When Life Hits Hard

There are seasons in life that take us by surprise, not in the joyful, unexpected way, but in the painful, soul-shaking kind of way.

A phone call changes everything.

A diagnosis.

Loss of a job.

The end of a relationship you never thought would break.

A tragedy that leaves you wondering, Why now? Why me?

These moments often come without warning. And when they hit, they don’t just bruise the surface; they pierce deep, knocking the wind out of us emotionally, mentally, even spiritually.

You wake up hoping it was all a dream…

But it wasn’t.

And you’re left with this ache inside: a heaviness that won’t lift, a fog that won’t clear.

How Do We Respond When Life Knocks Us Down?

Everyone copes differently. Most of us don’t even understand why we respond the way we do.

Some run

Some of us run and hide. We isolate ourselves from people, and even from God. We retreat, hoping that if we stay quiet enough, maybe the pain will go away. But it never does. Running and hiding may feel like protection, but it actually prolongs the hurt. It leaves us more vulnerable, not less.

Some shut down

Some of us shut down emotionally. We go numb. We keep busy. We avoid anything that reminds us of the pain, because facing it feels too overwhelming. We bury ourselves in work, errands, entertainment,  anything to stay distracted.

We stop feeling because feeling hurts too much. But when we go numb, we don’t just numb the pain; we numb the joy, the connection, the life God still wants us to live. Emotional shutdown may seem like control, but it’s really surrendering to despair in disguise.

Ignoring the wound doesn’t heal it. It festers beneath the surface, slowly hardening our hearts and keeping us from the comfort that only an honest connection with God and others can bring.

Some lash out

Some others lash out in frustration. We get angry at others, at ourselves, even at God. The injustice feels unbearable, and lashing out feels like the only release valve. Anger, in itself, isn’t sinful. Even Jesus showed righteous anger. But unchecked anger can consume us. It becomes a fire that burns bridges, clouds judgment, and leaves us feeling even more alone.

Some turn to God

And then some, by God’s grace, turn to Him. Not because it’s easy. Not because they have all the answers. But because, deep down, they’ve discovered there’s nowhere safer, more honest, more healing than in the presence of God.

I’ve done a little of all the above. I’ve run. I’ve shut down. And I’ve also come to  God’s feet. Trust me, the latter is best.

Come not with eloquent prayers, but with the simple words:

“God, I'm tired. Please help me.”

Something shifts in that moment, not always in the situation, but in you.

When life gets painful, unpredictable, or just too much, God invites you to bring it all to Him.

That’s what Philippians 4:6-7 says. It doesn’t say, “Fix your feelings, then come to God.”

It says: “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Every situation. Not just the tidy ones. Not just the moments when you’re feeling strong. But every single moment.

And here’s the promise: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If life feels unfair right now, if your heart is heavy and your hope is fading, you’re not alone. You don’t have to pretend to be okay.

You can run to God just as you are.

You can collapse in His presence.

You can pour out your heart, your questions, your anger, your sadness.

And even if your situation doesn’t change right away…He can give you peace in the middle of the storm.

So if you feel like you’ve hit a wall, if you're carrying burdens, start here:

“Lord, I’m here. I’m hurting. Please help me.”

He will.

BONUS TIP:

There's something I often say: “We’re many for a reason.” It may sound a little clumsy, but the heart behind it is simple: you’re not meant to go through life alone.

God has placed people around you for a purpose: to support you, encourage you, and walk with you through both the joy and the sorrow.

Hebrews 10:24–25 points us to this truth:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another…”

We were created for connection with God and with each other. Don’t be afraid to lean on the community He’s placed in your life.

If you are feeling heavy, alone, or distressed, reach out to your heavenly family here on Earth. Talk to someone. Allow them to stir up love in you.