We can encounter unforeseen events that surprise us and leave us overwhelmed. Examples of such events include divorce, sudden illness, problems with our children, or losing a job. During these times, it can feel like our world is falling apart, and we may be unsure how to proceed.
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At some point in life, everyone experiences difficult times. Learning how to cope with such situations is crucial to avoid falling into despair. During these moments, it seems like the enemy is trying to make the pain even more unbearable by twisting the knife in our hearts.
Negative thoughts, such as fault and condemnation, may arise during challenging times. These thoughts may suggest that the situation is entirely your fault. Phrases like “This is all your fault,” “You should have seen this coming,” or “Things would have been different if you had…” are all examples of negative thoughts that may come from within. These thoughts aim to make you feel regretful, ashamed, and condemned. If we’re not careful, we may start to believe these thoughts and think that God is punishing us for our sins.
Seek The Peace of God When Life Is Falling Apart
When tough times come, God wants to give us peace. It is hard to understand that we could have peace when it feels like life is falling apart, but that is what the Bible says.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
Philippians 4:7 ESV
To help us remember what to do when it feels like life is falling apart, we need to think of the acronym PEACE.
Pray When It Feels Like Life Is Falling Apart
Our first step is to pray no matter what unexpected difficulty we face. The Bible tells us to pray continually. The enemy will try and discourage us from praying. One way that the enemy likes to stop us from praying is by condemning us and causing us to think that God is punishing us.
People will avoid prayer during difficult times if they believe God is punishing them. The Bible teaches that God does not cause our suffering. He is not punishing us. The enemy tries to make us feel like we deserve the situations we are facing. The enemy wants to condemn and shame us. He knows that if he is successful, we will be like Adam and Eve, hiding from God and not reaching out to Him.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
James 1:13 ESV
When we face a problematic situation, we should pray for understanding, peace, wisdom, and direction. God will help us. Even if we can not understand the situation, He will give us peace to know that we are not dealing with the circumstances alone. Anytime we ask God to provide us with wisdom and direct our paths, He will respond.
Evaluate What the Bible Says
Secondly, when it feels like life is falling apart, we need to evaluate what the Bible says to find a story or scripture that relates. For example, when we face unexpected illness, we can find scriptures that discuss healing. When our children are not making wise decisions, we can take comfort in the story of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32 NIV)
Scripture reminds us that God is all-powerful and can handle every situation. God does not cause our suffering, but He is always with us to help us through. He will comfort us and stay close to those who are hurting.
Accept and Allow God To Help
God has promised to change us to make us more like Jesus. He promises to grow us. We may not always understand the process, but we must trust God with all of the details, no matter what. Even when we do not know what is happening, we have to rest on the scriptures that tell us that God has a plan.
Choose To Have Faith
As Christians, we often speak of having faith. Defining faith can be difficult. We often define faith as hope, but faith is more robust. Faith is confidence. Faith knows that things will fall into place even when life falls apart. Faith is confident that God will gather the pieces even if life falls apart.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Encourage Yourself And Others
Praise God through the storm. While going through difficult times, you must find encouragement in God. He will bring you comfort, strength, and peace. Do not try to figure it all out whenever life falls apart, but pray and hold onto God’s promises.
Encourage yourself with worship music that reminds you of the better day that is coming. Pray continually and focus your mind on God’s promises. Find scriptures that you can use in your prayer time and those that are uplifting.
Whatever the situation, the hurt and pain will diminish, and God will help you. Trust and praise Him in advance and speak words of victory. When the difficulty passes, you must encourage someone else. We should always be willing to pray for others and share our testimony.
A Prayer For When Life Is Falling Apart
When life is falling apart, sometimes it is falling into place. We must trust God even when we are hurting. Pray and ask God to help. Below is a prayer for when life is falling apart. Pray it aloud or quietly from your heart, believing that God hears you and will answer.
Additional Inspirational Resources
I love how easy this acronym is to remember for dealing with hard times! ❤
Thanks, for your comment Stacey, I am glad you found the acronym helpful. May God bless you.