Anchor in the Storm: How Knowing God’s Character Sustains Us through Life’s Trials
When the waves of life crash against us with relentless force, where do we find our stability? When circumstances shift like sand beneath our feet, what keeps us from being swept away? The answer isn’t found in positive thinking, personal strength, or comforting ourselves with unhealthy responses. Our unshakeable foundation is found in the unchanging character of God Himself.
The Foundation That Cannot Be Moved
I’ve witnessed many women who’ve faced devastating seasons: unexpected job loss, marriage struggles, wayward children, health crises, or the death of loved ones. In these moments, well-meaning friends often offer comfort through platitudes: “Everything happens for a reason,” or “God won’t give you more than you can handle” (which isn’t even true–see 2 Corinthians 1:8-9). While the intentions are kind, these phrases often fall short of providing the deep, lasting comfort our souls desperately need.
What does provide that comfort? Knowing who God is—not just what He does, but His essential character and attributes. When we’re grounded in the truth of God’s nature, we have an anchor that holds firm regardless of our circumstances.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2, NIV).
Notice that the psalmist’s confidence isn’t based on his circumstances remaining stable, but on God’s unchanging character as refuge and strength.
Three Attributes That Anchor Us
Let me share three of God’s attributes that have personally sustained me through difficult seasons, and how understanding these truths can transform how we navigate trials.
1. God’s Sovereignty: He Is in Complete Control
When life feels chaotic and unpredictable, we can rest in the truth that God is sovereign over all things. This doesn’t mean He causes every difficult circumstance, but it does mean that nothing touches our lives without His knowledge and permission.
“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19, NIV).
God’s sovereignty isn’t distant or detached—it’s the sovereignty of a loving Father who works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
I remember a season when multiple crises hit our family simultaneously. My natural tendency was to try to control and fix everything (and eat a pizza). But understanding God’s sovereignty allowed me to release my death grip on circumstances I couldn’t change anyway. It didn’t remove the pain, but it provided peace in the midst of the storm.
2. God’s Faithfulness: He Always Keeps His Promises
Human promises are fragile things. People disappoint us, circumstances change, and even our own commitments sometimes falter. But God’s faithfulness is perfect and unwavering.
“Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures” (Psalm 119:90, NIV).
Just as the earth continues its faithful orbit around the sun, God’s commitment to us never wavers.
When doubts whisper that God has forgotten you or that His promises don’t apply to your situation, remember: God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on your feelings or circumstances. It’s rooted in His unchanging character. Every promise in Scripture is yes and amen in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).
3. God’s Love: It Is Unchanging and Unconditional
Perhaps the most difficult truth to grasp during trials is that God’s love for us never diminishes. We’re tempted to measure His love by our circumstances, concluding that painful seasons mean He loves us less or is punishing us.
But Scripture tells us a different story:
“Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39, NIV).
God’s love isn’t a feeling that fluctuates based on our performance or circumstances—it’s a settled commitment rooted in His character.
Practical Ways to Ground Yourself in God’s Character
Knowing these truths intellectually is one thing; allowing them to transform how we navigate trials is another. Here are some practical ways to ground yourself in God’s character:
1. Study God’s Names and Attributes Each name of God in Scripture reveals something about His character. Spend time studying names like El Shaddai (God Almighty), El Roi (the God who sees), or Adonai (Lord and Master).
2. Keep a “Character Journal” When you read Scripture, note what each passage reveals about God’s character. Over time, you’ll build a treasury of truths about who He is that you can draw from during difficult seasons.
3. Pray God’s Character Back to Him Instead of just asking God for what you need, spend time acknowledging who He is. “Father, because You are faithful, I trust You with this uncertainty. Because You are sovereign, I rest in Your control over this situation.”
4. Memorize Anchor Verses Choose key verses about God’s character and commit them to memory. When emotions threaten to overwhelm you, these truths will be readily available to steady your heart.
The Difference It Makes
Understanding God’s character doesn’t eliminate trials, but it fundamentally changes how we experience them. Instead of being victims of circumstances, we become people who can say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15, NIV).
When we know that God is sovereign, we can rest instead of strive. When we know He is faithful, we can trust instead of fear. When we know He loves us unconditionally, we can find peace instead of despair.
This isn’t positive thinking or denial of real pain—it’s grounding ourselves in objective truth about who God is, regardless of what we feel or see in the moment.
Your Next Step
As we begin this month focused on knowing God more deeply, I encourage you to ask yourself: Which of God’s attributes do I most need to understand better right now? Is it His sovereignty when life feels out of control? His faithfulness when I’m struggling with doubt? His love when I feel distant from Him?
Choose one attribute to focus on this week. Search for verses that reveal this aspect of God’s character, and ask Him to make these truths real to your heart, not just your head.
Remember: The storms of life will come, but when we’re anchored in the unchanging character of God, we can weather any storm with confidence and peace.