Dr. Floyd Godfrey

Life inevitably brings seasons of affliction, hardship, and uncertainty. Whether facing personal loss, relational conflict, financial struggles, health concerns, or spiritual discouragement, believers are often challenged to remain grounded in their faith. During these difficult seasons, our emotional reactions can tempt us to lose perspective, question God's presence, or drift from obedience. Scripture consistently reminds us that staying anchored in God's truth is essential when facing adversity.

One of the clearest biblical examples of this struggle is found in the history of the Israelites. Their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land reveals how trauma and prolonged suffering can affect a person's ability to trust God fully. The Israelites endured generations of oppression, forced labor, and abusive treatment under Egyptian rule. Such experiences left deep emotional and spiritual wounds that influenced their responses long after their physical freedom was secured.

Although God demonstrated His power through miraculous signs, parted the Red Sea, and provided daily sustenance in the wilderness, the Israelites repeatedly struggled with fear, doubt, and disobedience. Their reactions often reflected the impact of their traumatic past. Having lived under constant oppression, many found it difficult to trust a future they could not yet see. Rather than remaining grounded in God's promises, they frequently focused on immediate hardships and uncertainties.

This human tendency remains common today. Difficult experiences can shape our perceptions and make it challenging to trust God during new trials. Past disappointments, betrayals, or losses may create fear and skepticism. Like the Israelites, we may become preoccupied with present struggles and lose sight of God's faithfulness.

Psalm 91:14 offers a powerful reminder of God's commitment to those who remain connected to Him: "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name" (KJV). This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God. Deliverance is not based solely on circumstances changing immediately, but on remaining anchored in God's character and promises.

Similarly, Psalm 56:9 declares, "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me" (KJV). During times of distress, believers can find confidence in the certainty that God is actively working on their behalf. The psalmist's assurance did not come from the absence of enemies but from the presence of God.

T. D. Jakes (2019) highlights this reality when he writes, "Regardless of the adversities that visit us in our lives, God is still moving on our behalf" (p. 242). This truth can be difficult to embrace when circumstances seem overwhelming. The Israelites often failed to recognize God's ongoing work because their attention was consumed by immediate challenges. Yet God's plan continued unfolding even when they could not fully perceive it.

Jakes (2019) further observes, "I grant you that it might be difficult to trace Him in our times of trouble, but that is when it is absolutely necessary that we trust Him" (p. 242). Trust becomes especially important during seasons when God's activity seems hidden. Faith is often strengthened not when answers are immediate, but when believers choose obedience despite uncertainty.

Another important aspect of staying grounded is learning to embrace times of solitude with God. Modern life often encourages constant activity and distraction, making it difficult to hear God's voice clearly. Yet some of the most significant spiritual growth occurs during quiet moments of reflection and prayer. Jakes (2019) explains, "God does most of his moving in our lives when we are alone with Him and without distraction" (p. 242). These moments allow believers to process pain, renew their perspective, and reconnect with God's promises.

The experience of the Israelites teaches us that trauma and hardship can influence our ability to trust, but they do not have to determine our future. God's faithfulness remains constant regardless of our circumstances. By staying rooted in Scripture, maintaining a consistent prayer life, and remembering God's past faithfulness, believers can remain grounded even when life becomes difficult.

Affliction often reveals where our trust truly rests. When challenges arise, believers have the opportunity to follow the example of the psalmist rather than the pattern of fear demonstrated by the Israelites. We can choose to believe that God is for us, that He is actively working on our behalf, and that His promises remain secure. Through faith, obedience, and dependence upon Him, we can stand firm during life's storms and experience the peace that comes from remaining grounded in God's presence.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References

Jakes, T. D. (2019). Crushing: God turns pressure into power. Hachette Book Group, Inc.

King James Bible. (2023). King James Version. (Original work published 1769) Psalm 91:14; Psalm 56:9.