Life is filled with ups and downs, trials and temptations, and good times and bad times.  That is the common lot of us all.  Paul said, “For while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened…” (2 Corinthians 5:4).  We all experience tough times in life.

The question is how do we handle the difficult times in life? There is an old saying that, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”  This sounds good, and it is in some ways true.  The fact is, however, some things happen in life that can break even the toughest among us.  As Christians, we have a better solution to the problems of life than just being tough.

When the going gets tough, Christians pray to God.  Christians should not rely solely on their own strength to overcome the difficulties of life.  When we are in trouble, we should use whatever ability we have to get out of it, but we do not have to do it alone.  We can call on our God in times of need.

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
¹⁶  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

As Christians, we know that God comes through for us when we pray.  He hears our petitions and answers them according to His will, which is always in our best interest.  How many times has God helped you when you have been in trouble?  How many times has He rescued you by His providential care?  If you are like me, the answer is more times than I can remember.  This is why we do not have to be overwhelmed with anxiety.  We have a heavenly Father who knows what we need and is willing to help.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
⁶  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Paul wrote of this as well.

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
⁶  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

The implication from Paul’s words is that if we will have the faith to let our requests be made known to God when things get tough, He will respond in our favor; thus, there is no need for anxiety.

When the going gets tough, Christians help one another.  We are taught by the scriptures to help brethren in need.  Paul said, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).  This is what Christians do.  On the receiving side, we are not too proud to allow brethren to help us.  We know that we are a part of the greatest family on earth, that is, the family of God, and that one of the benefits of being a part of such is having loving brothers and sisters in Christ who care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

We do not have to rely on our own toughness to overcome the problems that arise in life because we can say, “when the going gets tough, we turn to God and our brethren for help.  

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.