There is nothing more scary in life than walking through a period where you are tested. Life sometimes goes way out of your control and there seems to be no coherence to the random tragedies that strike. 

Yet, what do you and I do in these situations? It’s emotional, scary, fearful, anxious, and desperate. And in the midst of everything, we try to make sense of it all. We ask questions like, “Why did this happen?” “What did I do wrong?” “Why are you doing this to me, God?” “Have you abandoned me, God?” “Do you still love me, or are you punishing me?”

These questions are legitimate because they are asked from a state of pain and desperation, but they will not lead you to the security and peace you desire in the midst of a trial or hardship.

So what do you and I do? What or how are we to respond in the midst of pain, trial, or hardship?

1. Draw near to God – God is never far off from you. Run back to Him if you’re far off. He is willing to accept, love and forgive freely. His grace and forgiveness are boundless. Sometimes, though, we just need to get past our own pride and forgive ourselves. God said, “Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.” King David of the Old Testament called God his “strong tower” where he could run to for refuge in time of need. David was pursued by king Saul, and had many very near misses at that; yet, David found his refuge, safety, and security in God. He has not abandoned you and is your refuge of open arms and safety.
2. Understand the sanctification process and be joyful – The book of James tells us that we are to consider it joy when we face trials because we know it produces steadfastness. Romans chapter 5 says that suffering produces endurance, which produces character, which produces hope. Trials are also designed to keep us humble and dependant on God. The apostle Paul was given a “thorn in his flesh” to keep him from becoming conceited, though he prayed to God for it to be removed. However, God’s grace and power was poured out into his life and was sufficient in Paul’s weakness (2 Cor 12:7-10).
3. Seek out support from peers – You cannot go it alone. You will die (figuratively) if you try to weather the storm by yourself. Seek those who will encourage you and give you guidance and perspective. Have you ever heard the saying, “there is strength in numbers”? You’re not alone and your situation is not unique because all of us struggle with the same fears and worries. The bible tells us to “bear one another’s burdens.” However, depending on the nature of the trial, exercise selective wisdom in who you share the information with.
4. Focus on the things above – Your attitude and perseption of reality is determined by what you focus on. If you focus on the negative, your reality will feel negative. If you focus on the positive, your reality will feel positive. In Isaiah chapter 55, we discover that our perspective is limited and we do not know God’s thoughts. However, we can be sure that God’s word does not return void, but accomplishes all that He sent it to do. His ways and thoughts are far above our’s. In Phillipians chapter 4, the antidote to anxiety is  presenting our petition and prayer to God, with thanksgiving. When we follow this model, it says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”