How Can We Find Strength in God During Life’s Difficulties?

1 day ago6 min read

Throughout life, challenges arise that test faith, endurance, and trust in Jehovah. Many struggle to understand how to navigate hardships in a way that remains faithful to God’s Word. The Scriptures offer clear guidance on finding strength in Jehovah, emphasizing that He is not the source of difficulties but the One who provides refuge and wisdom to endure them. The Bible firmly states that Jehovah does not tempt or test His people with evil, as James 1:13 declares: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” This truth is crucial in understanding that hardships come from the fallen world, human choices, and the adversary, Satan, but Jehovah remains the unfailing source of strength and comfort for those who seek Him.

LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE: Discovering and Living Your Ultimate Purpose

Buy Now

The book of Nahum, often overlooked in discussions on faith and perseverance, offers a profound statement in Nahum 1:7: “Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; he cares for those who trust in him.” This passage highlights Jehovah’s unwavering character—He is good, a refuge, and a caring God for those who put their confidence in Him. In times of trouble, Jehovah does not abandon His people but invites them to take refuge in Him. The idea of Jehovah being a "stronghold" signifies protection and security, much like a fortified city that shields its inhabitants from external dangers. This assurance should remind every believer that while life’s difficulties may be daunting, they do not have to be faced alone. The presence of Jehovah provides a place of peace amid the storm.

Faithful men and women in the Scriptures leaned on Jehovah’s strength rather than their own. David, a man after God’s own heart, repeatedly sought refuge in Jehovah. In Psalm 18:2, he proclaims, “Jehovah is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” These words reflect a deep understanding of Jehovah’s role as a protector and source of strength. David did not place his hope in personal ability or military power but in Jehovah’s steadfastness. This same assurance is available today for all who seek refuge in God rather than relying on their own strength.

HAPPINESS: The Guidebook for a Purposeful Life

Buy Now

The prophet Isaiah also emphasizes the sustaining power of Jehovah for those who trust in Him. Isaiah 40:31 states, “But those who hope in Jehovah will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This passage offers a beautiful depiction of divine empowerment. The imagery of soaring like eagles conveys effortless endurance that comes from Jehovah’s provision. It is not human strength that enables perseverance, but rather divine renewal that allows believers to endure. In times of distress, turning to Jehovah through prayer and His Word leads to spiritual rejuvenation that enables steadfastness through adversity.

Jesus himself displayed unwavering reliance on Jehovah, setting an example for all believers. In Matthew 26:39, as he faced the weight of impending suffering, he prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” This submission to Jehovah’s will exemplifies how one should approach difficulties—not with despair, but with trust in the Father’s wisdom and plan. Jesus did not waver in faith but demonstrated absolute reliance on Jehovah, knowing that obedience to God leads to ultimate victory.

MERE CHRISTIANITY REIMAGINED: Rediscovering the Faith for the 21st Century

Buy Now

While life’s hardships may sometimes seem overwhelming, Jehovah provides guidance, comfort, and assurance through His Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in Jehovah 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.” Human reasoning often fails, but Jehovah’s wisdom never does. This passage encourages full reliance on God’s direction, reminding believers that their understanding is limited, but Jehovah’s guidance is perfect. Rather than trying to navigate difficulties alone, believers are called to surrender their concerns to Jehovah and allow Him to direct their steps.

Jehovah’s care extends beyond mere words; He actively strengthens and upholds those who seek Him. Psalm 55:22 assures, “Cast your cares on Jehovah and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” This invitation is a call to place every burden before Jehovah, trusting that He will uphold His people. It does not promise the removal of all hardships but guarantees that Jehovah will sustain those who rely on Him. The idea of being “never shaken” conveys stability and resilience, which come from being firmly rooted in Jehovah’s truth.

Prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures are essential in maintaining faith and resilience during hardships. Jesus frequently sought communion with Jehovah through prayer, demonstrating its importance in a believer’s life. Luke 5:16 notes, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” This habit of seeking Jehovah’s presence strengthened him for the tasks before him. Likewise, believers today must develop a consistent habit of prayer, drawing near to Jehovah for guidance, encouragement, and peace.

WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD: Putting God's Purpose First in Your Life

Buy Now

The Bible also warns against relying on human wisdom and strength, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5: “This is what Jehovah says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from Jehovah.’” Depending on personal efforts or human solutions instead of trusting Jehovah leads to failure. True strength is found in God alone. By recognizing the limitations of human power and acknowledging Jehovah’s supreme wisdom, believers can navigate difficulties with confidence in His provision.

Jehovah’s faithfulness is unchanging, and His promises remain true. Deuteronomy 31:8 states, “Jehovah himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” This reassurance reminds believers that Jehovah does not abandon His people but remains ever-present to lead and sustain them. In facing hardships, remembering Jehovah’s faithfulness throughout history strengthens the resolve to trust in His continued care.

Ultimately, finding strength in Jehovah requires unwavering faith, commitment to prayer, and dedication to His Word. By seeking Him earnestly, believers can endure difficulties without fear, knowing that Jehovah is their refuge, fortress, and source of strength. The encouragement from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reinforces this truth: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Keeping an eternal perspective and trusting in Jehovah’s promises enables believers to stand firm, confident that He is with them in every challenge they face.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).