to improve the book’s discoverability.
It might sound a bit odd, but I’ve found that when I tell myself to feel good, my body starts to echo that sentiment. There’s real power in our words, as the bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 (NIV): “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our words can shape our reality. You have the power to feel good, to steer clear of depressive moods, and to calm your stress and anxiety significantly with this simple yet profound practice. It’s a God-given gift—one that we all have within us. This trick is more effective if you connect to your environment especially nature (green scenery) around you.
