14th May - “Seeing with Faith: What to Do When Life Gets Hard”

I've been reminded again this week that real faith doesn’t deny a problem’s existence. But it does deny the problem a place of influence.

Faith doesn't mean we pretend things aren’t hard. Rather it means we shift our perspective from what's working against us… to Who is working for us.

Because as I expereinced this week, when we lift our eyes to Jesus, everything begins to shift. Situations can change in a moment with Him.

And even while we're still in the middle of things—we can change too. We can grow stronger. We can gain some "faith muscles" and we can hopefully become more like Jesus.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” — Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

The enemy wants you to look into his eyes—to get fixated on fear, disaster, and to expect the worst. But when we look into the eyes of the Perfect Father, we see something completely different.

Right there in the midst of chaos, disappointment, and pain—God says He sets a table. He doesn’t however always pull you out of the hard place to feed you. He pulls up a seat right there, in the thick of it, and says:“Let’s eat. I’ve prepared nourishment, healing, friendship, and provision just for you.”

But here’s an important key to remember; we don’t pretend what we are going through isn't real. We just deny it the right to rule us.

David in the bible is a great example of how to hold steady in faith in the face of what looks like overwhelming circumstances. As a teenager, David was anointed as the next king of Israel, but in the years that followed, the journey looked nothing like royalty. He faced Goliath, was hunted down by King Saul, hid in caves and deserts, lived on the run, was rejected by his own people, and fought countless battles. Nearly 15 years passed between the promise spoken over him and the moment he actually stepped into it.

I wonder if David ever thought, “Did I hear God wrong?” I think I would have! But God hadn’t changed His mind. And the promise, regardless of David's circumstances, was still in play.

What David Did In The Midst Of Chaos

David chose, in the middle of the waiting. He chose even at one of his lowest points—rejected, grieving, and threatened by his own men—to encourage and strengthen himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).

He didn’t have anyone else - no cheer squad or pep talks were available. But He knew he had God, so He turned to the one who had his life in His hand and chose to look at him and not his enemies; to sing, shout and delare God was for Him and what He said would stand. He chose to look up! And that David discovered, was enough.

As a result, God gave David direction. Step by step, he was shown what to do next and as a result he continually was able to bounce back from adversity.

David didn’t allow disappointment and rejection define him—he let God sustain and lead him. (check out the psalms to see Davids words and prayers...they arent' always positive but they do show how David came through the hard times and turned his heart and thoughts continually onto God and His goodness)

Eventually, after learning to sit at the table God had prepared for him—the one that nourished his heart and spirit, and taught him how to overcome—David was invited to another table: the king’s table, with him as king. Just like God had promised. (Psalm 23:5)

So if you’re facing something today and it feels nothing like what God promised—don’t lose heart. David was anointed long before he was appointed. And in the middle of fear, rejection, and waiting, he learned how to strengthen himself in the Lord, listen for God’s voice, and feast at the table God prepared for him—even while enemies circled.

That’s where faith grows. That’s where identity deepens. And that’s where God reminds you: this isn't the end.

God hasn’t forgotten what He spoke over you. He is faithful to His Word! He’s still writing. And just like David, you will see the promise unfold—step by step, in His perfect time.

💡 Action Steps:

1. Be honest with God about what feels hard right now. Don’t deny the difficulties—bring it to the table.

2. Shift your focus. Write down 3 things God has provided for you to "feed on" in the middle of this season (peace, strength, connection, support, provision).

3. Read Psalm 23 slowly. Ask God to show you where He’s inviting you to sit and feast today—even in the presence of what feels overwhelming.

4. Say this daily:“This situation is in front of me, but it doesn’t rule me. Jesus is in charge and He is working. He’s prepared a table for me right here to sustain and nourish mne and I will see the breakthrough".

   
   

📖 Verses to Hold On To:

• “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” — Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

• “Lift up your eyes to the heavens… Who created all these?” — Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)

• “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

• “We live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

  
  

🙏 Prayer:

Lord, You see what I’m walking through, and You aren’t ignoring any of it. But You’ve prepared a table for me, even in the presence of everything that’s trying to steal my peace. Please help me lift my eyes and to shift my focus from what’s fighting me to the One who fights for me. I trust You in the middle of this and choose to feast on Your presence, Your promises, and Your peace today. In Jesus’ Name,Amen.

This might not look like your finest moment… but in God’s hands, it just might be. Keep your eyes on Him. The table is set. He’s not done yet and He promises He will work all things together for your good.