If you’ve ever faced a major crisis and wondered where your life was headed, you’re not alone. Countless people have been in this same type of situation and found themselves wondering what was in store for them. A lack of any direction or spiritual guidance can leave us unsure of the purpose of life. In times of trouble, we need to know that God has a plan for our lives, and it’s far better than we’ve ever imagined.

Trying to endure a painful situation on our own can leave us hurting inside and in need of healing. It’s at times like these that God wants us to know how much He loves us. We can go to Him and trust Him enough to allow Him to heal us spiritually and emotionally. When we let Him guide us, we sense that He wants only good things for us. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV).

We can have a tendency to lay out our own life plans, but those plans can be derailed when trouble hits. At times when everything seems to go wrong and we lose hope, trying to cope is scary. Prayerfully asking God to show us His plan for our lives, then listening for His answer, turns things around. It’s different for each person, but the common thread is that His will for us is undeniably positive and hopeful. “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18, NIV).

Numerous issues can pop up unexpectedly, and we may find ourselves struggling. At times when we feel shattered and broken, God has a way of sending people into our lives to help get us back on track. He works through those individuals to heal our spirits and restore the joy back into our lives. “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, AMPC).  God loves us, and it’s not His will for us to suffer.

Insisting on “doing our own thing” can lead to flawed decision-making that results in disappointment and frustration. This is what most people do, and the world has accepted this as the norm.  God’s plans for us are much higher, and they involve our happiness and well-being. “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail” Isaiah 58:11, NKJV). No matter what comes our way, following His beautiful plan for us gives our lives direction and purpose, and keeps us safe from harm.

God knows we’re capable of making plenty of mistakes with our lives, but He’ll never leave us in a mess. He always honors our trust in Him, and He made a lifelong promise to deliver us from trouble. “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4, NKJV). Following God’s plan, instead of any self-centered plans we’ve made for ourselves, allows us to live joyfully and completely.