Difficult seasons are part of life. We all go through them from time to time. But even though we all experience them, that doesn’t mean that we should have to walk through them alone. Paul addresses this in Galatians 6:2, writing, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
As the Body of Christ, we’re called to bear one another’s burdens and extend the love and compassion of Jesus to those who are hurting. Whether someone is facing grief, loss, illness, or uncertainty, God invites us to be His hands and feet in their lives.
Here are four practical and Spirit-led ways to bless someone walking through a hard time:
1. Pray for Them
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:18
When someone is hurting, the most powerful thing we can do is pray. God hears our prayers and responds to them. Most of us have good intentions to pray for those in difficult seasons, but let’s be honest, how many times have we said, “I’ll pray for you,” and then forgotten? Instead of good intentions, let’s become people of intentional prayer. Rather than saying that we will pray for them, we can actually pray with them in the moment.
We can also text a voice memo prayer, or write out a prayer and send it to them if we are not with them. Another good idea is to set a reminder on your phone to keep lifting them up in prayer regularly. We should not only pray for breakthrough or relief, but also for strength to endure, peace in the storm, and most importantly, a deeper intimacy with Jesus in the midst of their struggle.
2. Encourage Them
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
When we’re in a hard season, it’s easy to lose perspective. Pain clouds our vision and makes it hard to see God’s goodness. That’s when encouragement becomes a lifeline. When we encourage those who need it, it reminds them that they are not alone, that they are seen, and that God is still at work.
When someone needs encouragement in a difficult season, we can ask God to bring to mind specific Scriptures or worship songs to share with them. Another we can help is by writing an encouraging note with scripture that speaks words of life over them. They are usually so focused on their circumstance, an outside perspective helps remind them that God is good and that they are seen and not alone.
Your voice might be the very thing God uses to lift their eyes back to Him.
3. Listen to Them
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Listening is one of the most underrated acts of love. In our rush to fix or offer advice, we often forget that what hurting people need most is simply to be heard. Usually, when we try to jump to problem-solving and fixing the issue, the one in pain does not feel heard or seen. We may not be able to change their situation, but we can listen and point them back to the God who can and does.
We must learn to be quick to listen and slow to speak. We don’t have to worry about having the perfect response or having all the answers. Our silent presence can be more healing than any words. We should acknowledge their pain and their circumstance and ask, “How can I be here for you today?” When we do speak, we should let our words point gently back to God’s truth and His heart for them.
4. Help Them
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3–4
Sometimes the most meaningful blessing is practical help. Serving someone in their struggle requires sacrifice and reflects the love of Christ. When in a difficult season, the most important thing we can do is get them to see Jesus. If we can serve them and look like Him, it will remind them of His love and goodness.
Some practical ways we can offer help are by bringing over a meal, tidying up their house, folding laundry, or doing the dishes. We can also offer to watch their kids or ask if they need groceries or errands run. We should be intentional in looking for opportunities where we can help ease the burden. Even small acts of service reveal God’s love and can bring great comfort to those who are hurting.
Every difficult season is a chance for the Church to shine the love of Christ.
Our prayers, encouragement, presence, and practical help can make a profound impact on those facing tough circumstances.
As we step in with compassion, we must remember that it’s not about fixing the problem; it’s about faithfully walking with people and pointing them to the One who never leaves or forsakes them.
When we bless others in their valley, we reflect the heart of Jesus—giving them hope, peace, and pointing them to the God who can change everything in a moment and strengthen them in every valley.