Have you ever noticed how life’s victories and defeats often seem to come all at once? It feels like when things are going well, everything clicks into place — opportunities open, relationships flourish, and successes seem effortless. But when hardships strike, they pile up like an avalanche: bad news, stress, disappointments, and unexpected setbacks, one after another.
This is more than just perception — it’s a part of human nature. Psychologically, we’re wired to feel negative experiences more deeply than positive ones. Even a small problem can feel overwhelming when it lands on top of existing struggles. A minor inconvenience that might not have bothered you on a good day can suddenly feel like the final straw when you’re already carrying emotional weight.
In the midst of winning seasons, it’s easy to feel blessed and grateful. Yet during losing seasons, even when blessings are still present, we tend to focus disproportionately on what’s wrong. We wonder, “Why me?” or “When will this end?”
But how does God want us to handle these waves — both the good and the bad?
1. Recognize That Life’s Rhythms Are Normal
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” God has built rhythms into creation. There will be seasons of sowing and reaping, joy and sorrow, gain and loss. Understanding that highs and lows are part of life helps us avoid panicking when tough times come.
2. Keep Perspective When Negatives Feel Heavier
In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul writes, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
When we are buried in problems, it’s natural to magnify them. But God invites us to lift our eyes higher. Our struggles are temporary compared to the eternal joy He promises. No problem, no matter how big it feels in the moment, can steal the victory He has already secured for us.
3. Bring Your Emotions to God Honestly
God doesn’t ask us to fake joy or suppress our hurts. In fact, David, a man after God’s own heart, poured out his grief and frustration openly in the Psalms. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
When minor irritations feel enormous because they hit at the wrong time, God doesn’t scold us for feeling overwhelmed. He draws near and invites us to cast every care on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
4. Anchor Yourself in Gratitude and Truth
During seasons of loss, it becomes even more critical to intentionally focus on the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Notice — not for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. Finding even small things to be grateful for breaks the stranglehold of negativity and re-centers us in God’s faithfulness.
5. Trust God’s Process and Timing
Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Even when problems pile up, God is weaving every piece into a larger masterpiece. He’s not wasting your pain, your setbacks, or your tears. He’s building something beautiful — even when all you can see in the moment is a mess.
Final Thought:
The truth is, both wins and losses will come in bunches at times. The challenge isn’t avoiding hard times — it’s trusting God through them. He never asks us to carry the weight alone. Instead, He invites us into a deeper relationship where His strength carries our weaknesses, His peace calms our anxieties, and His perspective reframes our hurts.
When life feels like it’s piling on, remember: you are not alone. Your Savior is standing with you — and in Him, even the worst seasons are shaping you for an even greater glory.
Troy P Zehnder 