Without going into too much detail I will just say that my life was turned upside down in many ways over the last few years. Through it all I had a choice to make: sink or swim. There wasn’t an opportunity to consider another option, I was tossed out of the boat and had to pretty much figure it out on my own. I could either sit in a puddle of despair and let my children learn that when life gets tough you fall apart. Or, I could lean in and do the hard thing and pick up the pieces and give them over to God and see how He mends it all in His time. I chose the second way because as a child of God that is exactly what we were made to do.

We were created to glorify God and trials are the sweet spot for that to happen. It is when life falls apart and dreams are shattered that the rubber meets the road and the promises of God become the promises of our very own lives. We get to live out the gospel and drink from the depths of scripture to satiate our thirst with the only thing that satisfies our souls: Jesus. It is in these jagged edged times when our hearts are torn and our spirits are crushed that God is right there. He is in the trenches. He is in the sadness. He is in the loss and the bitter taste of the unjust. He comes through and carries us the entire way.

Our faith is literally made for times such as this. This is when we get the opportunity to put our faith to the test. Do God’s promises still ring true even when bad things happen? Will we praise His name Even when we don’t get our way? Will we still proclaim that He is merciful even when things seem unfair? Do we only proclaim His goodness when our lives are nice and cozy and things feel fantastic? Is this when our faith is on fire? When He pours out blessings onto us and when things are just great. Are we fair weather followers?

What about when the rug is pulled out and there is no one left to hold you? What about when rumors are swirling about you and lies are being spread around by people you cherished and loved dearly? What about when no matter what you do it seems that you just can’t catch a break? Does He still reign? Is He still the God most high? Is He still good then?

God is good, all the time. He is. He was. And He will always be. Even when people gossip. Even when lies are spread. Even when backs are turned. Even when there isn’t anyone to hold you. I am here to tell you that GOD IS GOOD. He will NEVER forsake you or leave you and He cherishes YOU.

To the person in the trench right now you just keep your eyes on the One who loves you deeply. Keep your mind set steadfast on Him and don’t look at the walls around you. That trench may be deep, those walls may be high, and those people may be really mean, but God will NOT leave you there and you can trust that He knows exactly what He is doing. You keep praying. You keep singing. You keep going because God has not given up on you.

These verses have been some of my battle cries through the trials in life. Cling to them and pray them over your life. Claim the promises that God makes in His word to you as His child and don’t forget who you are in Christ. We are more than conquers, we are overcomers, we are made new because of Christ himself. Take hope. He is with you.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Lord God,

Please comfort and protect us. Keep our hearts safe from the attacks and keep our minds set on you. Help us to walk through the battles of life with our chins up knowing that your hand is over our lives. Keep us from living in fear. Guard our way from the arrows of the opposition. Show us how to weather the storms well so that we may bring glory to your name. We praise you from the bottom of the trenches knowing that you will one day lead us out of the pit and into the light again. In your precious name, Amen.