There may be times of trouble when you feel as if God is hiding his face from you. It is in that darkness that you have the opportunity to feel his love ignite your soul. In those moments, he will sustain you and grant you mercy. As you reach out to him, he will cradle you in the palms of his hands. Your broken heart will heal, and the deep breath of hope will fill your lungs. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

Don't let your trials own you

When trials come your way, lean into the pain and work through it. Avoiding pain does not heal it. Similar to an open wound, unaddressed pain festers, and healing may elude you. Instead of side-stepping your problems, turn your face into the wind and resist the urge to shelter in place. As religious leader Brent H. Nielson advised, "Don't let your trials own you. You own them."

Drop your burdens

As you drop your burdens at his feet, God will strengthen you. You may not be able to escape your problems, but he will help you experience them in a new light. His love will encircle you when your challenges cause you to stumble and fall. You will learn what you are meant to learn.

Let God speak his love to you

God will grant you quiet and simple answers to your prayers through bits of revealed thoughts and feelings. He will speak his love to you through the whispers of the still, small voice inside you. One day, when you least expect it, the words of a familiar song will resonate with you in ways they never have before. A helpful new book title will catch your eye. A friend will encircle you in her arms just at the moment you need it most, and perhaps deserve it least. It is these tender mercies that allow you to know that God is with you.

Ask to be healed

God will be there for you, regardless of your circumstances. He knows and understands your every thought and care. He will nourish you, succor you and guide you through the night to the light at the end of the tunnel. You don't have to travel your path alone. Allow him to walk with you. Allow him to open your eyes, and change your heart. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

God works through others to help you. Let him use you to help others. Be an instrument in his hands. In that way, God brings all of us along together. Let God speak his love to you. Let his love and kindness sustain you. "My kindness will not depart from thee." Isaiah 54:10

God waits for you, not too far from where you are.