We All Have Seasons of Doubt
Sisterhood in Christ is beautiful, but let’s be honest – even the most faithful women experience seasons of doubt. It may seem like everyone is getting their life in order while you are struggling to stay afloat. Maybe life has thrown you a curveball – a health scare, a job loss, a strained relationship. Perhaps the world feels chaotic, and you are wondering where God is in all of it.
Sarah, a vibrant young woman deeply involved in her church, found herself questioning her faith after a car accident left her with chronic pain. “Going from active and outgoing to relying on others was humbling,” she shares. “I felt so lost. Where was God in my suffering?”
Doubt is a normal part of the faith journey. Our season of doubt can be short, or it can be much longer. The disciple Thomas served Jesus for a long time, yet he doubted His resurrection. The Bible has many stories of faithful people who wrestled with doubt – from David who questioned God’s justice, to Job who suffered unimaginable loss and affliction. These stories remind us that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from God’s love. It is part of our human nature and God knows that better than we do. After all, He is our Creator.
How to Move from Doubt Back to Devotion
Admit that You Have Doubts: Don’t pretend they don’t exist. Talk to God about them! In Psalm 88 the Psalmist cried out to God in his moments of doubt. Be honest with yourself and with Him.
Reorder Your Activities and Make a Fresh Start: Sometimes, doubt creeps in when we feel distanced from God’s word. It could have happened over time because we got busy and started to spend less and less time doing essential and important activities. Eventually it became a norm and now here we are like a lost wandering sheep, not knowing where to go next or what to do. It could also have happened suddenly because of a life-changing event you experienced. Regardless of the cause, change that today. Make time for prayer and daily Bible reading, even if it’s just a few verses. You might be surprised by the comfort and guidance you find. Just by returning to your basic Christian habits you will begin to feel more at peace.
Find Your Village: Surround yourself with other Christian women. A supportive community can be a lifeline during doubt-filled seasons. Join a Bible study group or find a Christian mentor. Sarah found strength in connecting with a group of women who understood her struggles. “Sharing my doubts with them, and hearing their stories, helped me realize I wasn’t alone,” she says. “On days when I would be lying in my bed wallowing in self-pity, I had to push myself to attend, which gradually removed the focus on myself and broadened my horizons.”
Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful antidote for doubt. Take time each day to thank God for the blessings in your life, big or small. Don’t take them for granted. Regardless of the negatives you encounter in life, there must be some positives. If some things that you are taking for granted are taken away, you will make you see that the other challenges are minuscule in comparison. Focusing on what you have fosters a sense of trust in God’s provision.
Worship: Singing praises and spending time in prayer can lift your spirit and reconnect you with God’s presence. Even if you don’t feel like it at first, make the effort to worship God. Think back to the times when praising God or listening to gospel music made you feel like you could do anything. You were so inspired that the stumbling blocks you encountered could not dampen your spirit.
Serve Others: Serving others takes the focus off your own problems and reminds you of God’s bigger plan. Volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen, or simply offer help to a friend in need.
Recognize that reigniting your faith is a continuous walk with God. There will be bumps along the road, but with each step of surrender and trust, you will find yourself growing closer and closer to God.
Practical Ideas You Should Consider Applying:
Find a Bible study that speaks to you. There are many resources available online and in your local church.
Listen to uplifting Christian music.
Start a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
Write out some encouraging scripture verses on small cards and take them everywhere to reassure and perk up yourself throughout the day. You can also save them on your phone. Eventually, you will learn the words and won’t need the cards.
Spend time in nature. Reflect on God’s creation and the beauty that surrounds you.
Start a new hobby. Doing something new that you like can energize you.
Read inspirational books.
Try to encourage someone else who you know is struggling in their journey with God. Remember to be kind and gentle with them as you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.
Most importantly, know that God loves you no matter what doubts you are having. He is always there, waiting for you to turn back to Him. Never doubt that. God hates sin but does not want us to fall by the wayside.
Are you struggling with doubts? Every person’s struggle with doubt is different but there are some common threads. Please share your story in the comments section below, and let’s encourage each other on this faith walk!