I know what it’s like to hit rock bottom and be desperate to hear from the Lord. Yet through my struggles, I’ve learned a powerful lesson that has changed the way I view my circumstances. As a believer, you don’t have to clean yourself up to come to God or be in an ideal place to follow Christ. Often He will strengthen your walk with Christ in the midst of chaos, stress, and as you’re facing impossible circumstances.

As you battle the storms of life, you need more than just head knowledge of what Christ has said or done. You need His hope to pierce through the darkness of your situation and to rely on His strength to carry you through.

Yet these trials often have a way of testing our faith and what we believe. Some are tempted to stray and question God’s goodness. 

That’s why you need to seek God’s face regularly, through a simple (but meaningful!) quiet time habit that keeps you anchored in truth. 

Anchor Your Day With Intentional Quiet

In a culture filled with hustle, silence is underrated. Yet being still before God and having a morning quiet time gives you the opportunity to stop the world long enough to think about where your focus needs to be.

Even a 10-minute Bible study can help align your thoughts with God’s Word and renew your mind with truth as the day begins.

This isn’t about perfection; this is about creating a calm start to your day to fill your mind with biblical truth before all the other “things” in your life demand your attention.

Keep Scripture Close And Active

While reading scripture is helpful, engaging scripture takes it to a whole new level. Journaling through Scripture helps you ask questions of the text you’re reading.

Taking simple Bible notes about the theme, the culture at the time, and summarizing the text are meaningful ways to engage with Scripture.

When scripture transitions from being just something you passively read and then forget until next week to becoming something you actively engage with, then you will find it much easier to remember His words and truth when faced with challenges and tough times.

Then, God’s Word becomes something you carry with you every day, not just something you read and then forget.

Stay Connected To A Faith Community

Being isolated from others tends to make it much easier to lose sight of where you’re headed. Surrounding yourself with those who are just as passionate about following Jesus as you are provides a sense of responsibility/accountability and support/encouragement.

Discussing issues with fellow believers, sharing in their trials and tribulations and having honest conversations with them allows you to stay grounded and balanced. Many times growth occurs at a faster pace because we aren’t doing this journey alone. And God never intended you to walk this Christian life alone!

Reflect Instead Of React

While this may feel impossible to do, reactions usually occur due to the challenges we face. Yet by taking a moment to reflect before reacting changes everything.

I call this ‘Pause and Pray’ and it’s super simple to do. When I feel overwhelmed (insert the emotion of your choice!), instead of reacting in the flesh, I’m learning to say a quick prayer or recite a Scripture verse to myself, first.

This helps me choose a response in line with what God commands rather than responding based upon emotions.

While this doesn’t eliminate the difficult situation, it gives you some clarity as to how you should navigate through it with God’s help.

Use Reminders That Carry Meaning

I love to have tangible reminders of God’s goodness that I carry with me and see throughout the day. Whether it’s attaching a sticky note with a Bible verse to my planner or having a Scripture verse coffee mug, physical objects can be a great reminder of your relationship with God.

These simple objects are a great way to keep you focused on God’s truth and stay anchored in God’s character throughout the day.

Even a simple keepsake from the Holy Land from Melior Mundus can serve as a quiet reminder of your faith and your identity in Christ.

It’s draws your focus back to the Lord  without needing words. Plus, it can anchor you to Truth so you’re not distracted by the world around you.

Don’t forget!

Matthew 28:20 reminds us that the Lord walks with you, whatever you face.

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

In times of suffering, He is working in ways beyond our comprehension. Daily faith habits can be a meaningful way to draw near to God and find peace in the middle of chaos.

A quiet time habit can help us stand on God’s promises when life feels messy and impossible. When life threatens to steal your joy, remember to run to the Father and use simple, established habits that help you meet with God, no matter what you face.