When Life Knocks You Down As A Christian
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.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Mental Health Insight
Throughout this life we will face unavoidable pain. Somethings will be a natural course of this life, others are undeserving situations that we endure due to the fall of this world. During these moments our brain will often try to fight the reality of the difficult situation saying things like “This shouldn’t be happening,” “It’s not fair,” or “I need to make this go away right now.” In the field of psychology, mental resistance is only a trap causing inner turmoil causing us to remain stagnent in the difficult moment, sometimes longer than needed. Although our brain is just trying to help it is often only causing additional suffering. When we take a moment to stop fighting the trouble we are facing, and accept it for what it truly is, our brain is able to take that energy and place it into solving the problem and moving forward through hardship!
Faith Connection
John 16:33 does a beautiful job of showing us how one can stop fighting our struggles and putting our eyes on the Lord. During these difficult moments, it is easy to get caught up in our mind believing that we will never move forward. This is simply not true. God does not leave us in our despair. Although we may be facing serious life hardships we can train our brain to not get stuck in our despair knowing Christ has overcome this world. So today if you are feeling stuck, let’s look to the Lord and see how He will overcome this situation. Even if we won’t know how in the middle of the storm.
Reflection Question
When you are faced with a hard situation, how can you stop fighting the reality of it and trust that Jesus has already overcome it?
Prayer
Dear God, I confess that when trouble comes, my first reaction is to panic and fight it. I spend so much energy wishing things were different and asking why this is happening to me. Thank You for being honest with me that this world will be hard. Please help me to stop wasting my energy fighting reality. Give me the courage to accept the hard things today, and the faith to take heart, knowing that You have already overcome the world. Amen.
Closing Thoughts
You have completed Day 121 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. I apologize today is so short. I have been struggling with my health today, but despite that I made a promise to you all and most importantly to God to post everyday in 2026. So although today is a simpler topic we will progress forward!
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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.
I’m trying to accept the reality of my father’s sudden passing but it doesn’t even feel real. Even when other close ones died they were sick or something happened. I have so many whys it hurts. It hurts me and my mom. My mom was raised Catholic but wasn’t practicing for her adult years. However she still believed in God, I know my dad did too. But she cried out and agony and screamed why? Whyyy? She didn’t even want to see a priest or pastor or anyone. I’m scared for her and myself. She sees no point In living. I want to help her and idk how. I keep reading things but I feel even if I share a scripture or word it’ll never take her pain away. I keep praying to God. Mostly just comfort her. I am still mourning but he was my mom soul mate. I keep going to Jesus for strength I will not be able to do this without him. I’ve already lost soo many family members. But how can I even save my mom or give her encouragement to keep going. She won’t even eat. How does a healthy , perfectly sweet husband and man just die? No pain, no injuries just dead . I don’t understand how people just keep going. But I’m trying. Going here and able to vent is better than the constant messages and calls and texts asking what happened and reliving the details over and over. For venting I’m sorry. But your devotional helps me. And I don’t know where else to turn to or do at this point.