Sometimes I just feel lost. The world can be hard. I know who I am, but I don’t always trust whose I am. I will be strong on a path heading towards something good and then BAM! Something just hits me. It is doubt and fear. I begin to question everything I am doing. Do I need to do more? Do I need to do less? Am I headed in the direction that God wants me to travel? How do I know I am doing God’s will?
The Struggle of Doubt and Fear
I know that I am not alone. Many people feel this way. There can be internal conflict between knowing your identity and doubting your direction. Influences (good and bad) from society can derail you. They can make you second guess your purpose and your direction. Society can make you question who you were created to be.
Sometimes moments will hit you that cause you to undermine your confidence. Don’t allow it. Remember that you are not perfect. You will make mistakes. You may even fail. That is ok. You need to learn to grow. When doubt and fear rear their unsightly selves, remember Avodah, “Finding Seamless Joy in Work, Worship, and Service.” (themanagementsherpa.com) Knowing who you are and confirming your mission or purpose will help to keep doubt and fear away.
Remember these scripture verses to help you stay strong:
2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” (usccb.org)
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;
In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.” (usccb.org)
The Power of Influence: Who’s Around You?
I am blessed with several people in my life that help guide me back to faith and God when I start to stray. It is truly important to surround yourself with Godly, faith-filled people. Who do you turn to when you need a faith pick-me-up? Check out your faith community for faith support groups. Confide in a friend with the same beliefs and values. We all benefit from accountability partners. The area of faith is no different.
Just as important as who you surround yourself with is avoiding toxic influences that fuel self-doubt and confusion. People who are always negative, have the “poor me” attitude or who are quick to point out the faults in others, are not the best company to keep. You will become completely drained trying to fill their cup.
Pray with the following scripture to help you choose wisely:
1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be led astray: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (usccb.org)
Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and you become wise, but the companion of fools fares badly.” (usccb.org)
What You Feed Your Mind Matters
What are you watching, listening to and reading? Yes, it is important to keep up with what is going on in the world, but there is as much truth to “you are what you eat” as “junk in, junk out” when it comes to your thoughts, actions and beliefs. The more you digest information that is negative and focuses on your weaknesses, the more negative and weak you become.
Replace “mental junk food” with scripture, wisdom, and truth. Spend time learning new, positive habits. Follow Romans 12:2, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” (usccb.org) Philippians 4:8 reminds us “… whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (usccb.org)
The Role of Prayer and Faith
Grounding yourself daily in prayer helps to combat confusion. Not only pray, but truly listen for God’s words as He speaks to you through prayer. On particularly hard days, pray with James 1:5-6, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind.” Ask for that wisdom.
Remember that life is a faith journey. In that journey, faith can be used as a compass in times of uncertainty. According to Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”(usccb.org) Holding on to faith in times of doubt and fear can help guide you in continuing the path God has put you on. This is also a great time to sprinkle in some gratitude for what God has given to you.
Trusting Whose You Are
Remind yourself often that you are God’s. You are loved, chosen, and guided. You were created in His image. It is clearly stated in Isaiah 43:1, “…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.” (usccb.org) You were created for a purpose and you are needed. Rest in this truth even when the path is unclear. God has named you. He has claimed you. He loves you for being you.
A Graceful Awakening
So, what do you do when doubt knocks and fear creeps in? Pause. Breathe. Remember who you are. More importantly, remember Whose you are. quiet the noise around you and lean into the stillness of God’s presence. You can choose to surround yourself with voices that speak life, truth, and faith. Feed your mind with the eternal rather than the temporary. Don’t lose focus on what is truly important. Go back to prayer. Back to scripture. Back to the One who never left you.
Even when the path isn’t clear, God is. Even when you feel lost, you are never truly alone. God is with you. He is leading, shaping, and gently awakening you to His purpose. Look and listen.
If you are feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or like you have lost your footing, you are not alone. Let this be your reminder: You don’t have to have it all figured out to be walking in faith. You just have to keep going; with prayer in your heart, scripture in your mind, and grace as your guide.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In