When you and your loved ones feel like you're treading water and getting nowhere fast, it's at just such a moment that you might appreciate hearing some comforting words for hard times. So, how do you choose the right words to help yourself or your friends and family make their way through the difficult times? Here's some food for thought.
"Dawn Will Come."
Really. It will. No matter how horrible you feel, know for sure that tough times are not going to last forever. It sounds trite, but like many expressions that become clichés, there's so much truth to it that people repeat it for its wisdom.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. And yes, there really is an end to the worst times, no matter how endless they feel.
"Worrying Won't Do Us Any Good."
Corrie ten Boom said, "Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles. It empties today of its strength." Be sure to remember that there's a difference between worry and action.
We must do what we can with the problem at hand but, aside from that, worry does us absolutely no good. Jesus said, "Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Remember to tackle one small mountain at a time.
"Let's Consider the Positive Things."
The person experiencing hard times doesn't have to lie to themselves, or make up fairy tales. They should face reality head on, and know that, no matter how bad things are, they won't be this way forever.
Alternately - though this may not seem to be much comfort - there is a measure of peace in knowing that as bad as things are, yes, they really could be worse.
Focus on the good things in life, because like fear, things for which to be grateful are just as real. Don't focus solely on what may have temporarily been lost. Recognize that the good is just as real as what's bad.
"Recognize the Challenge and Do Something About It."
"Doing something about it" can come in many shapes and forms. Perhaps there's a tangible step you can take. Perhaps you just have to "wait it out." Either way, standing tall, proud, and stoic will make you feel a whole lot better than "freaking out" or idling in worry.
Take an actionable step, even if it's just stepping outside ourselves to help others during this dire time. Vince Lombardi said it best. "It's time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever - the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it."
"Things Won't Always Be This Bad."
Robert Schuller said, "Tough times never last, but tough people do." "Things won't always be this bad," and "we'll make it through this, don't worry," may have been said a million times, but they actually are true.
Say these things to your family and friends, and mean what you say (because you know it's true!). You'll be amazed at how comforting words for hard times can have an astonishingly positive effect, even in the midst of hardship.
"Don't Give Up."
It's perfectly natural to be fearful of what you don't know. The goal here is not to let yourself lose control, or panic to the point where the emotions are running your life, instead of your rational mind.
After all, you're alive. Hopefully you're in good health; your family is well fed; you have a roof over your head. They all sound like "so what?" moments, but how many people in the world have never had such luxuries? Be thankful for what you have, for the good in your life.
You'd be amazed at how the simple act of gratitude can give you a peace you've never known.
"Hope Can Never Be Taken Away."
The one thing that no one can ever take away from you is your hope. If ever there was a man who knew struggle, it was Martin Luther King, Jr. One of his best quotes is, "We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope."
Be the "crazy" one who holds on to hope and speaks hopeful things, even in times of strife. After all, there's tremendous power in our words. For more inspiring quotes, check out our library of sayings today!
"Do Something to Help Others."
Sometimes the best way to forget your own troubles is to extend a hand to someone who is in a worse situation. Though you may not believe it, there are many, many people out there who have it rougher than you do!
Extend a hand in friendship. Do what you can to lighten the load. Even little things, small gestures, a few comforting words for hard times, can lighten another person's burden.
That can only do your own soul good. Karma exists; the good you do will come back to you, so don't be stingy.
Positivity Is a Choice
Most things in life are a choice. And, we can choose how to react or respond to things. A reaction is usually guided by temper and emotions. This tends to promote worry. A response, however, can be whatever we want it to be. So, why not search diligently for that silver lining?
Remember, dawn will come tomorrow (whether we like it or not). What shall we do about it? When darkness comes creeping at your door next, scan through these quotes on hope and see if they might help you choose hope again.