Think about your experience as a follower of Christ. Think about the times when you did not have doubts or fear or anxiety. Think about the times when there was much joy, clarity and absence of uncertainty. How long ago was this? How long did the process take for you to be in the position you are in now? If you are like me, it took some time. The point: this is not going to go away overnight...it was a process to get in, and it will be a process to overcome.

The fear and anxiety you may have over this being something that will never end is the opposite of what the Lord gives us (2 Timothy 1:7). He gives us the spirit of power and love and self-control. I am sure there have been times where you have had these three things (one if not all of them), and the day will come where you will have them again!

Concerning the feelings of anxiety and fear that comes from religious doubt, Backus and Chapian state: "It's all right to experience these feelings. Discomfort never killed anyone, but our misbeliefs tell us that discomfort is terrible, awful, wretched, horrible, when in fact, although not a lot of fun, it can be endurable. What you think and believe determines how you feel and what you do" (William Backus & Marie Chapian, Telling Yourself the Truth: Find Your Way Out of Depression, Anxiety, Fear, Anger, and Other Common Problems by Applying the Principles of Misbelief Therapy, 21). This is one of my favorite books in this area, and it helps us gain an excellent perspective on dealing with things that we allow ourselves to believe that are not true. For many of you, we will probably engage this book as part of your doubt counseling plan.

"According to the Bible, God is nearer than we know. He is closer than we think. His eyes see us. His love encircles us. His presence comforts us as we lean into His nearness...[We] often feel alone, outmatched by trouble, running from mistakes, overwhelmed. But we must remind ourselves that God is in the room. He is here, in this place (Robert J. Morgan, Always Near: 10 Way to Delight in the Closeness of God, x).

Remember, you are not broken. The religious doubt journey that is causes your anxiety and pain is part of the process of being a follower of Christ. It is normal. It is not evidence of some major flaw that you have preventing you from truly being what you want to be in Christ. Although it is painful in the moment (even though long and severe, at times), it is not the evidence of you being broken but of you being human. God is with you, and the pain will one day subside. We just need to take this journey together trusting Christ is with us and will provide victory.

Take a few minutes and reflect upon the concept of this not being something that is going to last forever. Ask yourself: How often do I allow myself to believe something that is not true? ("This will never end" or "There is something wrong with me" or "I just don't have enough faith," etc.) Write down a few sentences explaining how this helps you understand your doubt. Also write down the small victories you are having in Christ.