Faith in the Storm: How to Hold On to God During Life's Toughest Trials

Please enjoy this guest post on my website from Alexia Jones about how to have faith in the storms and life’s toughest trials.

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Life can be beautiful and full of joy, but it can also be incredibly hard. We all face storms — those overwhelming, uncertain, and painful seasons when it feels like the weight of the world is pressing in. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a health crisis, a financial struggle, or a broken relationship, the storms of life are inevitable. In those moments, it’s easy to feel lost, anxious, or abandoned. Yet, as Christians, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and love, even when life feels like it’s spinning out of control.

So, how can we hold on to God in the midst of life’s toughest trials? How can we keep our faith anchored when everything around us feels unstable? In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen your faith in God during life’s storms, and draw encouragement from Scripture that can bring peace to your heart when life gets difficult.

1. Remember God’s Sovereignty: He is in Control

Why it matters:
When the storm hits, it’s easy to feel like things are spiraling out of control. The unknowns, the uncertainties, and the pain can lead us to believe that we are alone and that life is unfair. But as believers, we are called to trust in the sovereignty of God. His rule and reign extend over all things — even in life’s toughest trials.

What to do:

Affirm His control: Remind yourself daily that God is in control of all things, even when life feels chaotic. Psalm 103:19 says, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” No storm is beyond His reach or understanding.
Trust in His timing: It’s hard to be patient when we’re going through difficulty, but remember that God’s timing is always perfect. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, “For 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 and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Even when we can’t see the end of the storm, God knows what lies ahead and is working out His purpose in our lives.
Find peace in His plans: Even in hardship, God is working everything together for your good (Romans 8:28). Trust that, no matter how confusing or painful the circumstances are, God is not distant. He is working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect plan for you.

Example:
When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned for something he didn’t do, it looked like his life was a series of unfortunate events. But years later, Joseph was able to say in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” In the midst of your storm, trust that God is working for your good, even when you don’t understand how.

2. Anchor Your Hope in God’s Promises in Life’s Toughest Trials

Why it matters:
In the midst of a trial, it’s easy to feel like hope is slipping away. When your circumstances are bleak, you may struggle to see a way forward. But as Christians, our hope isn’t anchored in our circumstances — it’s anchored in the promises of God.

What to do:

Cling to God’s promises: God has given us many promises in Scripture that we can hold on to during tough times. For example, He promises that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), that He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and that He will give us peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). Meditate on these promises daily and speak them over your life.
Remind yourself of His faithfulness: God has been faithful to His people throughout history, and He will be faithful to you. Reflect on past moments when God has come through for you, and trust that He will continue to do so. The same God who calmed the storm in the New Testament (Mark 4:35-41) is still the same today.
Wait in hope: The Psalms are full of cries to God in distress, but they always end with a reminder of hope. Psalm 42:11 says, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Even in the darkest moments, choose to place your hope in God and trust that He will bring you through.

Example:
David, when facing intense personal trials, constantly encouraged himself by declaring the promises of God. In Psalm 23:4, he declared, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” When you’re in the storm, speak these words over your life and trust that God is with you.

3. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: The Anchor of Your Soul

Why it matters:
It’s easy to get distracted by the waves of fear, anxiety, and doubt when you’re in the middle of a storm. But the Bible tells us that the best way to endure hardships is to keep our focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

What to do:

Fix your eyes on Jesus: In Matthew 14:28-31, when Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water, he started sinking when he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the wind. The same principle applies to us — when we focus on our problems rather than Jesus, we start to lose our peace and hope. In the middle of the storm, fix your gaze on Jesus, trusting that He has the power to calm the waves.
Pray continuously: In the midst of life’s toughest trials, prayer is one of the most powerful ways to keep our eyes on Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “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.”
Rest in His peace: Jesus promises in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Even in the midst of hardship, Jesus offers us peace that is not dependent on our circumstances. Hold on to this peace by keeping your focus on Him.

Example:
When the disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, they were terrified, but Jesus was asleep in the boat. When they woke Him up, He calmed the storm with a simple command: “Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). In the storms of life, remember that Jesus is not shaken by the things that shake us. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will give you peace in the midst of the storm.

4. Embrace God’s Strength in Your Weakness in Life’s Toughest Trials

Why it matters:
In the midst of trials, we often feel weak, vulnerable, and unable to cope. The pressure can be overwhelming, and we may feel like giving up. But God promises that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak, He is strong.

What to do:

Admit your need for God: It’s okay to admit that you don’t have it all together. In fact, it’s in our brokenness that God’s strength shines brightest. Lean into Him, surrender your fear and pain, and allow Him to carry you through.
Depend on the Holy Spirit: In times of trial, the Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and guide. He empowers us to persevere, even when we feel like we can’t go on. Pray for His strength and let Him fill you with the peace and power that only He can provide.
Rest in God’s grace: Paul found peace in knowing that God’s grace was sufficient for him. In 2 Corinthians 12:10, he said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Embrace God’s grace in your trials, knowing that He is sufficient for every need.

Example:
When you’re facing trials, consider the story of the Apostle Paul. Despite facing beatings, imprisonment, and hardship, he found joy in knowing that God’s strength was made perfect in his weakness. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul writes, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Like Paul, you can find strength in God even when life seems unbearable.

5. Seek Comfort in Community

Why it matters:
No one was ever meant to walk through life’s storms alone. The Bible speaks frequently about the importance of community — both in times of joy and hardship. The support of fellow believers can be a source of immense encouragement and strength when we feel weak.

What to do:

Lean on your church family: If you’re in the middle of a trial, don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or members of your church. Allow them to pray for you, encourage you, and walk alongside you in your storm.
Offer support to others: Sometimes, being part of a supportive community means giving as well as receiving. When you see someone else struggling, offer them the same love and encouragement you’ve received.

Example:
When Paul was in prison, his friends in the faith constantly prayed for him and encouraged him (Philippians 1:19). In the midst of your storm, don’t hesitate to seek out those who can pray with you, share God’s Word with you, and help you stay grounded in faith.

Conclusion: Holding On to God Through Life’s Storms

Life’s trials can feel overwhelming, but they do not have to define you. By trusting in God’s sovereignty, holding fast to His promises, keeping your eyes on Jesus, embracing His strength in your weakness, and seeking comfort in community, you can endure even the toughest seasons. Remember that, as Christians, we are not alone in our storms. God is with us every step of the way, offering His peace, strength, and hope. Keep holding on to Him — He will never let you go.

Image by Ingo Jakubke from Pixabay