Why is Life So Hard (when all you want is easy)?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s asked the question, ‘Why is life so hard?’

Perhaps after a tumultuous year the only thing you’re hoping for is smooth sailing.

Or maybe you’ve paid your dues and Easy Street seems like the perfect reward.

It’s really tempting to think that an easy life follows right living. Right?

One quick look at Psalm 73 and we know that this kind of thinking isn’t new. Asaph looked around and wondered why bad people were prospering and the good people were having it so hard.

What he saw was a generation of wicked people who had no struggles, no worries, and not one care in the world.

‘For sure, I’ve been doing all this good in vain’, he thought.

Have you been there?

I sure have.

I think of myself as a hard worker but I get tired of working hard when I don’t see the rewards? Those are the days I wish life was easier.

Plus, after all I’ve been through these last couple of years, I feel as if…(dare I say it?)…I deserve a break.

I would love nothing more than for life to just settle down. No more hard stuff. No more struggles. Just for a little while?

If you’ve also found yourself wondering why life is so hard, know that you’re not the first. If you think you’ve gotten the short end of the stick for all your right living, well, what can I say, I’ve been there too. You’re surely not alone. Little consolation, I know, but there’s more.

In this world you will have trouble.” John 16:33 NIV

What??!

Yes, you read that right. You WILL have trouble. No if’s, and’s or but’s.

God knew that we needed those words. He knew that our hearts are inclined to the easy life. The life free from trouble and heartache and pain. But rather than give us empty promises and a false sense of hope, He gave us Jesus.

The same Jesus who after telling us that we will have trouble finished his sentence with this: take heart.

But take heart. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Jesus didn’t simply stop at warning us that life won’t be easy, he went on to give us hope.

Why is Life So Hard? 3 Ways to Take Heart

How can we take heart? Here are three things to help us when we ask why life is so hard.

1. Dig into the Word

Jesus’s life encourages us when we see how he dealt with troubles. He knew a thing or two about living the hard life, don’t you agree? Consider reading the book of John and take note of the way Jesus rose to each challenge he faced. What can you learn from him? How can you shift your thinking based on what you learn? How can you respond differently during your next struggle?

Don’t stop with Jesus, either. Remember, Asaph? In Psalm 73 he admitted that he’d nearly lost his footing until he spent time with God. Make a list of other Biblical characters who rose above their challenges and spend some time being encouraged by them.

2. Change your focus

As hard as life can be it feels ten times worse when I spend time thinking about me and all my troubles. Oh, what a difference it makes when I choose to focus on something or someone other than me. Who needs my help? Who needs a listening ear? Who can I spend time with today?

Often, I’ll find that I’m not the only one with troubles. And usually my troubles pale in comparison to what others are going through. But just the fact that I’m spending time with someone else and taking the focus off of me — that in itself helps a lot.

3. Be encouraged

In addition to reaching out to help someone else, I also need to seek out encouragement for myself. We need people in our corner who will lift our arms when we’re feeling battle worn. And I especially value friends who will remind me that ‘this too shall pass’ (cause it always does). Do yourself a favor and surround yourself with friends like that.

So, when life feels hard, take heart! Your struggles might still be there, but I’m willing to bet your perspective will be a whole lot better.

How about you?

When you find yourself asking why is life so hard, how do you respond? Do you have some tips for overcoming that you’d like to share in the comments? I’d love to know.

Wishing you blessings, 

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