Doubt and Strength: 5 Practical Steps to Reconnect with God

Have you ever been in a season of doubt where your faith felt like a dying flame? Most of us at some point—you’ve asked yourself questions like: Is God really listening? Why am I struggling when others seem so blessed? Doubt feels isolating and heavy.

Doubt doesn’t mean your faith is broken. In fact, some of the most transformative moments happen when we wrestle with uncertainties.

When Doubt Shows Up

I find everyone’s battle with doubt is different. Some doubt God’s love, others doubt God’s ability, and some doubt God’s presence. My worst moments of doubt are indirect. I don’t think/remember ever doubting God exists, that He is present or that He loves. My doubt was about me.

I doubt God, but not whether He is there or powerful, but that He would do for me, love me, work through me the way He does other people. It is sneaky because I can convince myself I don’t doubt God through a fake veneer of humility or low self-worth, thinking the problem is me. The reality is I am doubting God indirectly…doubting He can or will work in me and through me the way He does with others.

In my worst moments I am doubting God’s ability or desire to work in someone like me, which is still doubt just a different way to get there!

Understanding Doubt in the Bible

Before we get into practical steps, let’s talk about doubt in the Bible. Doubt isn’t a modern issue; it’s as old as humanity itself. Sara doubted God’s promise of a son, even laughing at the idea (Genesis 17:17). Moses doubted his ability to lead (Exodus 4:10-13). Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, needed to see the wounds in Jesus’ hands before he could believe in the resurrection (John 20:24-29).

God didn’t abandon any of them. Instead, He met them in their doubt, provided reassurance, and strengthened their faith.

5 Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Faith When Doubt Creeps In

If you’re feeling spiritually stuck or overwhelmed by doubt, these five steps can help you reconnect with God and reignite your faith.

1. Be Honest with God (And Yourself)

One of the biggest mistakes we make is pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. Newsflash: God already knows how you feel. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to “pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

When I am low and my doubt is high it is important to be honest in prayer. Some of them are raw and messy—“God, I don’t understand what You’re doing right now, God I don’t see You, God are your walking away from me, God don’t you know how much this hurts”—but are honest. Honesty becomes the first step toward healing.

Just like in any relationship, honesty builds connection. So, go ahead: tell God, ask your questions, and express your frustrations. Yell or cry if you need to. He’s big enough to handle it.

2. Surround Yourself with Community

One of the enemy’s favorite tactics is isolation. When we’re doubting, it’s easy to withdraw from church, Community group, or even friends who might ask the hard questions. But Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “not give up meeting together...but encourage one another.”

Your small group can be a lifeline during seasons of doubt, even if you don’t feel like it. You will  be surprised by how many others in the group have experienced similar struggles. Their stories of perseverance gave hope, and their prayers sustain you when you struggle to pray for yourself.

If you’re not already plugged into a Community group, consider joining one. Sometimes, just being around others who are passionately pursuing God can reignite your spark.

3. Revisit Scripture with Fresh Eyes

When doubt clouds our minds, Scripture becomes more than a lifeline—it’s a flashlight guiding us through the darkness. But let’s be real: when you’re struggling, it’s hard to know where to start.

Here’s what helped me: instead of diving into a year-long Bible plan, I focused on a few key passages that reminded me of God’s character. Verses like:

• “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

• “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

• “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

I also began to pray through Scripture. For example, when reading Psalm 23, I’d pause and say, “Lord, You are my Shepherd. Help me trust You to lead me through this valley.” That simple practice turned reading into relationship.

4. Step Back into Worship

Worship is a powerful tool for shifting our perspective from our problems to God’s promises. But when you’re doubting, it can feel like going through the motions. That’s okay. Worship isn’t about a performance; it’s about surrender.

It is startling how many people talk about worshiping through doubt. They find themselves not feeling like singing, but mouthing the words, and suddenly memories of God’s faithfulness, love, and presence flood their mind. Tears, joy, relief—not because circumstances have changed, but because your heart has.

If you’re struggling to worship, start small. Listen to a worship playlist while driving or hum a favorite hymn while doing chores. Let those truths sink in, even if they feel distant at first.

5. Take Action in Faith

Faith isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice. James 2:26 tells us that “faith without works is dead.” When we act in faith—even when we don’t feel like it—we create space for God to show up.

It may be as simple as serving in a ministry at church. You may not  feel “spiritually qualified,” but as you started pouring into others, God begins refilling your cup. Maybe for you, taking action means volunteering, helping a neighbor, or stepping into a role you’ve been avoiding. Whatever it is, obedience often unlocks blessings.

Doubt Is Not Your Destination

If you’re in a season of doubt, you’re not alone, and you’re not disqualified. Doubt doesn’t mean your faith is failing; it means you’re human. Even Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). Yet, His story didn’t end there—and neither will yours. [By the way that quote is from Psalm 22, if you are doubting…you must read it!]

Take it one step at a time. Be honest with God, lean into community, dive into His Word, worship even when it’s hard, and take small actions in faith. These steps will not erase your doubt overnight, but they’ll draw you closer to the One who holds the answers.

As I reflect on my own life, I can confidently say that the seasons of doubt I’ve faced have deepened my faith in ways I never thought possible. My prayer is that you’ll experience the same. God isn’t afraid of your questions. He’s inviting you to bring them to Him and discover the unwavering love and faithfulness He has for you.

So, what step will you take today?

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