Not long ago, I fell into anxiety and depression…. I tried to force myself to focus on what I had to do, but I couldn’t…. While I was suffering from anxiety and depression, even my prayers lacked faith….
Two months ago, after I felt better, I began to examine myself in the light of God’s Word because my life wasn’t truly reflecting the character of Christ…. In those moments questions crossed my mind such as, “Is there really a God, or is it all just a scam?” …
I fear that I’m not really saved from my sin. To this day my repentance from sin and my faith are superficial…. I know that it’s a sin to have those doubts. I try to believe… while struggling with unbelief. I am frustrated, desperate, and confused.
Dear Friend,
We are very sorry for what you have been going through. We hope that our counsel gives you the answers you are looking for.
Anxiety and depression are natural human emotions that come as a result of difficulties or losses. God has not promised to keep us free of those kinds of problems, but He has promised to be with us as we go through them.
However, sometimes an imbalance of brain chemicals can cause anxiety and depression to become trapped in our brains, and we can’t seem to get better. When that happens, these powerful emotions can influence all of our thinking. We may begin to doubt that people care about us, doubt that we have value, or doubt that God is still with us.
You say that this kind of doubting is a sin, but we disagree. It is human to doubt, and it is expected that doubt will come along with anxiety and depression. Some of the most well-known characters of the Bible struggled through times of doubt. King David, Moses, Elijah, and Thomas are just a few examples. As we read the history of these men, we find that they suffered from doubt, anxiety, and even from some depression. But God chose them to be examples for all of us. And just as God helped them to work through their doubt, we know that He will also help us.
You also say that you’re afraid that God has not really saved you from your sin. Are you sorry for the ways that you have sinned? Have you asked God to forgive you? Are you trying to live differently by following the teachings of the Bible? Are you trying to get closer to God every day? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you have been saved from your sin. Faith is choosing to believe it even when you don’t feel it.
Please read Case 293 to benefit from the counsel we gave to someone who was also struggling with doubt. In addition, we recommend that you study the life of King David in the Bible and read his prayers that are found in the book of Psalms.
We wish you well,
Linda
Linda