Episode 288:
Trusting God in Life’s Ups and Downs
16 September 2025
How to Stay Close to God
on Good Days and Bad Days
Life has its ups and downs. Some mornings we wake up full of energy and joy, while other days we feel heavy, stressed, and overwhelmed. The truth is—we all experience both. The good news? Jesus knows exactly what that feels like.
When He lived here on earth - He had days when he was tired, days when His heart hurt, and also days filled with joy. That means He understands what it's like to have hard days and good days. And the beautiful promise He gives us is this: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
So what does it look like to walk with Him through the ups and downs of real life?
Good vs. Bad Spiritual Habits
When life feels easy and peaceful, it seems like we’re close to God. But when life is stressful, it can feel like there’s a big gap between us and Him. Maybe you’ve felt that gap on a sleepless night, when bills are piling up, or a relationship is going through a rough patch.
Here’s the truth: God is always 100% close. The gap we feel isn’t reality—it’s our perception. On days when we feel only 10% distant, He fills that 10%. On days when we feel 80% distant, His grace fills that 80%. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The “Gap” We Feel Between Us and God
We don’t have to muscle our way into His presence. He never asks us to close the distance ourselves. Instead, He invites us to simply come—just as we are—and let Him do the filling. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Your emotions aren’t something to ignore. They’re indicators of how you’re experiencing life. But they don’t define the truth of God’s nearness. Whether the day feels light or heavy, He is right there with you.
The Joy of Knowing He Is Close
The joy of the Lord doesn’t mean forcing yourself to smile when things are hard. It’s the deep joy of knowing that you have a Father who loves you, a Savior who has redeemed you, and a Helper who strengthens you. That’s the kind of joy that becomes your strength, no matter how you wake up in the morning.
So today, instead of striving, take a moment to pray:
“Lord, thank You for filling the gap. Thank You for being close to me today. Show me Your kindness and goodness in the middle of it all.”
And then, look out for it—because He loves to show you who He is on both the good days and the hard days.
✨ Final Thoughts
Friend, life will always bring ups and downs. But Jesus has overcome the world, and His grace fills every gap you feel.
So whether today feels light or heavy, lean into Him, receive His help, and trust that He is closer than you think.
Will you accept His invitation?
Blessings to you
Lisa vdB
Hey There I'm
Lisa van den Berg
I'm a Christian entrepreneur and identity coach who helps believers hear God, discover their purpose,
and build businesses that make an
eternal impact.
Let's Connect
Episode 288:
Trusting God in Life’s Ups and Downs
16 September 2025
Hey there, I'm
Lisa van den Berg
I'm a Christian entrepreneur and identity coach who helps believers hear God, discover their purpose, and build businesses that make an
eternal impact.
Let's Connect
How to Stay Close to God
on Good Days and Bad Days
Life has its ups and downs. Some mornings we wake up full of energy and joy, while other days we feel heavy, stressed, and overwhelmed. The truth is—we all experience both. The good news? Jesus knows exactly what that feels like.
When He lived here on earth - He had days when he was tired, days when His heart hurt, and also days filled with joy. That means He understands what it's like to have hard days and good days. And the beautiful promise He gives us is this: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
So what does it look like to walk with Him through the ups and downs of real life?
The “Gap” We Feel Between Us and God
When life feels easy and peaceful, it seems like we’re close to God. But when life is stressful, it can feel like there’s a big gap between us and Him. Maybe you’ve felt that gap on a sleepless night, when bills are piling up, or a relationship is going through a rough patch.
Here’s the truth: God is always 100% close. The gap we feel isn’t reality—it’s our perception. On days when we feel only 10% distant, He fills that 10%. On days when we feel 80% distant, His grace fills that 80%. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God Invites Us to Let Him Fill the Gap
We don’t have to muscle our way into His presence. He never asks us to close the distance ourselves. Instead, He invites us to simply come—just as we are—and let Him do the filling. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Your emotions aren’t something to ignore. They’re indicators of how you’re experiencing life. But they don’t define the truth of God’s nearness. Whether the day feels light or heavy, He is right there with you.
The Joy of Knowing He Is Close
The joy of the Lord doesn’t mean forcing yourself to smile when things are hard. It’s the deep joy of knowing that you have a Father who loves you, a Savior who has redeemed you, and a Helper who strengthens you. That’s the kind of joy that becomes your strength, no matter how you wake up in the morning.
So today, instead of striving, take a moment to pray:
“Lord, thank You for filling the gap. Thank You for being close to me today. Show me Your kindness and goodness in the middle of it all.”
And then, look out for it—because He loves to show you who He is on both the good days and the hard days.
✨ Final Thoughts
Friend, life will always bring ups and downs. But Jesus has overcome the world, and His grace fills every gap you feel. So whether today feels light or heavy, lean into Him, receive His help, and trust that He is closer than you think.
Will you accept His invitation?
Blessings to you
Lisa vdB
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