Many of us have faced a crisis at one time or another where we couldn’t make a rational decision because we were so fearful or anxious. Life can be unpredictable. Situations can happen at any time and under any circumstance. Our frame of reference determines how we ultimately handle the issue and whether we fall apart or remain calm. Trying to handle everything by ourselves can make us feel overwhelmed, but leaning on a higher power to give us strength makes a big difference.

God is that higher power, and He takes responsibility for a positive resolution to the situation for those who trust Him to see them through tough times. His message to us is that regardless of what it looks like, feels like, or seems like, everything will be fine. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). When we have faith that Christ will help us get through a difficult time, He honors our faith and answers our prayers for help.

God loves us and doesn’t want to see us struggle. In every situation, He knows the end from the beginning, and His perspective is much higher than ours. When we don’t know what to do, acknowledging that He knows more than us allows Him to lead us safely through trouble. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5, 6).

We can either fight frustration, worry, and anxiety, trying to find our own solutions, or relax and let God show us how to handle life’s issues. Relaxing isn’t sitting back and doing nothing, but giving the situation to Him in faith and letting Him go to work on our behalf. We were not created to operate out of stress, but out of peace, and trusting in the Lord gives us peace of mind in the midst of the storm. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

We can rely on God to help us, having full confidence that He’ll never let us down. He always keeps the promises He makes to us, even when the trouble we’re in is the result of our own mistakes and bad choices. In the most difficult circumstances when we don’t have the strength to continue and can’t go another step, He carries us. “Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you” (Is. 46:4). He’s always faithful.

God wants only the best for us, and depending on Him to guide us ultimately brings things to a good ending. Nothing is ever hopeless when we allow Him access to every situation. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11). We don’t have to “grin and bear it” with God on our side. His hand causes everything to work out beautifully.