Q:
Why is my faith so shaky? Sometimes I feel very close to God, but then something happens and it feels like God is a million miles away. Is there any way out of this?
A:
I want to assure you that God doesn’t want your faith to be like this, constantly going up and down like a roller coaster! Instead God, wants your faith to be unshakeable, like a house (Jesus said) built on solid rock. Even if life’s storms batter it, it remains firm, “because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:25).
How can you have a solid faith? First, be certain of your commitment to Jesus Christ. He was God in human flesh, sent from heaven to give His life for our salvation. Don’t be content with a vague, uncertain belief in God. Instead, say “yes” to Jesus by repenting of your sins and inviting Him to come into your life as your personal Saviour and Lord. The Bible says, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:18).
Then take time each day to grow stronger in your faith. Just as we grow weak and sickly if we don’t eat, so our faith will grow weak and sickly if we neglect the spiritual “food” God has provided for us. Spend time each day with God, reading your Bible, praying and learning from other believers. Job said, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12).
Finally, focus on Christ and His love, and not on your feelings or circumstances. Feelings come and go, but Christ never changes. When things go wrong, don’t get discouraged or allow doubts to creep in. Instead, deliberately turn your mind and heart to Christ, for He alone is our rock.