Are you in a difficult situation? It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, know that God understands your pain and holds your heart close to his. Here are a few helpful tips as you navigate the road ahead and some spiritual guidance.

Know that Your Feelings Are Legitimate

Unfortunately, often women are told to ignore their feelings and intuitions and are dismissed as hormonal or dramatic. Know that whatever you’re experiencing is real and you are perfectly entitled to feeling the way you do. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are and advocate for yourself.

Talk to a Trusted Advisor

The Bible encourages us to seek wise counsel in Proverbs 19:20. Remember that when you’re going through a difficult time, you’re not meant to bare the burden alone. Talk to trusted friends, someone in your church, and even consider talking to a professional counselor who will keep your concerns completely confidential.

Ask God for Guidance

The Holy Spirit is our best guide in difficult situations, particularly when we need to take action. Whether it’s an unplanned pregnancy, a health concern, a problem with a significant other, a difficult friend, or anything else, know that the Holy Spirit is within you and longs to connect with you. Pray about this situation. Pour your heart out to the Lord and consider mediating on these scriptures:

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, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. – Proverbs 46:1-3

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—  my father’s God, and I will exalt him! – Exodus 15:2

 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. – Psalm 9:9-10

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. – Exodus 33:14