Ever been sitting around one day and wondering what to do? Have you tried to pray to fill out the boredom yet you feel like you’ve lost your faith? You think you used to have an intimate relationship with God, but now that you’re feeling empty and broken inside, you begin to question whether God exists at all. Well, good news! You don’t have to worry about it. Just embrace it—embrace your doubts!
Let’s all be honest here, we’re neither a saint nor an expert in spiritual and religious life yet we feel like we are driven to know more about our faith—although dying—because we think we’re born in this world for a purpose. We receive questions frequently from our atheist friends yet their qualms somehow resonate to us since we, ourselves, are not even entirely sure about the ultimate truth, about whether God is indeed real. Through these problematic undertakings we’re facing in our own spiritual life, we should accept and know that there will be enlightenment at the end of the bleak and rocky road.
So for the sake of the souls who are currently questioning their faith in God, especially to the people who are struggling with beliefs that used to come naturally to them, here are a few reminders that could help in answering the ever inquisitive brain:
1. Be certain that what sets you back is just ‘doubt’.
First, make sure that what truly hinders your faith in growing is just doubt. Other psychological problems like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, clinical depression, etc. can steer to a lack of intimacy with God that might initially seem like doubts, but have deeper roots that would be best addressed with a qualified theist therapist.
We have to assess our own lives, especially in times when we claim that we’re experiencing doubts, and take a closer look because in that way we may realize that it could just be simply a lack of solace—our spirits in thirst—rather than grave questions about the validity of the teachings of the Faith. ‘Doubt’ is often used as a general term that covers a variety of spiritual problems, so it’s vital to contemplate unceasingly and take a second look to make sure that you’ve analyzed the situation accurately.
2. Admit your shameful transgressions.
Whenever we express discontent and whine about life problems in our prayer life, we should always ask ourselves if we had made a good confession of our sins to God recently. Having doubts isn’t necessarily caused by being in a state of sin, but certainly our sins can fuel any existing feelings of distance from God. Admitting your sins is an important first step to clear your spiritual slate before repenting and moving forward.
3. Research your questions when you’re ready.
We shouldn’t make big decisions when we’re feeling unsettled, most particularly when it comes to matters of faith. If we’re feeling stressed out, drained, irritated, resentful, exhausted, or otherwise agitated, try to regain a sense of tranquility and calm before you begin seeking answers to your questions. Wait until you’re already in a place of peace before abruptly deciding matters that could gain you regrets later on. As much as we like to believe that truth can be learned instantly, but unfortunately, the reality is that our abilities to integrate and examine facts are always affected by our mental condition—especially when it comes to those truths that cannot be deduced mathematically or through the scientific method alone.
4. Get involved. Be part of the community.
What we see most often in people with doubts is the ill feeling, the aggrieved feelings caused by a sense of having been badly treated. When we have long conversations with people who are having serious questions about their faith, more often than not the subject will turn to some unresolved hurt in their lives. It makes sense because we all know that God is love itself and to seek the truth about God is to seek the truth about love. Therefore, our view of love becomes clouded when we’ve been hurt by those who were supposed to love us. Forgiving those who have wounded us is much easier said than done, and may even take months or years but it’s a necessity.
Going through a time of doubt can be an alienating experience. Specifically if it seems that everyone around you has a rock-solid faith life, you might be cautious to talk to your family or friends about what you’re thinking. This is where involvement in a community can be extremely helpful. The people in the community will help you examine your questions in a relaxed environment, and you don’t have to worry about it leading to arguments or tension the way it might with other erratic people in your personal life.
5. Keep praying and ask others to pray for you.
It’s a natural reaction to stop talking to God if you’re not even sure that he’s there to hear you, but keep doing it anyway. Tell Him that you have your doubts. Ask for His divine touch that He may help and guide you to the right people and resources. Also, don’t forget to remain open to any answers you might receive. Ask others to pray for you too because after all we’re a community. If you don’t want to tell them you have doubts, just say it’s for a special intention. This may be the most difficult step of all, especially if you’ve been questioning your faith for a long time, but it is also the most important and relieving step. It will make you feel that you’re not alone in this journey, that there will be people ready to uplift your heart and would gladly assist you in any way to fulfill God’s commandments.
The good news is that many people have come through their times of doubt and emerged more vibrant and more faithful than ever before. Honestly speaking, it seems like the worst periods of spiritual confusion often pave the way to the most wonderful spiritual transformations.
A wise man once said, “Our self-definition ultimately has to come from God.” God loves each of us as we are because He Himself made us. It can be oftentimes hard to feel such worthiness yet we must at least strive hard to trust and believe. Perhaps we should try going outside. Stay silent for a minute and then listen. Close our eyes. Breathe. And then pray for ourselves and others especially for those who are in need. Remember, God’s will is our peace.
Going out may also help to get moving. To escape your own worries, try doing something small for someone else. Make a meal for a street child. Visit someone in jail. Watch meaningful and thought-provoking movies with your friends. Grow a garden with your mom. Go to church regularly. Get involved in a community and volunteer. Visit with a weary neighbor. Call an old friend.
