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25th October 2011 by David Brice

There is a song I love by Mumford and Sons called “Hold on to What You Believe”.

In particular I love this line: “Hold on to what you believe in the light, when the darkness has robbed you of all your sight.” 

A few years ago I went through a really tough period of life. While things were not going to be that way forever it was pretty hard to see beyond what was happening at the time. In fact, it was pretty hard to focus on positive things at all, whether from the past or things that I hoped for in the future.

The dark times of life have a way of robbing you of your sight. It can be hard to picture light in dark places. Hard to hold on to hope in the midst of hurt. Hard to see possibilities when facing disappointment.

Feeling Stuck?

One of the things I hated about this difficult period was that I felt stuck.

When you are going through a hard time and can’t see anything good on the horizon it is so hard to feel any motivation to move.

While there are times for stillness, reflection and grieving, my sense of powerlessness to keep moving or to make changes ended up just keeping me in stuck in this difficult place.

Keep going

Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He led the country through one of the most difficult periods of history.

At one point during this period he said something which stands out to me: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

While in the difficult times it can be the hardest to move, they are often the most important times to keep moving. Hell is not a place you want to stop.

The other side of difficult

The letter of James in the New Testament starts out in way that sounds strange:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

It sounds crazy to tell someone to think that the tough times are one of life’s joys! James wants to remind the persecuted church of the day that the hard times can result in good things.

There is light the other side of dark times and there is growth that comes from persevering through them. If you’re going through hell, keep going.

Helpful verses

Here are a few other verses that I have found an encouragement when going through hard times:

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," (Psalm 34:18).

"I have told you these things so that you would find comfort in Me. In this world, you will suffer; but be courageous, for I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33).

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:6-7).

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