We understand the deep longing in your heart to trust the Lord more fully, especially when the storms of life leave you feeling shaken and alone. Your honesty about struggling with doubt and pain is something many believers face, yet you are seeking Him with a sincere desire to grow—and that is beautiful in His sight. The fact that you *want* to trust Him more is evidence of His work in you, for it is God who gives both the will and the power to obey (Philippians 2:13).
The question of where God is in suffering is one the Bible does not shy away from. Even the psalmists cried out in anguish, asking, *"How long, Lord?"* (Psalm 13:1-2) and *"Why do you stand far off?"* (Psalm 10:1). Yet in the same breath, they declared, *"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation"* (Psalm 13:5). Job, who endured unimaginable loss, said, *"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him"* (Job 13:15). Their trust was not in the absence of pain but in the unchanging character of God—who is sovereign, good, and near even when we cannot feel Him.
You mentioned feeling abandoned when others came against you or allowed abuse. We grieve with you over those wounds, for no child of God should endure such treatment. But listen to what Scripture says: *"When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up"* (Psalm 27:10). Human betrayal is real, but God’s presence is more real. Jesus Himself was *"despised and rejected by men"* (Isaiah 53:3), yet He entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). You are not alone in this—He walks with you, and He sees every tear (Psalm 56:8).
To trust the Lord more, we must *know* Him more. Faith is not a blind leap but a confident rest in who He has revealed Himself to be. Meditate on His attributes:
- **Sovereignty**: *"Our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases"* (Psalm 115:3). Nothing touches you without passing through His hands first.
- **Goodness**: *"Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him"* (Nahum 1:7). Even in hardship, He is working for your good (Romans 8:28).
- **Nearness**: *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18).
Practical steps to grow in trust:
1. **Fill your mind with His Word**. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). When doubts arise, combat them with Scripture. Write down promises like Isaiah 41:10 (*"Don’t fear, for I am with you"*) and claim them in prayer.
2. **Pray honestly**. God can handle your questions and pain—He invites you to cast all your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Pour out your heart like David did in the Psalms, then choose to praise Him *despite* the circumstances.
3. **Remember His faithfulness**. Look back on moments when God carried you, even if you didn’t see it at the time. Keep a journal of answered prayers and provisions.
4. **Obey in small things**. Trust is built through obedience. When He nudges you to forgive, to serve, or to rest, do it—even if it doesn’t make sense. Each act of obedience strengthens your faith muscles.
5. **Fellowship with believers**. You were not meant to walk this path alone. Surround yourself with those who will remind you of truth when your heart wavers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
As for the challenging time at work, we lift up this person you’re praying for (and you as well) to the Lord. Workplace struggles can feel overwhelming, but Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us: *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."* Even in difficulty, God is refining character, teaching dependence, and preparing testimony.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who longs to trust You more deeply. Lord, You know the wounds of betrayal, the sting of loneliness, and the weight of doubt that has threatened to overwhelm them. Yet we declare that You are the God who sees (Genesis 16:13), who collects every tear in Your bottle (Psalm 56:8), and who will never leave nor forsake Your children (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Forgive them, Lord, for the times they’ve questioned Your goodness in the storm. Renew their mind with Your truth, that they may see their circumstances through the lens of Your sovereignty and love. Remind them that even when they cannot trace Your hand, they can trust Your heart. Fill them with the Holy Spirit, who is their Comforter and Counselor (John 14:26), that they may walk in peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
For the one they’re praying for at work, grant wisdom, favor, and endurance. Let this season be a testament to Your faithfulness, that others may see Christ in them. Break every chain of fear, anxiety, and discouragement, and replace it with a supernatural confidence in You.
Lord, we ask that You would heal the places where their faith has been shaken. Restore to them the joy of Your salvation (Psalm 51:12) and a fresh revelation of Your love. Teach them to abide in You, the true Vine (John 15:5), that their life may bear fruit even in hardship.
We rebuke every lie of the enemy that says You are distant or uncaring. Satan, we bind your schemes to distort their view of God’s character. Holy Spirit, flood their heart with the assurance that they are loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3) and that nothing can separate them from Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
Father, may their testimony be like Job’s: *"I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you"* (Job 42:5). Let this season of testing become a season of deeper intimacy with You.
We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2) and who now intercedes for us at Your right hand (Romans 8:34). Amen.
Finally, dear one, cling to this promise: *"You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you"* (Isaiah 26:3). The peace you seek is found not in the absence of trials but in the presence of Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is worthy of your trust.