Finding Strength and Peace in Prayer: Deepening Your Connection with God During Difficult Times

There was a time when I kept bringing a specific request to God, but eventually I realized it just wasn't going to happen. Instead of understanding that God's plan was different, I grew bitter and felt like He wasn't listening to me. But God spoke to my spirit, assuring me that He hears every prayer and always answers. He specifically reminded me of my daily prayers for my children's protection and well-being, and that He has kept them safe and healthy every day of their lives. That moment humbled me deeply.

There may be moments when we feel overwhelmed and uncertain. That is a perfect time to go directly to God with all sincerity through prayer. In these challenging times, we should trust that only God's loving hand can guide us through, turning what the enemy intends for harm into opportunities for His blessing and goodness. Remember, God's power is greater than any adversity, and His love is always working to bring good out of even the hardest circumstances. The apostle Paul says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I love the NET version of Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know what I have planned for you,' says the LORD. 'I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.”

When I think back over my life there are many times when God has brought me out of the wilderness but there is one in particular that still touches my heart and still brings tears to my eyes. I call it my Demascus experience. Thirteen years ago, I lost a friend to an unexpected death by suicide. Her father, with raw honesty and deep emotion, delivered her eulogy, sharing her struggles with depression. Behind him on the screen was a poignant self-portrait she had drawn—her hands raised, birds soaring overhead, with the words “Tomorrow the birds will sing”. In that moment, his plea to remember that even in our darkest hours, tomorrow holds the promise of renewal, struck a chord deep within me. As someone who has battled depression for as long as I can remember, those words were a reminder that no matter how heavy the night, dawn always comes, and with it, the possibility of new hope. But almost immediately, a devastating wave of despair crashed over me, unlike anything I had ever known—numb yet painfully aware of every raw emotion. I could feel my two-year-old son’s tiny arms wrapping around my neck, but the love that once burned brightly within me felt distant, like a fading echo. Colors around me were dulled and muted, stripping life of its vibrancy, leaving me in a hollow, silent world where joy once flourished. That night I poured out my heart to God, pleading with Him to end my suffering—either to lift this crushing depression from me or to take my life, as I felt I couldn't go on any longer. Exhausted and broken, I drifted into a hopeless sleep. The next morning I hurried to prepare my three girls for school. After dropping off my youngest daughter, I was only a few minutes down the road when I suddenly realized—I was free. God had done it! He had taken my depression away! Overcome with overwhelming joy, I wept tears of gratitude all the way home. When I arrived, I lifted my son from his car seat and as we approached our front door he looked up and asked, “Do you hear that, Mama?” I asked, “What?” With a bright smile, he said, “The birds are singing.” In that moment, I knew my tomorrow was here, made beautiful by His miraculous love. God heard my prayer, and His mercy poured over me. All I could do was cry out in praise—praise God for His unfailing grace!

I am confident that prayer will truly uplift and strengthen you as you walk your path, serving as a shining example for your family and friends of what a life rooted in faith can be—trusting that the steps of a righteous person are guided and ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). According to Jude, the half brother of Jesus, prayer strengthens and uplifts you, serving as a vital spiritual exercise; the more consistently you engage in it, the greater your spiritual resilience and growth become. Please read Jude 1:20.

God understands your needs and is waiting for you to surrender your burdens at His feet. When you release your worries, take a moment to listen, as He will reveal His plan and purpose for your life. Trust in His guidance to direct your steps and lead you along a righteous path for His glory. Jesus, says in Matthew 6:31-32 “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” In Philippians 4:6-7 we read “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Through prayer, you are entering into the presence of God, opening the door for Him to transform your life. It is a sacred moment empowered by divine strength, guided by a victorious God who has never known defeat. Be encouraged by Psalm 34:17 which says, “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” and Isaiah 65:24 where God says, “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” And remember that God is faithful to His promises. Joshua 21:45 says, “Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” And in 1Kings 8:56 it says, “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.” And never lose sight that absolutely nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)