“The diamond cannot be polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trials.”
Anonymous
One of the best ways I learn, is by watching others walk through life. I am grateful for the godly group of women with whom I pray with. Observing their lives during adversity has taught me how to handle trials. And likewise, the psalmist David, instructs me in Psalm 13 on what to do when hard times come.
David does not live in denial of his tribulation, nor does he ignore his emotions. Instead, he pours out his heart to God. He is not afraid to ask God the tough questions, like, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1) David expresses to God how he feels. He prays and beseeches God for answers and seeks God’s direction. After David processed his heart, he comes full circle, back to the truths he knew all along. Psalm 13:5-6 says, “But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.” David concluded that even though his life was difficult, God is good and he can still trust Him.
When hard times come, I’ve tried to respond like David did in Psalm 13. I haven’t been afraid to ask God why, what His purpose is in the trial, nor to ask God questions, seeking His answers. I’ve told God how I felt and have expressed my emotions through tears. I haven’t denied my pain or confusion, but have poured out my heart to God in prayer. I had to process my heart in order to land upright with both my feet, and especially my heart, in the right place. I’ve come to realize that the why I’ve had to experience things or the reason behind the trial, still doesn’t change God’s goodness. God is good and remains good, no matter what happens.
As I’ve struggled with God during trials, I have come to the same bottom line that David did: God is good, therefore I will trust in His unfailing love. Even though I may wrestle with what’s going on, I know God will win. He will triumph over my enemy and over my heart.
I encourage you to learn from David’s example in Psalm thirteen, on what to do when hard times come.
“As sure as ever God puts His children in the furnace He will be in the furnace with them.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Relevant Reflections:
What do you do when hard times come?
How will you change the way you handle adversity based on Psalm 13?