When we are in the thick of suffering or trials, it can be so hard to feel God’s presence. Our pain and suffering can easily overtake us if we allow it, following us through every moment, tapping on our shoulder. It’s in these moments—at our breaking points—that we must make a choice. Do we succumb to our emotions and circumstances, or do we lean into the only One who can sustain us?

For me, in these challenging seasons I’ve walked through, choosing to lean into God is truly just that—a choice. Sometimes I find myself lacking the genuine desire to seek Him. It can feel like too much work, and selfishly, I’d sometimes rather wallow in self-pity and despair. It just feels easier. But we serve a God who is for us. The very purpose of His Spirit is to guide us through life—our Helper.

In these heavy seasons, seeking Him may initially feel like a checklist: just do what you need to get it done. But I promise, anyone who has ever chosen to truly seek Christ finds Him, just as it says in 1 Chronicles 28:9. In every trial I have faced, God has made Himself known. It may not happen immediately, but He reveals Himself through the dedication of spending time with Him each day. Looking back, these are some of the most spiritually rich seasons of my life. When everything else seems stripped away, only Christ remains. He will strengthen you for the journey, and you will find joy amidst your trial.