Life’s Confusion
1 – Real Talk About Life’s Confusion
I remember reading about a young mother who lost her job and, shortly after, faced a medically fragile child with no answers. Likewise, many people—believers and non-believers—stare at unanswered prayers and sudden tragedy and wonder: How to Trust God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense? Across forums and blogs, stories emerge: a man whose marriage collapsed, a student whose scholarship was revoked, a cancer survivor praying for healing. One testimony said, “In my darkest night, I screamed at heaven, then felt a gentle ‘I’m here’.”
Yet countless believers admit they wrestle. As scholar Elisabeth Elliot once wrote in Suffering Is Never for Nothing, trusting in God’s love during hardship is both normal and holy. So we must ask, How do we trust a God we can’t always understand? How do I know if God cares about me, I am a sinner? The answer lies in His character revealed in Scripture—He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8).
We may not like the silence. We may question His presence. Yet faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s resting in who He is—Alpha and Omega—and believing His promises even when confusion swirls.
2 – How to Trust God When Everything Is Falling Apart
To trust God when all seems lost, we must first acknowledge His unchanging nature. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The storms rage, but He holds the anchor of our souls.
Secondly, we hold onto His promises. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things for good for those who love Him. This doesn’t mean every hardship is good, but that He can weave it into His redemptive tapestry.
Lastly, we keep our eyes upward, not inward. Faith isn’t feeling better—it’s trusting better. We take one step, trusting His strength even when ours is gone.
3 – Acknowledge the Pain
Jesus wept (John 11:35). That one verse validates our grief. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed—and even angry. Just as David confessed, “Why, O LORD, do You cast me off?” (Psalm 42:9), we too may question.
Job lamented in dust and ashes. Elijah ran to the wilderness sobbing,“I have had enough, LORD!” (1 Kings 19:4). They were broken. They were raw. But this honesty didn’t mean they lacked faith.
If we feel abandoned or confused, let us follow their example—pour out our hearts, write our laments, cry our tears. Pain isn’t proof of weak faith—it often proves it’s real.
After grief, God responded. He refreshed Elijah under the broom tree. He restored David’s joy in the tabernacle. He gave Job twice as much as he lost. Our pain can become the soil for new life.
Therefore, let us grieve with hope. Let us lament with faith that God hears—and that He is working in ways we cannot yet see.
4 – Faith Over Feelings
Faith isn’t what you feel—it’s what you choose. Feelings shift. Faith holds. Proverbs 3:5–6 urges us to trust in the LORD, not our own understanding, and He will direct our paths. Meanwhile, 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us we walk by faith, not by sight.
We choose to trust, even when emotions scream otherwise. Like a believer on a rocking boat clinging to Christ, we plant our feet on His promises, not our perceptions.
Certainly, this isn’t easy. Doubt knocks. Anxiety whispers. Yet faith says, “I believe even if I don’t see.” It shifts, “God, I don’t get it—but I trust You.”
That trust doesn’t deny pain. Rather, it declares: “I hurt, but I know my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). It whispers in the dark, “God, You are good—even if my heart aches.”
When we choose faith over feelings, we build spiritual muscle. We’re not pretending—but choosing trust, day after difficult day.
5 – Look to Biblical Examples
Joseph’s journey began in a pit. He was betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused. Yet Genesis 50:20 says, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Joseph trusted a bigger story.
Job lost everything—his wealth, children, health. Yet in suffering, he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). God restored Job—more than before—and displayed His unmatched sovereignty.
David poured out his soul through many Psalms. He called God his refuge. Even in exile, David trusted God’s presence.
Elijah despaired, yet an angel fed and strengthened him. God led him to Horeb—not to condemn, but to clarify his purpose.
Moses led a stubborn nation through the desert. Yet God repeatedly provided manna, water, and mercy.
Hannah prayed for a child with tears. God gave her Samuel, a prophet who shaped Israel.
Each story shows: confusion is not the end. God weaves suffering toward redemption. When life felt like chaos, God had a plan.
6 – God’s Perspective Is Greater
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts…” Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us God views the full tapestry. We glimpse the underside—tangled threads. But He sees the finished masterpiece.
Imagine looking at the back of a woven tapestry—haphazard knots, loose threads, no image yet. From the front, however, shines a magnificent design. God is working behind the scenes, weaving beauty from the chaos.
Therefore, our limited sight doesn’t equal His judgment. What feels messy may be integral to His masterpiece. What feels broken may be a vital thread.
7 – Practical Ways to Trust God During Uncertainty
Stay in the Word. Scripture anchors us. Read Psalms of trust, stories of deliverance. Let God’s promises speak louder than your fears.
Pray honestly. Bring doubts and frustrations to God (Psalm 62:8). He can handle our pain.
Surround yourself. Christian community matters. Share struggles and hold one another in prayer.
Keep a gratitude journal. List answered prayers and past miracles. Remembering builds trust for today’s storms.
Act in obedience. Even small steps—serving neighbors, reading a verse, offering forgiveness—cultivate trust in a faithful God.
8 – The Power of Remembering
Recall past storms where God surprised you. Perhaps healing came, finances were provided, or joy returned. Whatever He did before, He can do again.
Memory reminds us: the God who saw us through then is the same Redeemer now.
When doubt knocks, whisper: “I’ve seen You rescue before. I’ve tasted Your faithfulness.” That reminder often breaks fear’s grip.
9 – Trusting God Doesn’t Mean Having All the Answers
Trust is surrender—not a full explanation. We may never understand why. Romans 8:28 assures us He works all things together.
We don’t need closure now; one day we will see. In the meantime, we trust the One who holds eternity.
Even Job said, “I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me…” Then he said, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:3–5
Surrender may feel scary. But releasing our need for answers frees us to rest—knowing God is rewriting our story for His glory.
10 – Final Encouragement
God is still working—even in the silence. He hasn’t abandoned you. Even when life doesn’t make sense, His love remains steadfast.
May you feel His presence in every storm. May peace rise in your heart, anchored to His unchanging Word.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…” (Romans 15:13).
Devotional Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in my confusion and pain, help me trust You. Teach me to lean not on my understanding but on Your unchanging Word. Remind me of Your faithfulness. Give me courage to surrender my questions, my grief, and my doubts. Fill me with Your peace today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Christian Books & Verses
- Suffering Is Never for Nothing – Elisabeth Elliot
- Trusting God – Jerry Bridges
- The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer
Bible Verses:
- Proverbs 3:5–6, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 55:8–9, Psalm 42, Psalm 103:8, Job 13:15
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