What do you do in times of trial? When difficulties arise, when pain knocks at your door, and when circumstances seem overwhelming, where do you turn? Many people, especially those who do not know God, often drown in their own problems. Some seek refuge only in human solutions, professional help, or the counsel of friends. While these can be useful and even necessary at times, they are not sufficient to address the deepest needs of the soul. Sadly, even many who profess faith in God forget, in moments of trial, that they have an Almighty God to whom they can turn. This article exists precisely to remind us of that essential truth.
Trials have a way of revealing where our trust truly lies. When everything is calm, it is easy to speak of faith, confidence, and dependence on God. But when suffering comes, when fear grips the heart, and when answers seem distant, our natural tendency is often to rely on our own strength or understanding. Scripture repeatedly calls us to do the opposite: to run toward God, not away from Him. In moments of weakness, God invites us to bring our pain before Him honestly and humbly.
King David is one of the clearest biblical examples of this kind of dependence. His life was marked by victories, but also by deep suffering, persecution, fear, and internal anguish. What distinguishes David is not the absence of pain, but his consistent decision to seek God in the midst of it. In Psalm 6, we find David in one of his most vulnerable moments, pouring out his heart before the Lord.
David does not hide his pain, nor does he attempt to appear strong before God. Instead, he approaches the Lord with humility, fear, and trust, acknowledging both his weakness and God’s mercy.
1 O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?
4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
Psalm 6:1-4
These verses reveal a man deeply troubled. David feels physically weak, emotionally distressed, and spiritually overwhelmed. His bones are vexed, his soul is troubled, and his heart cries out in desperation. Yet, despite his pain, David knows exactly where to go. He goes directly to God. This is not a casual prayer; it is a desperate plea from a broken heart.
David begins by asking God not to rebuke him in anger. This shows his awareness of God’s holiness and authority. He understands that God is righteous and just, but he appeals to God’s mercy rather than His judgment. David knows that he cannot stand on his own merit. Instead, he throws himself upon the compassion of the Lord.
When David says, “I am weak,” he is making a powerful confession. He does not pretend to be self-sufficient. He does not rely on his past victories, his position as king, or his reputation as a man after God’s own heart. He acknowledges his fragility. This honesty before God is one of the foundations of true faith. God is not offended by our weakness; He invites us to bring it before Him.
David’s request for healing is both physical and spiritual. His bones are troubled, but so is his soul. This reminds us that trials often affect every part of our being. Emotional pain can manifest physically, and spiritual distress can affect our mental and emotional health. David does not separate these aspects; he brings his whole self before God.
The question “How long?” reflects the anguish of waiting. Many believers can identify with this cry. Waiting for God’s intervention can be one of the hardest aspects of a trial. Yet even in his waiting, David does not abandon God. He continues to pray, to seek, and to trust. His question is not one of rebellion, but of longing.
In verse 4, David appeals directly to God’s mercy. He does not demand deliverance based on his own righteousness, but on God’s lovingkindness. This teaches us a crucial lesson: our hope in trials is not rooted in who we are, but in who God is. God’s mercy is the foundation of our confidence.
David knew that no human help could replace the hand of God. This does not mean that seeking counsel or support from others is wrong. Scripture encourages wisdom and community. However, David understood that ultimate deliverance comes from God alone. Professionals and friends can support us, but they cannot heal the soul the way God can.
This is an important balance to understand. We are not called to isolate ourselves or reject human help. Rather, we are called to place God first. God should be the first to know our pain, the first to hear our cries, and the one in whom we place our ultimate trust. When God is first, all other forms of help find their proper place.
One of the greatest lies we can believe during trials is that God is too busy to listen. David’s prayer contradicts this lie. God is never overwhelmed, never distracted, and never unavailable. He listens to the cries of His children with care and compassion. Scripture assures us that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
When you feel terribly bad, when your strength is gone and your heart feels heavy, go before God. Speak honestly. Cry if you must. Ask Him for mercy, healing, and deliverance. God does not require eloquent words; He desires a sincere heart. Your pain is not too small or too great for Him.
Deliver your burden to the Lord. This is not a one-time action, but a continual practice. Each day, each moment of anxiety, fear, or sorrow can be placed in His hands. God invites us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us. This invitation remains true regardless of how many times we come before Him.
Trials are not a sign that God has abandoned you. Often, they are opportunities to deepen your dependence on Him. Like David, you may not understand why the trial has come or how long it will last, but you can be certain that God hears you. His mercy has not run out, and His power has not diminished.
May this reminder strengthen your faith. In moments of suffering, do not drown in your difficulties. Do not face your trials alone. Go before the Almighty God, the One who heals, restores, and saves. He is faithful to hold you in His arms and lead you through the storm. Trust Him completely, for He is more than able to deliver you.