The One Thing Christians Forget To Do During Hard Times

This post is about utilizing an emotional anchor when overcoming hard times.

Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current PhD Student learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you).

As a Christian we often forget the emotional anchor we have in Christ. Using God as our emotional anchor during the heaviest seasons of our lives will help pull us through whatever storm life tries to throw our way. Today, we will be learning what an emotional anchor looks like from a Christian psychology perspective and how to apply it to your own life!

Utilizing an Emotional Anchor to Overcome Hard Times

Psalm 119:50 “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”

During the heaviest seasons, a concept called Emotional Anchoring could be a beneficial tool to help keep the brain from drowning in “what if” scenarios. When we go through heavy seasons the brain loves to try and predict the future, often in an unhelpful light. Emotional Anchoring can be used as a life raft when you feel like life is causing you to down. One can practice Emotional Anchoring like this – The individual will think of one unwavering truth, that is a positive statement, helping ground the individual when emotions are high. Next, one will repeat the positive statement to help interrupt the brain from focusing on the panic. This always the brain to find a safe space, bringing the nervous system out of the fight or flight state!

Psychology From A Biblical Worldview

Psalm 119:50 is a BEAUTIFUL example of utilizing an Emotional Anchor. We can see the writer is in a current state of suffering. However, they decided to interrupt their brain’s spiraling and focus on the undeniable truth of Christ! God’s promise. We cannot avoid painful seasons. However, we can use God’s truths as a life raft to remind ourselves that the pain we are experiencing will not last forever. Instead, we can know that Christ is near to the broken hearted and He promises to guide us through whatever situation we might endure. So today, let’s hold onto the life raft of His truth and remember that no matter what storm life throws our way, that storm answers to Him.

Journal Reflection Question

When you feel like you are sinking in a hard season, what is one simple promise from God that you can hold onto today like a life preserver?

Prayer

Dear God, I confess that when I am going through a season of suffering, my mind easily spins into panic and fear. It often feels like the waves are too high and I am going to sink. Thank You for giving me Your promises to hold onto. Please help me to anchor my mind in Your truth today. When my feelings try to overwhelm me, remind me of Your steady, unchanging love that preserves my life. Amen.

Christian Book Recommendations

• “Holding On to Hope: A Pathway through Suffering to the Heart of God” by Nancy Guthrie – A beautiful, faith-based resource written by an author who understands deep grief, offering practical ways to anchor your heart to God’s promises during seasons of intense suffering.

• “Hope Rising: How the Science of HOPE Can Change Your Life” by Casey Gwinn and Chan Hellman – An excellent educational book that explores the actual science of hope, explaining how holding onto a future promise physically builds resilience and preserves mental well-being in the face of trauma.

Ready to level up your mental health—starting right now? You can unlock our entire library of recommended titles for FREE in the next 60 seconds. Claim your [Free 30-Day Kindle Unlimited Trial] to get instant access to these books and thousands of other wellness resources on any device. (Selection subject to change; check page for current availability.)

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Closing Thoughts

You have completed Day 119 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. I am so excited to see how far we have come! Can you believe it is almost May?! Where has the time gone. I hope you are enjoying these devotionals. It brings me so much joy seeing so many of you return each and every day. I pray these devotionals are serving you all well and most importantly, drawing you closer to Him!  

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Think Like Christ Mental Health

Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.