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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I have received some very bad news from my doctor and I feel as though God has abandoned me. Church friends have been pretty direct in telling me that I’m wrong to feel this way. I have followed the Lord and I didn’t think I’d have to face such bad news. I do want to be a faithful follower of Jesus and I don’t like to make life about me, but I wonder if there are examples that can help me in my despair. – B.N.

A: God is an ever-present help in trouble, but we sometimes allow bitterness to keep Him at a distance.

Trouble will not hurt us unless it does what many of us too often allow it to do – harden us, making us sour, bitter, and skeptical. The trouble we bear trustfully brings to us a fresh vision of God, and, as a result, we discover a new outlook on life.

Joy in the Lord does not depend on circumstances. Christian joy is completely independent of health, environment, and the things we encounter on our earthly journey. Many faithful Christians have found tremendous hope in reaching out to others who are experiencing bad news. Thinking of others can be an antidote to negative and unhealthy introspection.

If we make our sorrow and trouble an occasion for learning more of God’s love and of His power to aid and bless, then it will teach us to have a firmer confidence in His providence, and as a result of this, the brightness of His love will fill our lives.

When we trust God with a childlike dependence, no trouble can overcome us. When the heart fails us, we still can have the assurance that Jesus is with us and we can say with the psalmist, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.