We all know how hard life can be. At these times, we barely can talk much less know how to pray. Our feelings are close to the surface, overflowing our life.
One particular time was when I lost my mother. She was more than a mother to me, my best friend. Her love for me was unconditional and she taught me more about God with her life than anyone.
The pain was overwhelming, the void, never-ending. It’s still there today after 6 years. The difference is what Jesus Christ did for me, prayer with my Savior gave me the strength and comfort my heart was in desperate need of.
I want to show you in this post how to get through difficult situations by depending on God in prayer and finding His peace.
Here are points we will be talking about:
- Be Honest in Your Prayers
- Bring Your Requests to God
- Pray Through Scripture
- Trust God’s Love and Faithfulness
- Conclusion: Finding Peace in God’s Presence
Be Honest in Your Prayers
Psalm 13:1-2 NIV “‘How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?'” (Read the full chapter here. Bible Gateway)
In his distress, David lets the Lord know exactly how he feels. He has been undergoing trials and wonders how long he will have to suffer. David is still respectful in his questions to God.
Psalm 13:5-6 NIV “‘But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise,for he has been good to me.'” Psalm 13
David is well aware of God’s love and goodness to Him. How? In previous trials, he has learned that God is faithful and will help him in any situation. Always remember to thank Him for His help at other times.
Just a few verses down, we see David through His prayer, finds comfort and peace from God. His heart raises praise to God’s Holy Name.
You too can have this peace and comfort as you go through trials. Go to Him, empty your heart of its pain and sorrow. God doesn’t promise to always take the situation away but He’ll strengthen you to get through it with His joy.
Bring Your Requests to God
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “‘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.'”
This is a well quoted verse but it never loses it’s power. It’s a way to approach God in our heartaches.
This passage was a great help to me in the loss of my mother. I could go to Him and express my feelings about the emptiness of my mother’s presence. How could I deal with such an overwhelming loss in my life? The Lord covered my heart with His healing hand and I could go on. Mother’s presence was still gone, but God’s presence was with me.
Even in our pain, we can have a thankful heart. You are not denying pain, but trusting He will be there for you.
A simple prayer at this time:
“Lord, help me through this pain, I don’t understand but I know you are with me.”
Pray Through Scripture (Psalms of David)
Sometimes, we just don’t have the right words. Using scripture as prayer can be very helpful. Psalms can be a powerful tool in expressing our feelings. Psalm 23 and 34 are examples.
Psalm 23:4 NIV “‘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.'”
Psalm 34:18-19 NIV “‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;'”
We have God’s promise that He is close to the brokenhearted. He wants to show us a better path when we are suffering.
I encourage you to take a Psalm that is specific to your situation and turn it into a prayer. God loves hearing His Word.
Trust God’s Love and Faithfulness
God’s attributes are all wonderful. His love and faithfulness are close to my heart. Knowing He loves me and is always there comforts beyond any other comfort.
Sometimes you feel out of it and like love has taken leave from your soul. All you want is relief and that someone truly cares, which is what prayer is all about. God wants to share it with you.
In my experience with grief, trusting God’s love and faithfulness, gave me the peace I needed. I could lean on Him.
Lamentations 3:22 ESV “‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;”
This verse tells us about God’s love. It’s always there, waiting for us. He is merciful. A God who gave His Only Son to die for our sin, has a never-ending supply of mercy.
Conclusion: Finding Peace in God’s Presence
The only solution is God’s peace when our world has been turned upside down.
These points of prayer can help you. Just taking a small step toward prayer can change your mindset and create God’s light in your life.
Remember, prayer does not have to be long or full of beautiful words.
“Dear Lord, I am not able to function now, not even think normally. Your peace is the only way for me to overcome this situation. Help me to trust you in every way to help me. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
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