An anonymous quote describes my life experience of late: “If every day is a gift then today was socks.” Do I have doubts of God’s goodness or is my faith is wavering?
Nope! Doubts and down days are part of the human experience. In a 2015 article, Billy Graham responded to the notion that depression was a spiritual matter that required more prayer. Although he agreed prayer is helpful, he recommended seeking professional help when needed to navigate through all the issues. Besides life changing events and uncontrollable circumstances, like a global pandemic, root causes could be a chemical imbalance in our bodies caused by hormones or eating too much junk food.
Mother Teresa often wrote about feeling lonely and forgotten by God, and the Bible offers endless examples of man’s struggles between physical and spiritual experiences. God gave us doctors, friends, and family to help us. Each individual determines what they need to work through their difficulties.
Face doubt with Self Care
We may feel we ought to move on from these days easily or not have them at all. We shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves. Don’t rush, take time. God is not judging our love or belief in Him, He knows our heart.
Occupy your mind with a creative project, listen to music, have a good cry, or take a drive in the car. Focus and refresh your faith by reading the Bible or testimonies from other Christians. Trust your belief in God and treat yourself with kindness. Rest and remind yourself of the good in your life. Finally, in your best Scarlett O’Hara voice, lift your head and say, “After all, tomorrow is another day!”
Psalms 94:19 in the Living Bible says, “Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.”
And Lamentations 3:20-23, “Yet there is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day.”
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