#doubt reference

[rikkalorelei]

Thoughts on Doubt

I get the best, most through provoking questions sometimes. Occasionally, I am asked to respond privately, but feel that others would benefit from reading my ramblings. So here’s a little bit of the ramblings I’ve been sending out the last few days.

On Doubt: Doubt is an important part of any Christian's life, because without doubt, we wouldn't have the chance to exercise free will.  Whenever you have doubt, step back, look at your choices, PRAY! and follow your gut.

It sounds like you are afraid of what to do, not because of what God is telling you, but what others are influencing you with. Hold tight to your faith. Pray, talk to God. Pour out your heart to Him. Welcome Him to show you the way. I am positive you will find your path, whatever it may be. Some of the greatest Saints are such because they shunned what the world was telling them to do and followed God's plan, no matter how unconventional or outrageous. 

[rikkalorelei]

Did you find yourself doubting that you were doing the right thing ever in the eyes of God?

(A lovely blog asked me this question privately, but it was too good of a question to keep from my followers, who I know some also might be struggling with the same pothole.)

I find that I doubt myself nearly every week. I shared a quote a few days ago about doubt being another sacrament for us. Without doubt, how would we be sure that we have free will? If we were sure of every choice we made, how would God have that moment to gently guide us in the direction He would like us to go while still allowing us free will? That doubt will never leave your life, even if you fell away and became atheist. You would just have to handle it in a different way.

Whenever I get the doubts about my path, I pray. I journal my thoughts and fears. In truly hard circumstances, I pray about it, then I either do bibliomancy (where one asks or thinks of the problem while opening the Bible or another book to a random page and reading the first line that strikes you) or a clarification reading via tarot or playing cards. I’ve prayed so many times asking for signs and, as of yet, I am sure this is the path for me and that I am meant to help others along their own.

Doubt that is allowed to linger can shake the strongest conviction to the ground. I’ve seen it ruin relationships, careers, and people completely. I feel is is better to go straight at doubt, to figure out why it is present, and to focus on what you need to do to put your trust in God (your partner, etc) and keep going.