Everyone struggles, it's just part of human nature. However, I believe how we handle our struggles define who we truly are. Lately, I have been pretty selfish. I pray to God that things go my way, I pray God brings me happiness and peace, and I pray that I won't have to struggle anymore. I've been so frustrated because He has been silent. I haven't been happy, or peaceful, or struggle-less (I think that's a word). It has taken me forever, but in the past few weeks I have experienced an incredible message:

I can't expect God not to be silent when my Bible has remained shut.

I would never expect for someone to do something for me when I haven't put forth any effort to do something for them. It's finally hit me that I've been doing that with God. When I expect so much from Him, I need to start asking myself, what have I done to please or honor Him?

I often get too caught up in my struggles that I forget to thank Him for all I have, which I think is something we can all relate to. I was going through some old journals and I discovered some of the old verses I used to write that brought me peace.

I really hope these verses uplift your spirits as they did mine.

Romans 12:9

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

Cling to what is good. I think we all have a tendency to do this, we forget to "love in action." God wants us to be devoted to one another in love. Yes, hate what is evil, but never repay evil with more evil. Romans chapter 12 continues to tell us that we can always overcome any evil by being good. Even if it seems impossible, we are to live at peace with everyone.

James 1:19 - 1:27

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce that righteousness that God desires."

James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." I strongly recommend for everyone to read the entire first chapter of James. It has helped me through so many different circumstances. When I was struggling, when I was hurting, when I was confused, when I was lost, it inspires me every time I read it. We should not allow the world as it is to corrupt who we are. We should never deceive who we are, or our faith for that matter.

Philippians 4:6

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done."

As we live our lives through Jesus Christ, we stay guarded. Our hearts, mind and strength are protected as we fix our minds to what is pure. I think we overlook this concept too often. We let worry overcome our happiness and we let doubt seep into our faith. We all need to remember that God is the best listener and most forgiving helper. Give your struggles to Him and peace will overcome you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 5:18

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Yes, we should give our struggles to God, but we shouldn't forget to praise Him when our prayers are answered. It's easy to continually ask for things to make life easier, but instead we should rejoice in Him for what He has brought us.

Another favorite verse of mine that has a similar message is Psalm 106:1 which says, "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." As long as we keep praising Him, He will continue to bless us.

Proverbs 16:9

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

We can plan, and plan, and... plan until we can't plan things anymore. However, God's path will always prevail. It's important that we don't stop trusting in Him, even when the plan seems to be the opposite of what we wanted. He knows where we have been so He knows exactly where we're going, even when we don't.

Isaiah 7:9

"...If you don't stand firm in your faith, you won't stand at all."

I mean it's pretty self-explanatory. Even though it seems like such a broad, simple idea, it's not any less significant. It can be applied in so many different aspects of life. If you're not really giving something your full effort, what are you even doing? If you're not willing to stand up and defend your relationship with God, can you really call yourself faithful?

Esther 4:14

"... who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

More popularly put, "Perhaps this is the moment for which you were created." In Esther 4:13 - 4:14 we learn that even though things are tough, our destiny is simply our destiny and God put us here for a reason. The entire book of Esther is another one of my top recommended, especially for the ones struggling to find purpose or hope.

1 Corinthians 2:9

"What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived -- the things God has prepared for those who love Him."

Corinthians as a whole brings me so much joy, obviously I couldn't leave it out. This specific verse has always brought me happiness because I know that God will always be opening doors for me. Keep this verse close, especially if you're feeling like your life is at a standstill. Don't worry about the future because it's in His hands anyways, we shouldn't doubt Him.

Just by writing this article I was inspired to be more devoted in my faith, and I really hope it has uplifted you all the same. Most of these verses are meant to remind you that with God, you won't fail. Times will be so bad and you'll think there is no hope, but God is always there.

When you think He is being silent, ask yourself if you've done all you can to be worthy of an answer.