Walking With Friends Through Hard Times

Friendship is one of God’s greatest gifts. Life isn’t always easy, and sometimes our friends go through seasons that are confusing, painful, or just plain hard. Being there for someone in those times isn’t always about having the right words or fixing everything. Often it is about walking alongside them with love, care, and a bit of creativity.

Here are three ways you can support a friend when life gets tough, with examples from the Bible.

1. Step Into Their Story

It is easy to want to “solve” a problem or tell someone what to do. But sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen and understand what your friend is actually going through.

Example from the Bible: Think of David and Jonathan. Jonathan did not try to fix all of David’s problems, but he entered his story fully. He understood David’s struggles, encouraged him, and remained loyal even when life was complicated (1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20).
Ask simple, gentle questions like:

“Can you tell me more about what is happening?”

“What is the hardest part right now?”

By stepping into their story without rushing in with solutions, you show that their feelings matter and that God is with them in the struggle.

2. Make Space for Faith and Doubt

Hard times can shake anyone’s faith. Being a good friend does not mean having all the answers. It means creating a safe space for your friend to be honest about their questions, fears, or doubts about God.

Example from the Bible: Elijah and Elisha show this well. After Elijah faced discouragement and fear, God sent Elisha alongside him, offering support and encouragement (1 Kings 19:9–18). Elisha did not dismiss Elijah’s doubts. He walked with him and reminded him of God’s presence.

You can pray with your friend, read a short Bible passage together, or just sit quietly and remind them that God’s love does not change.

True friendship includes walking alongside both faith and doubt, showing that it is okay not to have everything figured out.

3. Find Little Ways to Show God’s Presence

Support does not always have to be big or dramatic. Sometimes the most memorable gestures are the small, thoughtful ones that remind a friend of God’s love.

Example from the Bible: Ruth and Naomi are a great example. Ruth did not solve Naomi’s grief over losing her husband and sons, but she stayed close, supported her practically, and offered care in simple, tangible ways (Ruth 1:16–17; 2:2–3). Her loyalty and small acts of service showed God’s love in everyday life.

You could leave a note with an encouraging Bible verse, share a meaningful story, or simply check in with a thoughtful message. These gestures show your friend they are not alone and that God’s presence is real in the small moments.

Being a friend in tough times is about more than giving advice or staying nearby. It is about listening, walking alongside, and pointing to God’s love in ways that matter. When we do that, our friendships become living examples of God’s grace, steady, gentle, and full of hope.