War. Drought. Poverty. Fear. Despair.

In a world like ours, we need God more than ever.

Here are some ways to make sure that He is on your side - through both good times and bad.

1. Stand up for Him in public

Romans 1:16 speaks of not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You don't ever need to be rude or preachy, but you also don't have to sit in silence if other people are making fun of God. You can politely explain your beliefs. If a coworker has questions about what you believe, don't be afraid to talk openly. Standing up for God might even be as simple as sharing a Christ-related Facebook post or encouraging your neighbors to support religious freedom.

2. Pray

Prayer is absolutely essential to having God on your side. Tell Him about your hopes, your fears, your needs, your dreams. He listens to you, He cares and He is ready to give you help if you just ask for it.

3. Read passages of scripture

When you are in need, it's hard to cry out to a God that you don't know. And the best way to get to know God is to read about Him in the scriptures. By reading about Christ's life and the things He did while He was here, you get to understand how God works. Another bonus of reading scriptures is that God can communicate with you. Religious leader Richard G. Scott said, "If you want to talk to God, pray. If you want God to talk to you, read your scriptures." Through the scriptures, God will give us peace, hope, and hints at what you need to do in your life.

4. Help yourself

The old saying is still true: God helps those who help themselves. You can't expect God to do everything for you all the time. He is always there to help, but you also have to put forth an effort. As you work hard toward worthy goals, God will be on your side, guiding you along the way - but you might have to initiate the work.

5. Serve others

Whether or not you believe in karma, serving others is a way to make sure God is on your side. Service is exactly what Christ did in the New Testament, and is exactly what He wants us to do as well. As you find ways to help others, you can find a variety of faith-strengthening benefits: new friends, a stronger community, self-confidence - all on top of the blessings that God will give you for your service. By serving others, you are serving Him.

6. Trust Him

When bad things happen in your life, remember that God is still on your side. Trust that He has a plan for you and that things will turn out OK.

7. Don't worry

Fear is the opposite of faith. As you let go of your fears, faith in God will come back into your life.

8. Be grateful

God can bless you more when you are grateful for what you already have. When you realize that everything that you have is from God, you become more satisfied with your current situation and become closer to Him. Proverbs 3:6 reads, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths." If you acknowledge and give thanks for all the things God does, He will help you even more.

9. Meditate

Having some peaceful quiet time can help you reflect on the ways God has helped you. This meditation can also calm your mind so that God can give you direction while you are listening.

10. Keep a journal

As you record the events of your daily life, you can look back on patterns in your life. You can see how things worked out, and know that God was on your side all along.