How to Trust God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Blog Name: Walks With the Lord
How to Trust God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Have you ever been in a season of life where nothing adds up?
The doors you prayed for didn’t open.
The job you thought was a blessing fell apart.
The relationship you poured your heart into ended.
You were faithful, but still came up short.
You prayed, you waited, and you believed—but instead of clarity, all you got was silence.
If you're in that place today, let me encourage you: you're not alone. Many of the heroes of faith we read about in Scripture experienced moments where life didn’t make sense—and yet, they trusted God. This kind of trust doesn't come easily, but it's in these dark valleys that our faith is refined and our walk with the Lord grows deeper. I was listening to K-Love on the radio and a listener requested prayers because she was struggling and was in need of prayer. This is what inspired this blog post as I understand the difficulties of life and the obstacles that get thrown our way. This weighed so much on my mind and in addition to praying for the individual who needed prayer, I decided to dive into the Word of God to help find clarity for myself so that I can share.
In this post, we’ll explore how to trust God when life feels confusing, painful, or unfair. Through Scripture, testimony, and honest reflection, I pray that you find encouragement, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
1. Remember That God Is Sovereign—even When You’re Confused
One of the most difficult parts of faith is trusting God when His plan looks nothing like ours. But trusting in God's sovereignty is the first step toward peace.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
— Isaiah 55:8–9 (NIV)
God sees the full picture—we only see a piece. Like a master weaver, He is threading each moment, even the painful ones, into a greater tapestry that we cannot yet comprehend.
When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into prison, nothing made sense. But years later, when he stood as second-in-command in Egypt, he looked back and said:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
— Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Even when you don’t understand the “why,” you can trust the “Who.” God is still working behind the scenes for your good and His glory.
2. Cling to God's Promises, Not Your Emotions
Feelings are real, but they aren’t always reliable. Emotions can change daily—sometimes hourly. But God’s promises remain constant.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
— Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)
When life doesn’t make sense, anchor your heart in Scripture. Write His promises down. Speak them aloud. Pray them back to Him. Here are a few truths to hold onto:
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God is for you. (Romans 8:31)
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He will never leave you. (Hebrews 13:5)
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He is working all things together for your good. (Romans 8:28)
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Nothing can separate you from His love. (Romans 8:38–39)
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He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
When confusion tries to cloud your vision, let Scripture be the light that leads you forward.
3. Talk to God Honestly—Even If You're Hurting
Sometimes we feel like we can’t be fully honest with God—that we have to sugarcoat our prayers or pretend we’re not hurting. But Scripture shows us otherwise.
David cried out in confusion and pain throughout the Psalms. Job questioned and lamented his suffering. Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed:
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
— Matthew 26:39 (NIV)
God isn’t offended by your questions. He wants your heart more than He wants a perfectly polished prayer. Pour out your frustrations. Grieve your losses. Ask your questions. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He listens with compassion.
4. Look Back to Move Forward
One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your faith in the midst of confusion is to look back on God’s past faithfulness. When life doesn’t make sense now, remember the times He came through before.
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
— Psalm 77:11 (NIV)
Keep a journal of answered prayers, unexpected blessings, and divine protection. Revisit these “faith stones” as reminders that the God who brought you through before will do it again.
Like the Israelites who built memorial stones after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4), let your history with God serve as a testimony in your present trial.
5. Don’t Isolate—Stay Connected to the Body of Christ
When we go through confusing or painful seasons, it’s easy to pull away from people and retreat into ourselves. But isolation is a breeding ground for doubt and despair.
God designed us for community. The early Church gathered often for prayer, encouragement, and support (Acts 2:42–47). When life doesn’t make sense, we need others to pray with us, speak truth to us, and remind us that we’re not alone.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Reach out to a friend, pastor, or small group. Be vulnerable. Let others walk with you. We were never meant to bear our burdens alone.
6. Surrender the Outcome
Trusting God doesn't mean you’ll always get the answer you hoped for. It means you trust Him with the outcome, no matter what it is.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
The hardest part of trust is surrender. But true faith is letting go of the need to control, understand, or predict. It’s saying, “God, even if I don’t get the answer I want, I’ll still trust You. Even if it hurts, I’ll still worship. Even when life doesn’t make sense, I’ll believe You’re good.”
That kind of trust moves heaven. That kind of faith grows deep roots. That kind of surrender changes everything.
Final Encouragement
Friend, if you're walking through a season that feels uncertain or overwhelming, take heart. God sees. God knows. God cares.
Though you may not understand the “why,” you can hold tightly to the “Who.”
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken.”
— Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
This season may not make sense now, but it’s not wasted. God is shaping something beautiful in you, even if you can’t see it yet. He’s not done writing your story.
Let’s Reflect Together:
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Have you ever gone through a season where you didn’t understand what God was doing?
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How did you learn to trust Him more deeply through that time?
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What Scriptures helped you when life didn’t make sense?
I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, experiences, or your favorite verse that has carried you through a difficult season in the comments below. Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to read today.
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come to You today in humility, recognizing that there are many things we don’t understand. Life doesn’t always make sense, but we choose to trust You anyway. You are our rock, our refuge, and our hope.
For those who are hurting, confused, or afraid right now—wrap them in Your peace. Remind them that they are not forgotten. Speak to their hearts and assure them that You are working all things together for their good.
Help us to lean not on our own understanding but to fully surrender to Your will. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. When we feel lost, be our guide. When we feel weak, be our strength.
We trust You, Lord—even when it’s hard. We know You are faithful, and we believe You are with us in every valley and on every mountaintop. Thank You for being a God we can rely on—even when life doesn’t make sense.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Until next time, keep walking with the Lord. He’s walking with you.
– Walks With the Lord ✝️
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