Surviving Hard Times: Finding Freedom and Hope in Every Season
Jesus said we would face trials and suffering. In this practical post, Rob lists biblical truths to help us when we face these challenges and suggests action steps for daily freedom.
Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Storms come, challenges hit, and sometimes it feels like we’re walking through an endless season of difficulty. In these moments, it’s easy to feel trapped by circumstances, weighed down by worry, or drained by doubt.
But hard times don’t have to define us. Freedom isn’t found in escaping difficulty – it’s found in how we respond to it. The Bible calls us to cultivate hope that doesn’t disappoint, to speak life over ourselves, to embrace joy even in the middle of trials, and to lean fully on God’s Spirit rather than our own strength.
Surviving hard times is about more than endurance – it’s about living intentionally, guarding your heart, and allowing God to shape your perspective, your words, and your actions. It’s learning to see the possibilities beyond the current struggle and trusting that God is at work, even when the outcome isn’t clear.
Here we’ll explore practical principles and biblical truths that help us navigate challenges with hope, resilience, and freedom, so that even in hard times, we can thrive rather than just survive.
1. Cultivate Hope That Doesn’t Disappoint
• Romans 5:5 reminds us that God’s love pours hope into our hearts.
• Hope isn’t passive; it’s intentional. Keep a “calendar of hope” – mark things to look forward to, even small joys in the future. Let hope give you a reason to rise each day.
2. Live in the Freedom of Imagination
• 1 Corinthians 2:9 says: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – these are the things God has prepared for those who love Him.”
• Don’t let your current circumstances confine your mind. Visualise God’s blessings, dream freely, and let your imagination expand to the possibilities He’s preparing.
3. Focus Your Mind on Good Things
• Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – think about such things.”
• Train your mind to notice positives, even tiny ones. Every small, good detail can shift your perspective and bring freedom.
4. Speak Life Over Yourself
• Proverbs 18:4: “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”
• Guard your inner dialogue. Speak words that nurture freedom and inner peace: “I am clean. I am innocent. I am good.”
5. Make Space for Joy and Laughter
• Job 8:21: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Laughter is medicine for the soul.
• Find humour, don’t take life too seriously, and embrace joy even in trials.
6. Learn the Power of Saying “No”
• Titus 2:12: “…to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
• Saying “no” isn’t restriction; it’s power. It positions you as an author of your life, choosing God’s ways over worldly pressures.
7. Remember God’s Faithfulness
• Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
• Recall moments when God came through for you. Feed on those memories – they strengthen faith and give life during hard times.
8. Embrace Childlike Wonder
• Matthew 18:3: “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
• Stay curious. Appreciate beauty. Keep learning and growing with wonder – it rejuvenates the spirit and body alike.
9. Guard Your Heart with Peace
• Philippians 4:7: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
• Speak peace over your own heart. Let peace become a conscious practice that shields your mind from fear and anxiety.
10. Let Love, Gratitude, and Worship Rule Your Life
• Colossians 3:14-16: “And over all these virtues put on love… let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
• Love binds everything together. Gratitude fuels hope. Worship shifts your focus from hardship to God’s goodness.
Action Steps for Daily Freedom:
1. Write down one hope or joy each day.
2. Speak a positive declaration over yourself each morning.
3. Identify one thing to laugh about or celebrate daily.
4. Practice saying “no” to ungodly thoughts, habits, or pressures.
5. Pause to remember God’s faithfulness and meditate on His promises.
You might like to listen to Mark’s talk on Finding Peace and Purpose
