In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear writes, “You don’t always get to choose the load, but you can choose how to carry it.” Clear’s book is about building good habits. However, his statement is also helpful in winning the good fight of faith.

Consider what you’re carrying in your heart right now. At times, I feel the weight of worry as a parent. Other times, I’m filled with wonder at how God moves. You may have your own concerns over a relationship, your health, career or finances. Maybe you’re carrying a dream or a vision and wondering how and when it will come true.

God gave Nahum, an Old Testament prophet, a vision to address Nineveh. The previously repentant city fell back into many sins. For Nahum, delivering God’s message was his burden. But in God’s goodness he found his relief.

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 NLT)

Apparently, God treasures our trust. It opens the door of intimacy with Him and He draws near. Regarding Nahum 1:7, the theologian Spurgeon imagined God saying, “Yes, dear child, I know all about you; I have been with you when you thought you were alone. I have read what you could not read, the secrets of your own heart that you could not decipher I have known them all, and I still know them.”

And yet, there is a flip side when we struggle to trust God. It’s the invitation to know Him more. Here are five common struggles that can become our greatest pivot.

1. Fear – 1 John 4:16-18 tells us, God’s perfect love cast out fear. And yet, His perfect love may feel distant, if others have failed us in significant ways. But even when a situation makes us feel vulnerable, “the Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes” (Nahum 1:7a NLT).

2. Pride – When we think we know what’s best, embracing God’s plan may feel unnecessary or too difficult. (Proverbs 3:5-6) But “The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged” (Psalm 69:32 NLT).

3. Short-sightedness – The beautiful work God is doing in and around us takes time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) His sovereignty includes His ability to allow the worst (as we see it) and still do what’s best (as He defines it).

God never makes light of our pain. As we trust Him, we see how He always makes much of His grace in and around our lives.

4. Unbelief – Ironically, not believing God is who He says He is means we’ve chosen to believe something else. But there is hope when we confess our struggle. The tiniest spark of faith can overcome the threats of doubt and unbelief. (Mark 9:14-27)

5. Worldliness – From celebrities to the newest fad, society exalts human efforts — often without any moral standard. However, we’re warned not to copy the behavior and customs of this world, “but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

There may be a different struggle you’d add to this list. But no matter what our struggles are Scripture describes God’s love and kindness as “unfailing.” It is mentioned forty-two times in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. In other versions, instead of “unfailing” we see the words, “mercy,” “lovingkindness,” and “faithfulness.”

Amazingly, forty-two is the same number of generations between Abraham and Jesus. (Matthew 1:1-17) He came to lift the heaviest load we bear — our sin, guilt, and shame. (Psalm 145:14 and Hebrews 10:21-23)

Therefore, it’s just as important to know who or what carries us as we consider the load we carry.

So yes, I agree. We don’t always get to choose the load, but we can choose how to carry it. Thankfully, our faith and trust in God empowers us to carry our load to Him as He carries us.

PRAYER: Dear God, You are perfect in all Your ways, even when your ways are a mystery to us. Your love is unfailing. Your wisdom is unmatched, and nothing is too hard for You. You are completely worthy of my trust. As I lean into Your grace and truth, may I trust You in all things and with all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 NLT)