How to Have Faith When You're Struggling: 8 Tips from a Christian Counselor
Key Takeaways:
Faith is a Journey, Not a Destination: Struggles and faith crises are a natural part of the spiritual journey and can lead to deeper trust in God when approached with openness and reflection.
Practical Steps Can Strengthen Faith: Actions like embracing struggles, practicing gratitude, and serving others can help shift perspective and nurture faith during difficult times.
Support is Essential: Building a Christian community or seeking guidance from a Christian counselor, like Janae Kim Therapy, can provide a safe space to grow and heal.
Have you ever wondered how to have faith and trust God again? Struggling is a part of the human experience and many Christians experience faith questions at one point or another. Whether it's facing uncertainty, heartbreak, loss, or moments of doubt, difficult seasons can feel overwhelming and even isolating. During these times, it’s natural for faith to feel distant or fragile. Questions like, “Where is God in this?” or “How do I trust Him when life feels so hard?” often arise.
But even in the most challenging moments, faith can be a source of strength and hope. It can anchor the heart and provide a sense of peace, even when the storm rages on. True faith isn’t about having all the answers or never doubting—it’s about continuing to trust, even when the path ahead feels unclear.
As a Christian counselor, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many people through their struggles. I’ve seen firsthand how integrating faith with practical steps can help restore hope, strengthen trust in God, and lead to healing. In this article, I’ll share eight compassionate and practical tips to help you hold onto your faith and belief systems when life feels heavy.
Let’s walk this journey together, trusting that even in the hardest moments, God is present, loving, and working for good.
Understanding Faith Crises
A Christian faith crisis doesn’t mean you’ve lost your faith—it means you’re wrestling with it. These moments often arise when life’s challenges feel too big, unanswered questions and prayers weigh heavily, or the Holy Spirit seems distant. It’s important to understand that a faith crisis is not a failure; it’s a natural part of the spiritual journey.
In times of struggle, questions may emerge: “Why is this happening?” “Does God really see me?” or “Am I still worthy of His love?” These thoughts can feel overwhelming, but they are also an opportunity to grow deeper in your relationship with God.
How to Believe in God Again When You're Struggling
1. Embrace Your Struggles
It can be tempting to push away pain, ignore doubts, or suppress difficult emotions, but struggles are often where God does His most transformative work. Embracing your struggles doesn’t mean you have to enjoy them—it means allowing yourself to acknowledge what you’re feeling and bringing those emotions to God.
Consider taking a moment to sit with your feelings in prayer. Talk to God honestly—share your fears, frustrations, and questions. He doesn’t ask for perfect words, only an open heart. Embracing your struggles in this way isn’t a sign of weak faith; it’s an act of trust, a declaration that you believe God can handle even the heaviest burdens.
Through this process, you may begin to see that struggles, while painful, can be a path to growth. They can deepen your understanding of God’s love, strengthen your faith, and prepare you for greater compassion toward others. Trust that even in the midst of hardship, God is working for your good.
2. Remember God's Unconditional Love
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to question whether God’s love for you has changed. But the truth of God’s Word assures us that His love is unwavering and unconditional.
God’s love isn’t based on how well you handle struggles or how strong your faith feels. It’s rooted in His unchanging character. He loved you before you ever knew Him, and His love for you remains constant, even in your most vulnerable moments.
If you’re struggling to feel His love, reflect on the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His willingness to endure the cross is the ultimate expression of God’s unconditional love for you. Through Him, you are seen, known, and cherished beyond measure.
Take time to rest in this truth. Let it anchor your heart, especially when doubts arise. God’s love isn’t something you have to earn—it’s freely given, an unshakable foundation to stand on, even in the storm.
3. Build a Strong Christian Community
Navigating struggles can feel isolating, but God designed us to thrive in relationships. Building a strong Christian community can provide the support, encouragement, and accountability needed to strengthen your faith during difficult times. For most Christians, faith grows deeper when shared with others who understand and uphold the same values.
Being part of a Christian community—whether through a church, small group, or close circle of friends—reminds you that you’re not alone. These connections can be a source of prayer, practical help, and emotional support.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider joining a Bible study or reaching out to a trusted friend or pastor. Building these relationships takes time, but the love and support of a Christ-centered community can make all the difference as you navigate life’s challenges.
4. Practice Gratitude
In the midst of struggles, it can feel difficult to focus on anything other than the pain or challenges at hand. Yet, even in the hardest seasons, there are reasons to be thankful. Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to shift your perspective, draw closer to God, and remember His goodness.
Start by reflecting on the little things—sunlight streaming through a window, a kind word from a friend, or the strength to face another day. Writing these moments down in a gratitude journal can help you see how God’s hand is still at work in your life. Over time, gratitude can transform your heart, turning your focus from what’s missing to what God has already provided.
5. Serve Others to Gain Perspective
When life feels heavy, it’s natural to turn inward, focusing on your struggles and pain. Yet one of the most powerful ways to shift your perspective is to serve others. Acts of kindness not only bless those around you but also remind you of God’s purpose for your life, even in the midst of hardship.
Helping others doesn’t erase your own struggles, but it can bring clarity and hope. It reminds you that God is still working through you, even in difficult seasons. Serving often reveals unexpected blessings—a deeper sense of connection, gratitude for what you have, and the realization that God’s grace flows abundantly through your willingness to give.
If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of serving, start small. Even a simple prayer for someone in need or a kind word can plant seeds of hope. As you give to others, you may find that your own heart feels lighter, your faith grows stronger, and your perspective shifts toward God’s unchanging goodness.
6. Take Action and Cultivate a Hopeful Mindset
Faith often grows when paired with action—small, intentional steps that reflect trust in God’s promises and a hopeful outlook for the future.
Taking action doesn’t mean you need to have everything figured out. Instead, it’s about leaning into what God is calling you to do in this moment. This might look like setting aside time for prayer and reflection, seeking wisdom through God’s Word, or even stepping out in faith to try something new that aligns with His purpose for you.
Start by identifying one small step you can take today to invite hope into your life. This might be as simple as creating a list of blessings, reaching out to a friend for encouragement, or spending time in worship. Each step, no matter how small, is an act of faith that says, “Lord, I trust You with my future.”
Cultivating a hopeful mindset doesn’t ignore the challenges you face; rather, it reframes them through the lens of God’s promises. Hope reminds us that struggles are temporary, and in Christ, there is always the assurance of a brighter tomorrow. By taking action and choosing hope, you align your heart with His plan and open the door for His peace to enter your life.
Are You Feeling Lost and Struggling to Believe in God?
Struggles can feel overwhelming, but they are not the end of your story. Faith isn’t about having all the answers or never doubting—it’s about trusting God, even when the path is unclear. Through challenges, faith can grow stronger, refining your heart and deepening your relationship with Him. You don’t have to navigate these seasons alone. God’s presence is with you every step of the way, and sometimes the best thing you can do is reach out for support.
Find Support with Janae Kim Therapy
At Janae Kim Therapy, I provide a safe and compassionate space to help you process your struggles, explore your faith, and find hope again. If you’re stuck questioning faith or unsure of how to move forward, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Together, we can lean into God’s promises, discover practical steps to nurture your faith, and create a path toward growth.
You don’t have to have it all figured out—I’m here to help you put one foot in front of the other and take that next step. Let’s work together to rediscover the strength and peace that God offers, even in the hardest times. Connect with me to learn more about my Christian counseling services and how they can support your spiritual journey.
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