What to Do When Life Hits Hard: A Reminder to Seek God First

Last week was hard. It reminded me of the importance to seek God first in all that we do.

I started the week out feeling sick—nothing major, just enough to drain my energy and make the week feel heavier than usual. I tried to push through it, but by midweek, the weight got heavier. I opened a bill expecting it to be one thing, only to find it was more than double what I had anticipated. My heart sank. I panicked. My brain immediately kicked into fear mode, trying to figure out how I was going to fix it.

Then, the very next day, I burned my face with a curling iron. Of course. It was like the week had turned into a series of unfortunate events, and my spirit was starting to feel bruised.

By the weekend, I was looking forward to a birthday party—something light, something joyful. And it was fun. I laughed, caught up with family and friends, and enjoyed the moment. But on the drive home, an unexpected sadness hit me like a wave. I think it was because I knew I was coming back to an empty house. The contrast between the noise of the party and the silence of home was jarring. And honestly, I just didn’t want to face the quiet.

When Fear Creeps In

When I saw that bill, fear slithered in fast. My mind raced, my heart pounded. I started planning, problem-solving, reaching for control. But it wasn’t just the money—it was the fear behind it. The fear of not having enough, of being alone, of not being taken care of.

That’s how Satan gets me.

He watches us. He studies our patterns like a coach watching game film. He knows our weaknesses, and he goes after them every time. For me, it’s fear—especially around finances and loneliness. He doesn’t need new strategies when the old ones still work.

In that moment, I forgot.

I forgot the dozens of times God had provided. I forgot the answered prayers, the unexpected gifts, the strength He’s given me to make it through every single trial up to now. I forgot how He’s never once abandoned me—not even for a second.

The Verse That Started It All

When I got home from the party, I was feeling emotionally raw. I sat down at my computer to work on a completely different blog post. But as I stared at the screen, I was reminded of how Living Faith Fearlessly even began. It all started with one verse:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33

That verse stopped me in my tracks. I didn’t need a solution or a perfect plan—I needed Him.

All these things—every worry, every need, every detail—He already knows. He’s already working. My job isn’t to figure it all out. My job is to seek Him.

When the Bible Mirrors Our Lives

My story last week isn’t all that different from many in the Bible.

Martha, busy and stressed, trying to handle everything—while Jesus gently reminds her that only one thing is truly needed (Luke 10:38–42).
Peter, sinking in fear after walking on water—when his eyes moved from Jesus to the storm (Matthew 14:28–31).
The Israelites, constantly forgetting God’s miracles whenever they faced a new challenge (Exodus 16, Numbers 11).
Elijah, the great prophet, running away in fear and exhaustion after a major victory (1 Kings 19).

I see myself in every one of them. And yet, in every story, God’s faithfulness remains steady. He doesn’t shame. God invites. He draws near.

The Message I Didn’t Plan to Write

This post wasn’t what I had scheduled for today. I had something else outlined—neat, tidy, practical. But sometimes God interrupts our plans because someone needs to hear a different message.

Maybe that someone is you.

Perhaps you’ve had a hard week too. Maybe you’re facing a situation that feels too big or a silence that feels too loud. Maybe fear crept in when you weren’t looking, and now you’re carrying more weight than you were meant to bear.

If that’s you, here’s your reminder: Seek Him first.
Even in the chaos.
And in the silence.
Even when you’re sad after a party or staring down a bill you can’t afford.
Seek Him first, and trust that “all these things” will follow in His perfect time.

A Prayer for When Life Feels Heavy

Father, I’ve been trying to carry too much again. I’ve forgotten how faithful You’ve been, how present You always are. Help me refocus on You. Quiet my racing thoughts. Calm my anxious heart. I trust You with the things I can’t fix. I seek You first. Amen.

Scriptures to Cling To

• Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
• Psalm 34:4 — “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
• Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
• Philippians 4:6–7 — “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”
• Romans 8:32 — “He who did not spare his own Son… how will he not also… graciously give us all things?”

You’re Not Alone

This week reminded me that I still have growing to do—and that’s okay. We’re all learning to live faith fearlessly, one day at a time. We don’t always get it right, but grace meets us in the mess. And when we shift our focus back to God, He reminds us who He is—and who we are in Him.

Looking for more encouragement as you start your week?

Start your morning with a quiet moment in Coffee with God—a simple rhythm of Scripture, prayer, and peace.
And don’t miss this week’s Sunday Short Devotional—a quick but powerful reminder that God meets you right where you are.

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