The Presence of God in Times of Suffering

Jan 19

Suffering has a way of shaking us. It can feel like the ground beneath you has been pulled away, leaving you disoriented and alone. Maybe you’ve prayed and it feels like nothing has changed. Maybe you’ve cried out and still feel the weight of your pain.

But even when you don’t feel Him, God is near.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." God isn’t far away or indifferent to your struggles. He’s closer than you realize, especially when your heart is heavy. Even if you don’t feel His presence, He is with you, holding you through the storm.

God’s Presence Through His People

Sometimes, God shows up in ways we don’t expect—through the kindness of others. A text from a friend, a meal dropped off at your door, or even a simple, “I’m praying for you” can be powerful reminders that you’re not alone.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul speaks about this comfort:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

When others step into your pain with you, they become living reminders of God’s compassion. Their presence reflects His love in ways that words sometimes can’t.

If you’re struggling, let someone in. Share your heart with a trusted friend, family member, or even your church community. God often uses His people to bring the comfort you need most.

Remembering God’s Faithfulness

When we’re suffering, it’s easy to focus only on the pain in front of us. But looking back at God’s faithfulness can restore hope.

Think about the times God has come through for you. Maybe He answered a desperate prayer, provided for a need, or gave you peace that didn’t make sense. Those moments are reminders of His unchanging goodness.

Hebrews 13:8 promises, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." The same God who carried you through before will carry you through again. He hasn’t forgotten you.

C.S. Lewis once said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Pain has a way of stripping away distractions and bringing us face-to-face with God’s love and promises.

Encourage Someone Else

When you’re in a season of suffering, it’s easy to turn inward. Pain can feel isolating, making it hard to see beyond your own struggle. But one of the most powerful ways to experience God’s presence is by offering comfort to someone else.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul reminds us that the comfort we receive from God is meant to be shared:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble."

Think about someone in your life who might be walking through a similar season. It could be a friend, a coworker, or even someone in your church community. A simple text, a call, or even sitting with them in silence can remind them they’re not alone. Your willingness to show up could be the answer to someone else’s prayer.

When you share encouragement—even from your own place of struggle—you reflect God’s love in a powerful way. And often, in lifting someone else up, you’ll find your own hope renewed.

A Next Step

You don’t have to carry this alone. Let us pray with you. Share your prayer request on our website, and know that we will lift you up before God. He sees you, knows your pain, and loves you more than you can imagine.

LET US PRAY FOR YOU

Reflective Questions:

How does it help you to know that God is near, even when you don’t feel Him?
Who in your life has been a source of comfort during hard times? How might God be inviting you to do the same for someone else?
What’s one example of God’s faithfulness in your past that gives you hope today?