How to Live in Victory When Life Is Hard

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of hope—but the Bible shows us how to live in victory when life is hard. Christians are not promised a life free of pain, but we are promised God’s constant presence and power. This article unpacks six biblical truths to help you stand firm, keep the faith, and walk in victory no matter the trial.

 

Life. Is. Hard.

There’s no other way around it … no other way to sum it up. Those simple three words hold so much truth. So much pain, but within them, there is hope.

One of the misconceptions many new Christians or nonbelievers have is that Christians have it easy. They’re living on easy street. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Just because we are Christians does not mean we’re immune to hardships and trials. There is nowhere in the Bible that states that believers won’t face struggles or that God will never give you more than you can handle. However, there are multiple verses that speak to God not leaving us during hard times.

When the Going Gets Tough, God Won’t Desert Us

• Genesis 28:15 – “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have to spoken to you” (NKJV).
• Deuteronomy 31:8 – “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
• Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
• Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
• Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
• Hebrews 13:5 – “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The Missing Promise

In all of the above verses, God promises that He will always be there for us. Notice, however, what is missing: a promise or declaration that we will never go through trials and tribulations.

Life is hard. He knows it. You and I know it. Everyone knows it. But how can we expect to live in victory when we feel the whole world is lining up against us? The answer is simple: with God in our lives, by our side every step of the way. And that is what God promises.

To live in victory when life is hard doesn’t mean that we have to avoid or ignore the pain or pretend that everything is fine. It means standing firm in faith … even when we’re at our lowest, when we’ve hit rock bottom. It means looking to God and fully relying on Him. Because it is only with God that we’re able to succeed and come out of those hard moments.

Six Biblical Ways to Overcome Hard Times

Here are six practical ways to live in victory amid life’s hardships that are rooted in biblical truth.

1. Anchor Yourself in God’s Word 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV).

While the Bible doesn’t answer every question imaginable (nor does it pretend to), the Scripture is based on foundational truth and provides guidance for understanding life and the world. When everything feels unstable, the Word becomes your solid ground. Meditate on verses that remind you of God’s promises, character, and love. His truth overrides your feelings and circumstances.

2. Pray Honestly and Boldly  

“Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV).

Prayer is one of the best ways to communicate with God, and He’s always listening. It isn’t just about asking for things, it’s where burdens are exchanged for peace. It’s also a time to thank God for everything He’s done in our lives, whether it’s walking with you during a difficult time or simply allowing you to lay your burdens and worries at His feet. But be real with God. Pour out your heart and let Him strengthen you.

3. Choose Joy, Even in Sorrow 

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV).

It is too easy to continue down a dark path when we’re already headed in that direction. Seeing the worst in every situation and believing there is no way out of these hard times. It feels like we’re in a landslide picking up speed. However, to persevere we must choose joy. And joy comes from being in God’s presence, not our situation. Remember to sing, give thanks, and laugh because victory only begins when you stop letting hardship steal your joy.

4. Fight with Faith, Not Feeling

“We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV).

It is hard to trust what you cannot see when so much of what we know and base our decisions on is visible and tangible. That’s what faith is … it’s neither visible nor tangible, but it’s important to our walk with Christ and being a Christian. Feelings often lie or mislead us, but faith reminds us of who God is and what He’s promised. Even when you don’t see a way forward, keep believing that He’s working behind the scenes.

5. Lean on the Body of Christ

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NKJV).

We weren’t meant to go through life alone. When we face difficult situations, having someone there alongside you to provide guidance, support, or a simple uplifting word, can do wonders for those who are hurting. Whether you or someone you love are facing health issues, familial problems, or struggling with sin, we should lean on each other. Victory isn’t a solo mission. Let trusted believers pray for you, encourage you, and remind you that you’re not alone.

6. Refuse to Quit

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV).

When bombarded with an endless barrage of adversity, it’s easy to grow weary. You may lose motivation, enthusiasm, and the strength to get through those hard times. But you must remember to persist in doing good and to have faith that you will eventually come out of it and that God’s reward for your trials is worth it. Victory belongs to those who endure, not by their own strength, but by God’s grace.

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You’re not alone. Let us walk with you into a deeper relationship with God.