Losing Faith!–Part 1

February 25, 2021

Losing Faith—Part I!

Not long ago someone shared, “I am losing my faith.” 

They went on to explain that they had not fallen deep into a sinful life-style, they had not given up on God or the Church, and they had not slipped into some deep depression leading them to hopelessness or helplessness.

The conversation made it clear that their career was on track and expanding, their life at home was wholesome and healthy, and their time with friends was enjoyable and fulfilling.  And yet, they were deeply concerned because they were losing their faith. 

They elaborated, “I am drifting; I’m scared that I am drifting away from Jesus.”

There was something about their anxiety and fear that was authentic and sincere.  At the same time, I did not feel like they were being totally honest about what was going on in their spiritual life.  I sensed that they were still wearing a mask to cover up the confusion in their heart and the consternation in their mind.

Losing faith is real…and often very frightening.  The foundation upon which we have built our life, our values, and maybe even our relationships feels like it is crumbling.  We call out to Jesus, but don’t feel the connection or hear an answer.  The Psalmist knows the fear of losing faith.

In Psalm 69:16-18 we hear; “Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.  Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress—make haste to answer me.  Draw near to me, redeem me…”  The Psalmist feels the Lord God is distant.

In Psalm 22:1-2 we hear; “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?  O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.”  The Psalmist feels the Lord God has forgotten him.

The person who approached me was engaged in a season of spiritual striving and struggling.  As with many seasons of spiritual discernment, there is often a process of letting go of non-essentials. 

It might involve letting go of some stuff, letting go of an attitude, or letting go of a behavior.  It might involve letting go of a relationship, letting go of a job, or letting go of laziness in our spiritual disciplines.  It might involve letting go of shame, letting go of sin, or letting go of control.     

This person still trusted Jesus, still loved Jesus, and still served Jesus.  But, the Holy Spirit is leading them to let go of some of the things that were orbiting around their life with and faith in Jesus.  For them, the leading of the Spirit is real and frightening and extraordinarily difficult.  They feel like they are losing faith.

Losing faith in Jesus is often not what is happening.  It is more likely that we are no longer finding meaning in the non-essentials of the spiritual life.  These unnecessary things seem more and more insincere and inauthentic.  These unnecessary things feel like a substitute for what is most important.

The season of Lent is a time when we can set aside some of the unnecessary things in our life and in our relationship with Jesus.  The letting go is a process more than it is a moment.  We will need to lean on Jesus, engage with a small group, and seek the counsel and encouragement of a wise Christ-follower.

When we do, we will begin to see our relationship with Jesus growing deeper rather than fearing we are losing our faith.  In those moments, we will again take delight in the Lord.

Please check out my post on March 4^th for a continued exploration of “Losing Faith.”   

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug