Hopeful Reminders in the Midst of My Struggles

Title: Hopeful Reminders in the Midst of My Struggles
Artwork by: YMI X @ainahdesignco
Description: It’s easy to wonder where God is in the midst of challenging circumstances. But He has not abandoned us. God did not promise that everything would be easy in life, but He reminds us that when we are faced with difficulty, we can seek His face. He shows up, even in hard times. 

How have you seen God show up recently? Be encouraged to remember His sovereignty over your life and recall His faithfulness. Know that there is always hope attached to your struggle.

High school was a point in time where I struggled with fitting in. At the time, I thought it would be fulfilling if I could consider myself popular or cool. I felt pressured to join in on certain activities and to act in certain ways in order to blend in with the crowd. However, God helped me to realize that He made me with unique talents and abilities that I can use for His glory, and that I don’t have to gain approval from those around me because I am His child.

When I started university last year, I was very nervous to branch out and make new friends. I was afraid that I would not be able to find friends that shared my faith or values. I prayed that God would help me to find at least one good friend, and then a girl in one of my classes started to reach out to me. She and I had much in common, and the best part was that she was also a Christian, and we inspired one another to grow closer to the Lord. She’s now one of my best friends!

About a year ago, I was let go from a job for something I did not do. Although I was upset and angry at first, God helped me focus on the work experience the job gave me, and the good memories I made with my coworkers. This experience taught me that although we cannot control our circumstances, we can control the way we look at them and we can humble our hearts towards what we think the Lord may be teaching us.

Recently, I’ve been struggling with anxiety as I head to sleep. I’m always anxious about the things I have to complete for work and school the next day, or that something will happen to me while I’m sleeping. A couple of days ago, my mom shared a verse with me. It was Psalm 53:6, which states, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”  Whenever I have trouble settling down for the night, I try to pray and rehearse verses that remind me that God is still by my side when I feel anxious.

Since I launched my art-based business at 16, I’ve been constantly working on releasing new products and growing my customer base. Sometimes jealousy makes it hard to see similar businesses either reach a goal before I do or skyrocket in sales. God is reminding me that as a Christian creative, my primary focus should always be to bring Him glory and honor through what I create. It’s only in fulfilling this purpose that I can find contentment. I always try to keep in mind that my satisfaction is found in God—not my following, customer base, or sales I make.