Navigating Life’s Trials with Spiritual Presence: How to Find Healing and Peace in Times of Crisis

Navigating Life's Trials and Embracing Divine Presence: How to Find Healing in Challenging Times

The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration, and cherished memories. However, life’s unexpected challenges—such as a heart attack, stroke, or the global disruption of COVID-19—can alter those traditions. Suddenly, the normal ways we celebrated the holidays seem distant. Food and supplies become harder to obtain, travel becomes more complicated, and social distancing and health protocols add extra layers of stress. Life doesn’t feel the same, and we begin to wonder if it ever will.

In the face of such disruption, how do we cope when life suddenly changes, leaving us uncertain and anxious? During these challenging moments, many people turn to their spiritual practices—prayer, reflection, and their relationship with God. But we must ask: Do we only know God as Savior, or do we also recognize Him as a healer, provider, and lover of our soul during trials like sickness, job loss, or relationship turmoil?

These are the moments when our relationship with God can begin to stir in a deeper way. What truths have we been taught? What do we believe?

The Shift from Religion to Relationship

Religious teachings often focus on how to fix the past to secure a better future. Yet, what do we do in the present moment when we need a shift—when we are facing a trial that seems insurmountable? It’s easy to focus on past mistakes or future hopes, but what about the here and now?

Many religions acknowledge that God is omnipresent—He is everywhere, in all things. But if this is true, then many religious doctrines are challenged. For example, in an effort to avoid being associated with “new age” spirituality, traditional religious communities often separate themselves from a deeper understanding of God’s immanence and presence in the world. However, as Richard Rohr points out in The Universal Christ:

“When I know that the world around me is both the hiding place and the revelation of God, and it's at the same time. It's not this and then this. Both are right here right now.”

In this way, God’s presence isn’t just about past or future events but is also a living reality in our present circumstances.

The Example of Peter and Divine Presence

In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision from God that challenges the boundaries between what is considered holy and unholy. God tells Peter not to distinguish between the natural and supernatural, between the holy and the profane. Through this vision, Peter learns that God desires connection, not separation. God’s presence is meant to bring unity and reconciliation, as we see in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19:

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation...”

The heart of Jesus’ mission was to reconcile all people and all things back to God. In times of crisis or trial, we must ask ourselves: Where is God’s love in this situation? How can we encounter His presence in the tension?

The Power of God's Presence in Crisis

In difficult times, the key to healing and transformation lies in God’s presence. This presence is not passive—it’s reciprocal. Jesus’ act of breaking bread with His disciples in Luke 22:19 symbolizes a deeper connection: a union between the Divine and humanity. We are called to cleave to God, just as Jesus cleaves to His bride, the Church.

In Genesis 2:24, the word "cleave" refers to a deep, unbreakable union. This union isn’t just spiritual but encompasses every aspect of our being—body, mind, heart, and soul. Jesus came to unite all things in Him. The finished work of the cross and resurrection has already reconciled us to God, and we are now one with Christ (Ephesians 2:16).

Understanding this oneness is essential for healing. When we are in crisis, we don’t need to wait for a future salvation but can access the power of Christ’s resurrection right now. We can experience His peace, healing, and presence in the present moment.

Walking in Peace and Presence

In Luke 10:5-9, Jesus commands His disciples to speak peace to every house they enter and heal the sick. But He also teaches that peace isn’t just about offering comfort—it’s about bringing the Kingdom of God into every situation. When we enter a home or interact with someone, we have the opportunity to offer God’s peace, which brings healing to both physical and spiritual wounds.

When we encounter the weight of the world’s issues—sickness, financial hardship, or emotional struggles—we are called to bring peace into those situations. The key is to stay grounded in the presence of Christ. As we speak peace, we invite God’s light into the darkness, allowing His healing to flow.

Jesus teaches us that we are to carry His peace wherever we go, and if peace cannot rest in a place, we are to shake the dust off our feet and move forward. This doesn’t mean giving up on people—it means recognizing that not everyone is ready to receive God’s peace in that moment. But as we continue to walk in His peace, we become conduits of healing for those who are ready.

Embracing the Divine Presence Within

As believers, we must understand that Christ is not waiting for us to leave this world to experience His presence. He is already within us. When we know that Christ dwells in us, we can confidently walk through trials and challenges, knowing that His power and peace are available to us right now.

The resurrection of Christ is not a future event—it is a present reality. Jesus’ resurrection is in us today, and through Him, we have access to the Kingdom of God. The veil has been torn, and the physical and spiritual realms are united in the body of Christ. Now is the time to live in the fullness of His presence, bringing healing and peace to a broken world.

Conclusion: Finding Healing Through Christ's Presence

When life presents trials and tribulations, the key to navigating these moments is not to rely solely on past religious teachings or hope for a future rescue. Instead, we must tap into the power of Christ’s presence in our lives right now. As we embrace His love, peace, and healing, we can experience transformation in the midst of crisis.

If you're ready to deepen your understanding of God’s presence in your life and learn how to walk in the fullness of His peace and healing, I invite you to order my book. Discover how to tap into the divine presence that brings peace, healing, and restoration to your life today.

Order your copy of Living in the Inheritance of Christ today and start your journey towards healing, peace, and spiritual growth. Learn to experience God's presence in a new, transformative way that can change your life forever.