Standing Firm in Hard Times

By Jeff Arnette     Psalm 52–59, with a focus on Psalm 57:4, highlights a time in David’s life when he was surrounded by trouble. Sometimes we too face actual hardships, maybe at work, in the home, or even unexpected crises we never saw coming. David’s prayerful words remind us that it’s normal to feel frightened or stressed when circumstances seem overwhelming. But just like him, we can hold onto hope because God is bigger than whatever we face. Even in dangerous situations, David found the strength to praise God rather than dwell on his fear.     Ephesians 6:12 points us to the spiritual side of our battles. Many times, the problems in front of us go beyond the physical difficulties we see. We might be dealing with anxiety that keeps us awake at night or temptations that test our integrity. It’s not that we ignore physical threats, but we recognize that our inner struggles can be just as significant. David wrestled with his enemies in a real way, but he also turned to God for the spiritual support he needed. This invites us to do the same. We can’t handle life’s battles alone; we rely on God’s power and guidance.     Acts 16:23–25 shows an example from the New Testament where Paul and Silas praised God even in prison. Like David, their circumstances were bleak. They had every reason to feel hopeless, yet their response was to worship. Their story assures us that God’s faithfulness isn’t limited by location or difficulty. Whether we find ourselves stuck in a dead-end job, dealing with strained relationships, or facing health challenges, we still have the option to look up and trust in the One who never fails.     Taking these passages together, we learn that praise isn’t just for the good times. It’s a statement of faith that God is at work, even when our situation looks grim. In America today, stress can come from financial pressures, family conflict, or social tensions, and we often feel like we have too much on our plates. Yet, like David, we remember our experiences of God’s deliverance in the past. His record of faithfulness remains solid. When we cling to that truth, fear no longer controls us, and our hearts can find peace. In every trial, we have the assurance that God is with us. By lifting our voices in praise, we practice a faith that stands firm and shines light in the darkest places.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/