When faith feels strained, it can often feel overwhelming and disheartening. One practical approach is to openly express your feelings to God through prayer or journaling. Writing down your thoughts can provide clarity and allow you to release the burdens you carry. It’s essential to recognize that questioning one’s faith is a part of spiritual growth. Just like in any relationship, it’s natural to face challenges and have discussions about feelings of doubt.
Engaging in community support can also provide strength during tough times. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family or joining a faith-based group can foster an environment of encouragement and shared experiences. Often, hearing others’ testimonies of overcoming challenges can reignite one’s faith and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles.
Meditation and mindfulness practices can help you find peace amidst chaos. Consider setting aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, allowing your mind to rest. This mindfulness can create a space for God’s presence to seep into your life, enabling you to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
It can also be helpful to immerse yourself in scripture or uplifting spiritual literature. Reading verses that resonate with you or diving into books that focus on perseverance in faith can bolster your spirit. Look for stories that demonstrate how others have faced adversity and emerged with a stronger sense of hope.
Creating a gratitude list can significantly shift your perspective. When feeling overwhelmed, jot down a few things you’re thankful for each day. This simple exercise can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life, even during turbulent times. Acknowledging small blessings, such as a warm cup of coffee or a kind gesture from a stranger, can help restore faith in the goodness of life.
Engaging in acts of service can also bring about a positive transformation in your life. Helping others often allows individuals to see beyond their struggles and reignite a sense of purpose. Volunteering at local charities or simply offering support to friends in need can help steer the focus away from your own challenges and bring joy to others.
Remember that faith is often about holding fast to the promise of better days ahead. Reflect on the times in your life when you’ve seen God’s faithfulness in action. Whether through answered prayers or unexpected blessings, acknowledging these moments can help renew your perspective. God’s timeline doesn’t always match our own, but trusting in a bigger plan can provide comfort during challenging seasons.
Sometimes, engaging with inspirational media can provide encouragement. Listen to faith-driven podcasts, watch uplifting videos, or read articles that share stories of hope and perseverance. Recognizing that others have faced similar challenges can provide a sense of solidarity and motivation.
Lastly, lean into prayer as a source of strength. When you feel pressure building, turn to God with every emotion you’re experiencing, whether frustration, sadness, or confusion. Sharing your burdens can bring you a profound sense of relief and help you reclaim hope for the days to come.
Here’s a prayer for those who may need lifting in their faith:
“Dear God, we come before you with our burdens and doubts. We ask for strength and understanding as we navigate through life’s challenges. Help us find hope when we feel lost and remind us of your enduring promises. May we lean on your love to guide us through our struggles. Amen.”
Loving you from here,
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
Bio: Life Lessons by Jenine Marie is a spiritually guided life transformation company founded by Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry. Its mission is to guide women on a journey of emotional healing, spiritual awakening, and self-empowerment by teaching them how to transform fear into love, uncover their divine purpose, and create lives rooted in joy, clarity, and self-worth.
References
Horton, M. (2017). The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way. Crossway.
Loehr, J., & Schwartz, T. (2003). The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal. Free Press.
Manning, B. J. (2006). The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out. Multnomah Books.
Further Reading Suggestions
- Nouwen, H. J. M. (1997). The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming. Doubleday.
- Peterson, E. H. (2002). A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society. InterVarsity Press.
- Ortberg, J. (2008). The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God’s Best Version of You. Zondervan.
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 