The Bible is full of God’s promises to His followers. We can stand on a firm foundation knowing who God is and what He has promised us. 

But what about when your heart is crushed and you struggle just to believe? You look around your situation and see no sign of God’s presence. His promises seem empty. What do we do in those moments? 

A couple month ago, my family and I were walking in a forest on a mountainside. It was full of beautiful Birch trees. We came across some dried out dead trees still standing but barely. My husband got the idea to shock our kiddos by showing them how he could push over a tree. He did and their faces of surprise were priceless as they saw their dad send a tall tree to the ground. Of course they wanted to try so, guided by my husband, they pushed over one of these dead trees. Seeing the teachable moment, I talked with them about why they were able to knock over a tree that normally stands strong and tall. They saw the importance of having strong roots in the ground that can withstand pressure from above ground. Then we transitioned to our faith and talked about how we can have strong roots of faith that keep us standing strong amidst the pressure and struggles that we encounter. 

I thought of this image last week as God gently showed me the shallowness of my faith. I received some difficult news recently and it has been hard. Let’s be honest, it is more fun to have a life free of pain and challenges but often the easy life doesn’t have deep roots. God, in His goodness and grace, uses those painful moments to produce deep faith. Whatever comes my way has already gone through the loving hands of my Father. He knows. He allows it. He can bring much good from it. I haven’t felt His presence much lately but that doesn’t change the truth. He is here with me. If I can let go of the anger and desire to control, I can then see Him working in the midst of this. I want roots of faith that grow down deep and hold me firm. Difficulties are an excellent opportunity to hold on tightly to His promises when my feelings are rebelling. I don’t have to know how to handle tomorrow; God goes before me. 

So today, if His promises are feeling like empty words to you, tell Him how you are feeling. He is big enough to handle your disappointment, hurt, and anger. Choose to read His promises daily even if they feel like just words to you right now. Keep talking to Him. And share your struggles with a trusted friend who can be praying for you and with you.