Peace family, what do you do when it feels like the truths that God says about you and your future aren’t true? Do you ever question God’s love for you, and his character?
Every believer wrestles through doubt sometimes, so don’t feel alone. There are at least a few practical methods you can use to help yourself as you work through it.
I’ll say this first because sometimes, it feels the most difficult to do: remember to reach out to others! Get your close, safe friends praying for you and reminding you of how much God loves you. Let them pray for you when you feel too weak to pray for yourself. Sometimes, friends can say just the right truth to us, and it’s comforting to know that someone else cares. Even though they can’t work through your doubts for you, it is comforting to know that you aren’t alone.
Try to shift your focus to God, remembering what the Bible says. If we can accept that what God thinks and feels is more important than what we think and feel, and that what we feel might not be reality, then that can help us rest long enough to get our hearts and minds back into balance if we are exhausted or hurting. This is why praising God- thanking him out loud or listening to praise music- is so important. We need to shift our focus to him and how big he is. No matter how big or out-of-control our struggles or pains seem, he is still bigger. Take time to thank him out loud for all of the good things in your life, and think back through hard times you have made it through before. If you have old journals, look and see how much you have grown, and how much God has worked in your life.
Finally, remember that we are not robots. We are physical creatures, made of flesh and blood. I don’t think you’d expect your dog, cat, or child to function well if he hadn’t had anything to eat and had been kept awake for too long. When I feel like I am just not myself, I try to meet my physical needs by getting a little exercise (even something as simple as a walk), eating something healthy, having some vitamins, and getting some sleep. It is amazing what a difference meeting those simple needs can make!
Protect your heart. Spend time alone, or with safe people, and have grace for people who try to comfort you with cliches or know “all the answers.”
Peace family, I don’t know what your specific situation might be, but these are some skills that have helped me for years. If you are working through doubt today, be encouraged! You will be stronger on the other end of it. I am praying for you today, Peace family!
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