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What’s our first response when bad news arrives? It might be about our health, a loved one, our job, our home, or even our finances. Sometimes it’s not just personal – it’s news that seems to rock our whole nation.

Do we let fear and distress take root? Do we lose our hope and faith? Do we become so anxious and distracted that we forget the God who loves us and holds us close?

Recently, I received unsettling news about my health. It shook me deeply—so much so that I felt as though the slightest misstep could send me tumbling over the edge. Tears came easily, and denial followed close behind. The diagnosis, the “what ifs,” and the looming possibilities constantly intruded on my thoughts. Concentration slipped away.

I wrestled with hopelessness while desperately trying to anchor myself in God’s Word and His unchanging love. Yet even in prayer, frightening images would rise up to torment me, breaking my focus. One moment I’d cling to hope, and the next I would plunge into despair. It was a very real, extremely raw battle.

But God never leaves us to walk these valleys alone. In my weakness, I reached out to family and friends, asking them to stand with me in prayer. Their encouragement and intercession were lifelines.

For what felt like an endless 24 hours, I lived moment by moment, leaning heavily on my husband and on my mighty God. By His grace, I happened to be attending a Christian conference at the time. Normally I join in fully – standing, singing, praising. But that day, I couldn’t even remember the words to the songs. My mind was clouded, my heart heavy, my spirit weighed down.

Scripture warns us:

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

In the midst of this heaviness, one of the pastors invited us to come forward and dance before the Lord – just like David did. Without hesitation, I was on my feet.

“Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.”

2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NKJV)

That moment changed everything. I didn’t care how I looked or who was watching. I wasn’t seeking approval from people. I simply poured out my worship before the Lord with all I had.

David said to Michal:

“It was before the Lord […] Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.m […]”

2 Samuel 6:21-22 (NKJV)

As I danced, God’s peace broke through. Joy filled my spirit, a smile spread across my face, and I knew without a doubt: The Lord is with me.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

Romans 8:31 (ESV).

Since that day, the storm in my mind has quieted. My peace is being restored, and I walk more confidently in His presence.

I’m reminded of what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said as they stood before King Nebuchadnezzar:

“[…] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

That kind of faith – that even if deliverance doesn’t come the way we hope, we will still trust in Him – is the faith that carries us through.

Sometimes, changing the atmosphere requires a leap of faith. It might mean choosing to sing when all we can manage is a whisper. Opening our Bible when tears blur the words. Reaching for community when everything in us wants to hide away.

But as we lean into God’s promises, He meets us. He lifts the heavy clouds. He restores joy.

I’d love to hear from you – how has God helped you through difficult times? What verses carried you through, and what aspect of His nature gave you strength? Please share in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts.

May God bless you richly!