2020.

I bet I don’t have to say too much to remind you what kind of year that was. Many of the events that transpired during that time are still very fresh in our minds.

Maybe you lost a loved one. Perhaps you were very sick. Or possibly your greatest struggle was juggling your new work-from-home position alongside your new school-from-home kids.

We all faced tough times, in various ways.

I was pregnant in 2020. What I thought would be a wonderful, exciting time of sharing my pregnancy with my loved ones— especially after experiencing a miscarriage and then struggling to get pregnant for a year following it— turned out to be a year of loneliness and isolation.

We could barely leave the house. We couldn’t go to church. We couldn’t see our families. I remember sitting around and wondering if anyone even remembered that I was pregnant. Between morning sickness, the flu, perinatal depression, and other minor pregnancy difficulties, I became withdrawn and down in the dumps.

Eventually, I didn’t care about seeing anyone, anyway, even if Covid restrictions hadn’t been in full gear. I had little motivation to do things that mattered.

Sister, it was a tough time.

Although my situation was not as terrible as what many faced during that season, it was my situation, and I had to walk through it. And, while walking through it, I had a decision to make.

Would I dwell on all the difficult, uncomfortable things swirling around me, or would I draw my strength, comfort, and peace from the Lord?

It’s the same decision we all have to make today, and one that David had to make countless times, several thousand years ago.

David’s Tough Time

If you’re familiar with the life of David before becoming king, then you know that he faced numerous trials and tough times at the hands of his predecessor, King Saul. What began as an amicable relationship quickly turned to rage and jealousy towards David as Saul became threatened by his power and favor among the people. Therefore, David spent a lot of time running from Saul, who wanted nothing more than to take his life.

1 Samuel 23 tells of a particular time when the Philistines went up against the people in the city of Keilah. Simultaneously, David was fleeing for his life from King Saul. David heard the news of the Philistine’s threat, and he inquired of the Lord about whether or not he should fight the Philistines. The Lord told him to go, as He would hand the Philistines over to David (verse 4). Of course, with the Lord’s help, David delivers the people of Keilah.

Following these events, David knew Saul was aware of his location and would pursue him, likely destroying the city David just saved in order to do so. Once again, David inquired of the Lord, asking Him for confirmation on whether or not Saul would come and if the people of Keilah would turn him in. The Lord answered ‘Yes’ to both of these questions.

The people David had just rescued were ready to betray and hand him over to Saul.

What’s Your Default During Tough Times?

Has this ever happened to you, sister? Have you been hurt, betrayed, lied to, or stepped on– despite the good works you’ve done for others? It stings, no doubt. But, it’s the reality we often face in a fallen world.

What’s your default during times like these? Do you retaliate? Fight back? Whine a little bit? Ask God, ‘why’?

These reactions may give you relief for a moment, but sister, let me tell you– there is a better way.

Let’s take a moment and look at David’s default during this particularly tough time in his life.

7 Lessons from David in Psalm 54

There are so many encouraging Psalms in the Bible. Psalm 54 is one of them– not only for its encouragement but also because it gives us an outline of how to respond when we’re personally going through tough times. The notes at the beginning of the Psalm tell us that David wrote this Psalm about the challenge he faced when the people of Keilah gave up his location to King Saul.

“Save me, God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your power.
Hear my prayer, God;
Listen to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen against me
And violent men have sought my life;
They have not set God before them. Selah
Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
He will pay back the evil to my enemies;
Destroy them in Your faithfulness.
Willingly I will sacrifice to You;
I will praise Your name, Lord, for it is good.
For He has saved me from all trouble,
And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.”

— Psalm 54 NASB

David’s default was to inquire of the Lord– about what to do both physically and emotionally. He acknowledged his situation, yet didn’t wallow in it.

Let’s break Psalm 54 down into 7 observations:

1.) First, David calls out to God.

Save me, God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your power. (verse 1)

David is aware of where his help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). He immediately turns to the only One who can save him.

2.) David prays to God.

Hear my prayer, God; listen to the words of my mouth. (verse 2)

At the time, David was camping with hundreds of his men. He could have turned left or right and received any bit of counsel he sought– yet, He knew his best option was to speak to the One who is all-knowing.

3.) He acknowledges his circumstance and sees it for what it is.

For strangers have risen against me and violent men have sought my life; they have not set God before them. (verse 3)

David is aware of what he’s facing. He knows that Saul is trying to kill him. Upon learning from the Lord that the Ziphites would turn him over to Saul— and although he likely feels betrayed— he still is able to see the situation clearly. He knows the main reason they are willing to do this is because they have not set God before them.

4.) David recognizes God for who He is.

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. (verse 4)

Again, David knows there is no one besides God Himself who is able to help, save, and sustain him. His hope is in God alone.

5.) David is aware of God’s power and what He can do.

He will pay back the evil to my enemies; destroy them in Your faithfulness. (verse 5)

The Lord is always faithful. David knew that the Lord would come to his defense and that He has the power to handle his enemies in a just way. David didn’t have to devise a plan to retaliate or seek vengeance on his own. He trusted the Lord to handle it as He saw fit.

6.) He decides not to dwell on the situation at hand.

Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, Lord, for it is good. (verse 6)

David makes a choice. Instead of setting up camp in a land of self-pity, he decides to praise the Lord for who He is. He honors and praises him through sacrifice for the fact that He is good. His mind is set on the Lord, not on the disappointment surrounding him.

7.) David knows and believes what the Lord has already done, even if he hasn’t fully seen the outcome yet.

For He has saved me from all trouble, and my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies. (verse 7)

He believes God has saved him from his enemies because he knows that’s what the Lord does as his helper and deliverer. David trusts God at His Word.

“I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth. ”

— Psalm 121:1-2

How to Get Through Tough Times

11 Things to Stop Doing Now

It’s inevitable– we will face tough times in our lives. Trusting God in difficult times is not easy. However, whether it’s tough for a day, a week, or several years, we can draw our strength from the Lord and look to the various examples He’s given us in His Word as we march forth through our trials.

It’s about leaning on Him in the decisions we make. Will we honor Him in what we do, or get in His way and trip ourselves up?

Here are 11 detrimental things we should stop doing so we can begin trusting God in difficult times.

If you’ve made any of these mistakes before— take heart! I have too, which I why I know how detrimental they can be to flourishing in our faith and walk with the Lord. So, let’s dive in so we can grow together!

#1: Don’t seek outside counsel before praying.

God is your number one source for all the information you need. Although there is wisdom in a multitude of godly counselors, others’ advice shouldn’t trump God’s– which can easily happen when He is second on your contact list. Gain revelation from Him first.

#2: Don’t dwell on your circumstances.

In the hard times, it’s much easier to dwell on the situation at hand– how difficult it is, the many questions we may have, or the anxieties about the unknown outcome. Your mind holds a lot of creativity and imagination and can lead you down roads so far from reality. Focus on the Lord, not your circumstances.

#3: Don’t forget who God is and what He is capable of.

In the midst of maneuvering through a very real situation, you can forget that God is more real and more true than whatever you face. He holds the power to strengthen you, lead you, and deliver you from your enemies.

#4: Don’t forsake time in the Word.

Anxiety has a way of consuming your mind, making it hard to concentrate on anything other than your troubles. However, this is the time when you need to be vigilant about what’s going into your mind. The Word of God is living, powerful, and active (Hebrews 4:12); it has the ability to break the strongholds of death and defeat, especially when they overtake your thoughts. Let His Word dwell within you deeply.

#5: Don’t make moves without inquiring of the Lord.

David knew the best decisions to make because he wasn’t the wisdom behind them– He drew his wisdom from the Lord. Allow the Lord to direct you and guide your steps, no matter how small. The road may be difficult, but in His will, you’ll be safe.

RELATED: Trusting God in Hard Times

#6: don’t spend too much time with those who do'n’t provide support for you.

Many in your life are well-meaning, but not all will give you sound and solid advice. Some will flat-out lack the support you need at this time. Purpose to spend time with those who uplift and encourage you, and exhort you prayerfully in the Lord.

#7: Don’t withdraw or skimp out on fellowship with other believers.

The enemy will tell you that it’s time to withdraw and focus only on yourself. Don’t buy into this lie. The Word tells us to not forsake assembling with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). During tough times, you need godly support, friendship, hospitality, and encouragement the most.

8 Bible Verses to Help You During Tough Times

Instead of listening to the negative rhetoric that can flood our minds during difficult times, let’s fill our minds with the power of God’s Word.

Use the form below to receive your FREE Download featuring 8 Bible verses about trusting God in difficult times. Print it, hang it on your mirror, or carry it with you for a reminder of God’s goodness throughout the day.

#8: Don’t forget to grieve.

It’s ok to grieve. Whatever needs to be grieved, sister, do that. You don’t have to bottle it up or hold it in. You are not weak because of it. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He hears your every cry.

#9: Don’t wait for your circumstances to change to bring you joy.

Our circumstances are not our source of joy. Joy comes from the Lord– from being in His presence (Psalm 16:11). When you’re walking through a tough time, don’t fall into the lie that you have to wait for things to get better before you can experience true joy. Draw close to the Lord, and allow Him to fill you with His peace and joy.

#10: Don’t carry the burden on your own shoulders.

Tough times are heavy. Feelings, thoughts, and emotions can weigh you down if you let them. But, the Lord tells us to give Him our cares, anxieties, and worry (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22). Sister, remove the weight from your shoulders– you are not strong enough to go it alone. Allow Him to carry you through and remove the burdens you’re used to internalizing.

#11: Don’t try to avoid your circumstances.

Like David, acknowledge what you’re going through. Pretending as if everything is fine or sweeping all doubts, fears, and emotions under the rug are not healthy ways to cope with tough times. Ask the Lord for His perspective in the matter, see things for what they really are, and seek to walk through it according to His leading.

“You will make known to me the way of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

— Psalm 16:11

The Lord Triumphs Over Tough Times

Tough times can’t be avoided. In fact, they’re a guarantee we face in this life (John 16:33). The key, sister, is relying on the Lord. Walk hand-in-hand with Him every step of the way. He is ready, willing, and waiting for you to seek Him more deeply, see Him more clearly, and love Him more wholeheartedly through your trial.

Remember– He is the One who saves you from all troubles. Praise His name.