When Life Knocks the Wind Out of You: Finding Strength in Hard Seasons

Has anything ever happened in your life that completely knocked the wind out of you? One of those moments that feels unreal—like you’re in a dream—but you know it’s true. A phone call you never expected. A knock at the door late one night. News that instantly changes life as you knew it. Those moments don’t ask for permission. They arrive suddenly and leave you trying to catch your breath.

A Moment That Pushes You to Your Limit

I remember reading Psalm 66 one day and thinking, “I might need to retire from the ‘blessing’ business.” At least for a while. After reading the passage, it felt more honest to sit in the space of, “Are you sure this really needed to happen?” Because one thing was clear—I felt pushed to the limit.

“Bless our God, O peoples! Give him a thunderous welcome! Didn’t he set us on the road to life? Didn’t he keep us out of the ditch? He trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires, brought us into hard country, pushed us to our very limit… Finally he brought us to a well-watered place.” — Psalm 66:8–12 (MSG)

When Feeling God’s Presence Feels Impossible

If we’re honest, blessing God in the middle of a struggle can feel impossible. It’s hard to imagine that God is still with us when pain feels overwhelming. During a season of deep grief after my sister passed away, I didn’t feel God’s presence at all. I felt buried under sorrow. If God was there, it felt like He was hiding—and doing a very good job of it.

Even when I couldn’t feel Him, He never left. God was with me. Most days, the only reason I could get out of bed was because He gave me strength. He placed people in my life who encouraged me. He sent reminders through His word at just the right moment. He connected me with others who understood this kind of loss.

God Is Steady Even When We Are Not

When our hearts are heavy with grief, He is with us. When life feels overwhelming and uncertain, He is with us. When relationships end, and answers don’t come, He is with us. When we can’t see how things will ever turn around, He is with us. We may not recognize it in the moment—but His presence is steady, even when our emotions are not.

Practical Takeaways: When Life Feels Overwhelming

1. Acknowledge what knocked the wind out of you. Naming the pain is not weakness—it’s honesty.
2. Speak up instead of shutting down. You don’t need perfect words. You need to be real.
3. Allow support instead of isolating. Strength often comes through connection.
4. Trust that this season is not the end of your story. Hard moments can still lead to meaningful purpose.

A Final Word of Hope

If life feels heavy right now, take heart. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. And this moment does not define your future. There is hope for every situation. There is healing for pain. There is comfort for sorrow. I’m in your corner. And even more importantly, God is in your corner. And He believes you are worth it.

A Personal Invitation from Me to You

If you’re navigating a season of pain, grief, or unexpected life challenges, I invite you to join me for a one-on-one coaching session. Together, we’ll explore what God is teaching you and take steps forward with clarity, hope, and renewed strength.

💛 I would love to walk with you. Click below to schedule your personal coaching session with me today and take the next faithful step in your journey.