Dr. Floyd Godfrey

Life’s difficulties often come when we least expect them. Many of these hardships arise from the injustice of others’ actions, leaving us feeling broken or in despair. Whether it’s betrayal, deceit, or unkindness, the pain of these experiences can deeply wound our hearts. In times of such suffering, it’s easy to question why we must endure such hurt. Yet, as believers, we know that even in our darkest moments, God remains with us.

The Bible reassures us of His presence in these moments. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2). Trusting in God through pain is essential because He is the one who sustains us, even when the wounds of others’ actions threaten to pull us under.

The Pain of Injustice
When others hurt us, particularly in unjust ways, it can feel like an unbearable weight. Being wronged or mistreated can lead to feelings of anger, bitterness, or despair. It is important to acknowledge that these feelings are normal. Scripture does not shy away from expressing the deep hurt that comes from injustice. Take, for example, the words of David, who often cried out to God in frustration about the unjust acts of his enemies.

“How long, Lord, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1). David’s pain reminds us that it is okay to feel grief and confusion in the face of injustice. But his words also point us to an important truth—God is still listening, even when it feels like the pain has no end.

Trusting God Through the Trials
In these moments, trusting God can seem difficult, but it is crucial. Our faith provides the foundation we need when we feel the weight of injustice pressing down on us. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” We may never fully understand why certain wrongs happen or why we are forced to endure pain at the hands of others. However, trusting in God allows us to move beyond what we can see and feel in the moment.

Even in the depths of our pain, God’s hand is working. He sees every tear, hears every cry, and walks with us through every moment of hurt. As the psalmist says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). God’s desire is not to leave us in our pain, but to lead us through it to healing and transformation. Trusting Him allows us to take those first steps toward healing, even when we don’t know what lies ahead.

Finding Support in the Body of Christ
In times of deep hurt, it’s important to seek out support from those who can stand with you in your walk with God. We were never meant to endure life’s hardships alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Leaning on the body of Christ—trusted friends, family, pastors, and mentors—provides the strength and encouragement we need to keep going.

Isolation is one of the greatest dangers during times of pain. The enemy would have us believe that we are alone in our struggles, but the truth is we are never alone. God places people in our lives to help guide us through the valleys. Whether it’s through prayer, counsel, or simply being present, having a supportive community can remind us of God’s goodness, even when the pain feels overwhelming.

God Never Wastes a Trial
One of the most profound truths we can cling to during times of pain is that God never wastes a trial. Though the hurt and injustice we experience may feel senseless, God is always at work behind the scenes. Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This doesn’t mean that God causes our pain, but He will use it for our growth and for His glory. Every trial, every wound, and every hardship can become a stepping stone into a new chapter of life. God uses these moments to refine us, to shape our character, and to prepare us for what lies ahead.

Consider the story of Joseph, who endured betrayal, slavery, and false accusations. Despite the injustices he faced, Joseph never lost his trust in God. In the end, God elevated Joseph to a position of great authority in Egypt, and Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). In the same way, God can use the trials we face to promote us into new areas of life, turning our pain into purpose.

Conclusion
Though pain and injustice are inevitable parts of life, they do not have the final word. By trusting in God, seeking support from the body of Christ, and believing that God will use even our darkest moments for His greater purpose, we can find hope and healing. Remember that God is always with you, guiding you through the storm and leading you into a new chapter of life where His goodness is revealed.

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 counselor 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.