Life has a way of bringing us to our knees. Sometimes it is a devastating loss in the family, the sudden loss of a job, or a frightening medical diagnosis. No matter what form it takes, we all face moments when we wonder how we will get back up again. Over the years, I have come to realize that having a strong faith in God makes all the difference in how I respond to these trying times. It is not that I hear a resounding, thunderous voice when I pray, but rather, I experience a sense of calm, a reassurance that I am not alone. That reassurance has given me the strength to move forward, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
When I was growing up, men were taught to stay strong. We were expected to show little vulnerability, because displaying pain or grief was often seen as a weakness. The generation I came from did not readily allow space for men to break down or express emotions openly. It was our job to support others, to be the pillar everyone else could lean on, regardless of how much weight we might be carrying ourselves. In many ways, this expectation can feel like a high bar to reach. Life’s difficulties can be overwhelming, and keeping feelings bottled up inside is not always easy. Yet, having my faith as a source of comfort and direction has sustained me during these trials. When my knees hit the ground, I found solace in prayer, and that act alone renewed my spirit in ways nothing else could.
This may not resonate with everyone, but it is my personal truth. The act of prayer, simply bowing my head or folding my hands, gives me a moment of stillness in a busy world. It is a simple practice, but in that quiet space, I can lay all my troubles down. My fears, my worries, my hopes—they all come to the surface, and as I share them with God, I feel less weighed down. Each time, it is like handing over a burden that is too big for me to carry on my own. Even though I do not hear an audible answer, there is a gentleness in my heart that tells me I am heard. Sometimes it arrives as a gentle nudge that sparks a new idea on how to solve a problem. Other times it is just a feeling of peace that helps me rest better at night.
In addition to prayer, I have also leaned on reading the Bible. When times felt especially dark, the verses reminded me that countless people before me have faced hardships and still found redemption. Those stories remind me that tough times do not have to define us permanently. If you do not currently have a church, you might consider finding one that aligns with your values. There, you can often discover a community of like-minded people who can stand with you through whatever you are facing. They might share insights or personal stories that open your eyes to new perspectives. If attending services in person is not for you at the moment, I still recommend getting a Bible, preferably one with commentary. The notes and explanations can give historical context or clarify difficult passages, making the reading experience more meaningful than just flipping from page to page without guidance.
Everyone’s faith journey will look different. Some people attend large congregations, while others prefer small groups. Some might pray multiple times a day, while others take a more reflective approach. What remains constant is that turning to God invites a sense of hope that the world cannot easily give. In the darkest hours, faith can provide the light needed to see past current troubles and remember that there is more to life than our immediate problems. It also teaches patience and perseverance, qualities that can carry you through the most turbulent seasons of life.
If you have never considered pursuing a relationship with God, my hope is that you take a chance on exploring faith. Even if you start small—by reading a few verses each day or finding an online sermon—it can open doors to peace, strength, and renewed purpose. We all have challenges that knock us off balance, but there is comfort in knowing that while on our knees, we can discover profound meaning and hope. That is where prayer comes in, and that is where faith has guided my life time and again. I believe it can be a guiding light for anyone willing to embrace it. Faith is a journey, and it is one I hope you choose to start, or rediscover, as you move forward in your own life.