Life can feel overwhelmingly heavy at times—when silence replaces clarity, and weariness blurs our sense of direction. In these moments, it’s easy to wonder where God is. But scripture doesn’t leave us without answers. In this reflection, we explore how separation from God, memories of better days, and the trials we face can all weigh on the soul—and how God’s Word gives us the strength to hold on.
The anchor text for this post is Psalm 42. Refer to last week’s post to read this chapter.
Memories
Recollecting the good old times with no hope of a better present can be worrisome. Memories can be very nostalgic…in both good and bad ways. We call it bad nostalgia when the present seems worse than the past. We find ourselves sinking into despair when we feel hopeless—about the present and the future. Sometimes, surviving on memories is all we can do, and even then, the memories may add to the despair—when you think your life is going downhill.
But this is what the word says: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18 NKJV). God says regardless of how the present is, don’t bother to recount the past days, better days are ahead. Matter of fact, they’re not just better, they’re incomparable to what you have suffered.
Worry
What worry does is that it strips you of your peace and sinks you into despair. I will not be pretentious by simply telling you not to worry. The world around us gives us enough reasons to worry but Jesus gives us many more reasons not to.
He tells us to humble ourselves under Him and cast those burdens on Him (1 Pet. 5:6-7). He reminds us of the lillies and birds of the air who aren’t as cherished as man and yet are cared for by God (Matt. 6:25-33).
Proverbs 12:25 offers a solution to when you feel heaviness in your heart—get a good word of encouragement. The worry in your heart can be removed or amplified by the word you’re taking into your mind and spirit…even unbelievers know this truth. (Php. 4:7-8)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things.
Philippians 4:7-8 BSB
Separation
If you have found sadness lingering a little too long, despair turning your insides out, or just worn out, try to increase your proximity to God. You do this by prayer and bible study. Like any relationship, distance thrives when there is a problem with communication. Regular communication helps bridge the gap.
Our souls are wired to depend on God, naturally. People who don’t want this option look for other things to fill up that void but it is never really filled up. This is why when believers feel disconnected from God, an unsettling feeling consumes them. The Psalmist was so unsettled by his disconnection that he replaced food with tears. The deep anguish in his soul reflected in the physical.
Separation from God often runs parallel with despair. In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy (Psa. 16:11). The Psalmist recounts the good times when he would sing happily in the presence of God but since his separation from Him, he has felt great despair and a thirst for God so strong, he likens it to the way the deer pants for water (Ps. 42:1-4).
In our times of despair, we must draw nearer to God. Mockers and scoffers will try to taunt us by asking where that God we claim to have is. We must be able to respond in faith that He is with us—for He has promised to never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
Trials
The most common cause of distress is trials. Everyone experiences forms of trials at one point or the other. There will be times when it literally feels like you’re walking through fire (Isa. 43:2) You cannot confess it away or pray it away. In fact, it is a phase every believer will likely experience. The Apostle James tells us to “count it all joy when we face trials of many kinds” (Jam. 1:2-4). These trials develop us, growing us into mature Christians who have learned to trust God completely (Rom. 5:3-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-7). When life gets tough, mockers may ask, “Where is your God?” and even you might wonder the same. But the answer remains: He is right there with you. He has promised never to leave nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
The idea that the Christian life is trouble-free is a myth. What is true is that God delivers His people from every trouble. That deliverance may not come in the way we expect, but it will come. But before it does, those trials are shaping us into people who follow Christ—not for what we can get—but for the eternal life we’ve been given. (Rom. 5:3-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-7)
It’s not easy but it’s also not impossible. We have an example to look at; Jesus—who for the glory that was set before Him, endured all that He suffered. We also have the glory of spiritual maturity set before us. If we keep our eyes on the prize, we will find the journey a bit more bearable. (Heb. 12:1-4)
Hope and Praise
Despair is like quicksand; if you don’t latch on to the strong arms of hope to pull you out, you will only continue to sink deeper and deeper till you’re swallowed whole.
Life is full of ups and downs. As the journey of life goes, you may begin to feel weary, but don’t be overcome by it. In Psalm 42:5, the Psalmist says Hope in God. He didn’t let his troubles consume him—instead, he brought them before God. Use your last strength, if you must, to bring that burden before God. He will carry that burden and refresh your soul. “I will yet praise Him”. There is something praising God through the storm does for our hearts. As we praise, I believe God shines His face down on us. His countenance is all the help we need through times of despair.
Hope in the Lord! The solution to despair is hope. Don’t look for it within or around, look for it above. Only the Lord gives such hope (Psalm 42:5). Even in the darkest night, hope in God is the light that leads us home.
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.”
Samuel Smiles, Self-Help (1859)
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