Lost Your Faith? Here’s What to Do When You’re Losing Faith

“The principle part of faith is patience.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson

Faith. We base our prayers, beliefs, and values on one word. A silent belief that carries us through dark times, a guiding light that drives our actions. But what happens when that silent belief, that light, flickers? When doubt overpowers faith?

Losing your faith – whether in your Higher power, a cause, or even yourself – can be unsettling, so to speak. Yet, amid the uncertainty of losing faith lies a chance for growth and to rebuild a faith that resonates with who you are.

I’m writing this article today because I feel this way. I feel like I’m losing my faith, and frankly, I don’t know what to do about losing faith. My family is spiritual and faith is an important part of our spirituality, so this feeling of losing faith is deeply confusing.

So, to alleviate my fears, I went down the rabbit hole until I found something to help me restore my faith. And I’m here to share that with you.

Before we go into the ways, let’s take a look at the possible reasons you might be losing faith and how faith plays a role in your well-being.

The Importance of Faith

Beyond religion, faith is the belief in something for which there may not be concrete evidence. It’s a trust in a concept, a person, or even oneself – that allows us to move forward in life with conviction. This faith can be in your Superior power, a set of values, a cause you believe in, or the fire within you to overcome challenges and setbacks life throws at you.

Faith serves as an anchor that provides a sense of security and purpose in a chaotic and unpredictable world.

When it comes to your mental and emotional well-being, faith can play a huge role. Studies have shown that people with strong faith tend to experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Faith ignites a sense of optimism and hope, allowing us to stay resilient during setbacks. It also guides us when we make decisions and choose actions that align with our values and core beliefs.

On a more social level, faith can give us a sense of belonging. Religious communities, for instance, offer social support networks and a shared sense of purpose. Faith in a cause or a movement can connect you with people who share your values, creating a sense of community and direction.

So, Why Do We Lose Faith?

The reasons for losing faith can be varied depending on the types of faith and people who believe. Here are some common reasons why you might feel like you’re losing faith;

• Personal Struggles: If you’re experiencing setbacks, illness, or some kind of loss, then it can shatter your belief in whoever you put your faith in, even the inherent goodness of humanity.
• You Feel Disillusioned: When the world around you doesn’t conform to your expectations of how things should be, then it can also trigger a crisis of faith. This sense of disillusionment can come from experiencing hypocrisy within your community, seeing injustice, or simply feeling like your efforts aren’t having the effects they should.
• Science: Trust me, science can be a big reason for your feeling like you’re losing faith. As science continues to give explanations for faith-related phenomena, it can bring more questions and doubts when it comes to the validity of your beliefs and values that stem from faith.
• Existential Crisis: When you enter the “existential crisis” stage of your life, you begin contemplating life’s bigger questions, such as the meaning of life and your place in the universe. This kind of experience can cause you to question your faith and belief.

What to Do When You Feel Like You’re Losing Faith?

Losing faith can be confusing and distressing, but it doesn’t have to be a dead end. Here are some ways you can restore your faith and find the answers you’re seeking;

1. Say Yes to Doubts

Don’t try to suppress your doubts or pretend they don’t exist. Bottling your emotions – even doubts – can only make them fester. Instead, try acknowledging your doubts and allowing yourself to explore them in a safe and non-judgmental way.

2. Reflect on the “Whys”

Take some time to reflect and seek an understanding of what your faith means to you now and what it meant to you in the past. What purpose did your faith serve? What aspects of your life did your faith resonate with? Knowing the “Why” behind your faith can help you understand what needs to be refocused.

3. Explore New Perspectives

If your faith is based on a specific religion or philosophy, then research new interpretations or perspectives within the traditions. Talk to someone who knows traditional ways and can offer new insights or maybe reveal a new path within the same belief system. Find your answers within your community.

4. Seek Support

Don’t be afraid to seek support from your loved ones or your community. When I started to feel like I was losing faith, I reached out to my aunt and my sister. My family helped me talk about my doubts and loss of faith, and develop some incredible solutions. You can talk to your family, friends, or even a faith counselor about your values and how to restore your faith.

5. Find Solace in Mindfulness

You can find some of your answers in techniques like meditation and mindfulness. These techniques can help quiet your mind and find a deeper meaning in your thoughts and emotions. When you’re grounded in the present moment, you can better find the root of your doubts and seek inner peace.

6. Journal Your Feelings

One particular study has shown that journaling or penning down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process your loss of faith or whatever is causing you to feel like you’re losing faith. If journaling is not your preferred method, then you can try praying to feel clearheaded and process your thoughts.

7. Find Your Community

Most of all, connect (or reconnect) with people who have gone through similar experiences and who can help you feel less alone in your feelings. Having a community to connect with can help you learn better how to bounce back from stress and improve overall health and life satisfaction.

Rebuild Your Faith

You need to understand that losing faith doesn’t mean complete abandonment. Sometimes, this feeling can feel like an opportunity to re-evaluate your values and rebuild a faith that resonates with you and who you are now.

This new faith might not be the same as the one before, and that’s OK too. If you have developed a new faith, then here’s what you can do to feel comfortable;

1. Focus on Values: See what core values are most important to you. Is it compassion? Justice? Creativity? Knowing your core values can help you find a foundation for restoring your faith.

2. Find a Meaning: Look for new inspiration and purpose outside your traditional structures and roles. Maybe the new faith is telling you to connect with nature more, volunteer for a cause, or engage in a creative passion. Find activities that bring you a sense of fulfillment.

3. Let Yourself Be: Faith isn’t static; it’s dynamic. There will be doubts and there will be explorations. Just let the process be and trust that questioning can lead to a more authentic experience of faith.

Wrap Up…

Feeling like you’re losing faith can be a disconcerting experience, but it can also present a chance to do some self-reflection and self-exploration. By acknowledging the doubts, looking for new perspectives, and focusing on your core values, you can find your way out of this uncertainty with a renewed sense of purpose and meaning.

Faith takes many forms and the most important thing is to find what brings you a sense of hope, direction, and connection to something much larger than yourself!

“Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is part of faith.” — John Henry Newman

Did this article help you find the answers you’ve been looking for? Did we help you find your next steps in finding lost faith? Let us know in the comments below.

Take Care!