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Trusting God when we’re scared and desperate can be one of the hardest things to do. Maybe you are currently in a desperate time. Perhaps you just discovered that your spouse is having an affair or your child is addicted to drugs and spiraling out of control. Or, you or a loved one just received a terrible diagnosis. Whatever the situation, desperate times will reveal just how deep our faith and trust is in God.
King David related to this struggle. He was a hated and hunted man, literally running for his life when he wrote this song. His words can bring us comfort.
Psalm 56:1-4 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
David’s plea was one of desperation. But, in his despair, he focused on God.
Times of Desperation Call for Unyielding Faith in God’s Promises
Notice that David said, “when I’m afraid” not “after I’ve wigged out”, then I will trust God. The key is to trust God when we’re in the midst of the struggle. Instead of reacting in fear, we should start by trusting God. Like David, we need to remember that God promises to protect us and to be there for us.
God Keeps Track of Every Sorrow
Think about that. God doesn’t ignore our plights. He doesn’t turn away from us in our most desperate times. The Bible says that he knows every sorrow and he knows the reason for every tear we shed. That attention to detail proves God’s loving heart for us.
Psalm 56:8-9 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!
God doesn’t relate to us as a distant acquaintance. He relates to us as a loving parent. He loves us and is on our side!
In Desperate Times, Take Action
The next time you’re faced with a desperate situation, do these things before anything else.
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- Pray. This is the best way for us to put our trust in God. Instead of relying on our own thoughts and actions, we choose to surrender them to God and ask him to lead.
- Read the Bible. Read the book of Psalms and you will see how you’re not alone in your desperate struggle. But, also read to be reminded of God’s promises to you and how he has rescued all of his people throughout history.
- Seek godly counsel. Share your struggles with a trusted friend so that they can be praying for you as well. Also, their words may be a tool God uses to give you direction.
You can trust God in your desperate times. He is worthy of your trust. Bring your fears to him and allow him to take care of the details.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share about a desperate time in your life. Did you see God move in that situation? Explain.
- Read Psalm 56:1-4. Why is God worthy of our trust? How can you trust God more in your desperate situation?
- Read Psalm 56:8-9. How does this passage encourage you? How does it change your view of God?
- Why is prayer an important step in trusting God?
- Why is it important to apply God’s word to your situation? What happens if you don’t seek God’s truth, but instead, rely on your own?
- How can other believers help you in your desperate time? How can you help someone else in their desperate time?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
