What do you do when you go through bouts of spiritual desolation?

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FTACo88-FDT24dad
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7:42p, 9/5/23
AG
I have always been a person of deep and abiding faith. I have never doubted God, even when I have been through very challenging times. For a variety of reasons, in the last week or two I find myself in a spiraling mindset of negativity and hopelessness, the likes of which I have never really experienced before. I have been through some really difficult situations in my life, but I always felt the underpinning of my faith and confidence in knowing I can go to the Lord in prayer and the sacraments and he would always sustain me. Lately, a couple of things have happened that for the first time in my life I actually felt almost angry at God for what felt like abandonment. I know intellectually that God will not abandon me, but I feel that way. I am struggling to find motivation at work and in other things that I normally don't struggle to find motivation for. My energy levels are mediocre and while I am not yet feeling outright despair, I can smell it. I have never before been able to sniff even a hint of despair. I want to be alone, but at the same time I am practically screaming for someone to ask me how I'm doing and really mean it so that I can just unload all these feelings.

Uggghhh. Any tips are most welcome.

TIA.
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birddog7000
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8:23p, 9/5/23
AG
Without knowing more about you and your situation, my advice is to dive deep into scripture. Spend more time in prayer as well. I don't mean to just pass off simple advice, but I really do think it is the best way through all situations. I struggle myself in times of despair and I am slow to follow my own advice. When I finally increase my time in prayer and reading the Word, I begin to feel the grip of despair leaving me.

Volunteer at a charity for the needy, do something for others. It's a great way to remind ourselves of the blessings in our lives, and God shines His light on those who selflessly serve others.

God will remove your burdens if you give them up to Him. He will not forsake you, continue to trust in Him. I'll pray for you.
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Klaus Schwab
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In reply to FTACo88-FDT24dad • 9:14p, 9/5/23
I've had a similar outlook recently. It's tough out there for a lot of people. My first recommendation would be to start on the path of Orthodoxy if you aren't. Mainly because the Church specifically offers healing of the soul and uniting with God. That's really what this is all about.
Emotions are highly connected to pleasure-loving and this is what you want to put to death to grow spiritually. The Church can help you through this with fasting, prayer, spiritual direction with confession, understanding scripture through its original meaning, an amazing account of saints throughout the centuries, modern saints with relatable stories, liturgy and the Eucharist, a community of like minded people, etc. In order to combat modernity you will need all of this.

If that doesn't interest you then pray every morning and night (even if it's just repeating the Jesus Prayer- "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner", find Christians that will listen to you, try to fast a little, read Job a few times, check out CS Lewis's the Problem of Pain and a Grief Observed. Remember daily that God allows struggles for your benefit and spiritual growth. Thank him for it and you will see a change.
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TheGreatEscape
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11:06p, 9/5/23
I recommend focusing on the Holiness of God.
Maybe read R.C Sproul on the Holiness of God.
Get into his attributes.

The Attributes of God by A.W. Pink is also a good one.
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craigernaught
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4:25a, 9/6/23
AG
Talk to someone. Preferably in person rather than social media. Talk to your pastor and/or someone that you know and trust in the church.

If you are concerned that these are mental health issues, talk to a licensed therapist. While suggestions like "sleep, exercise, meditate, pray, and eat healthy" are good general suggestions which we should all do, they may not address a specific situation. You cannot diagnose and treat yourself. Your pastor may know someone who could help.
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Martin Q. Blank
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4:41a, 9/6/23
You have lost peace with God which is an experience all throughout the Psalms, particularly Ps. 88. In others, David says his bones break. Of course, in his case it was associated with a particular sin that he was harboring.
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dermdoc
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In reply to craigernaught • 6:05a, 9/6/23
AG
craigernaught said:
Talk to someone. Preferably in person rather than social media. Talk to your pastor and/or someone that you know and trust in the church.

If you are concerned that these are mental health issues, talk to a licensed therapist. While suggestions like "sleep, exercise, meditate, pray, and eat healthy" are good general suggestions which we should all do, they may not address a specific situation. You cannot diagnose and treat yourself. Your pastor may know someone who could help.
Agree.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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Dies Irae
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In reply to FTACo88-FDT24dad • 7:11a, 9/6/23
FTACo88-FDT24dad said:
I have always been a person of deep and abiding faith. I have never doubted God, even when I have been through very challenging times. For a variety of reasons, in the last week or two I find myself in a spiraling mindset of negativity and hopelessness, the likes of which I have never really experienced before. I have been through some really difficult situations in my life, but I always felt the underpinning of my faith and confidence in knowing I can go to the Lord in prayer and the sacraments and he would always sustain me. Lately, a couple of things have happened that for the first time in my life I actually felt almost angry at God for what felt like abandonment. I know intellectually that God will not abandon me, but I feel that way. I am struggling to find motivation at work and in other things that I normally don't struggle to find motivation for. My energy levels are mediocre and while I am not yet feeling outright despair, I can smell it. I have never before been able to sniff even a hint of despair. I want to be alone, but at the same time I am practically screaming for someone to ask me how I'm doing and really mean it so that I can just unload all these feelings.

Uggghhh. Any tips are most welcome.

TIA.


I am a fellow Catholic FDT drill dick in the Houston area if you ever want to talk.

If you are not exercising, lifting weights would also do wonders for your mental health.

God bless you.
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FTACo88-FDT24dad
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8:21a, 9/6/23
AG
Thanks everyone. I appreciate each of you taking the time to share your thoughts.
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The Banned
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In reply to FTACo88-FDT24dad • 8:44a, 9/6/23
FTACo88-FDT24dad said:
Thanks everyone. I appreciate each of you taking the time to share your thoughts.


Been there. St Ignatius has some really good thoughts on desolation and strategies to get through it. They are incredibly mundane and not at all life changing, but they do work. There's really no way around the desolation. The only way is through.

One podcast I listened to however long ago said it this way: every big step in development your kids took required you to let go to some degree. Walking, riding a bike, driving, etc. All of those things require you letting go, and they grow because of it. God may be letting go of your hand for a moment because it allows for growth into the next step of your faith. He's not leaving you. He's letting you figure out the next step in the journey, which may be "doing the right thing when I absolutely, 100% don't feel like it at all".

The other thought was that, while pushing through this with some of the steps of St. Ignatius, offer up your sufferings for the easing of someone else's suffering. For example: while struggling with sexual sin, offer it up for those who are outside of the faith entirely because of their attachment to sexual sin. Same with laziness, alcohol, anger, etc.

I'll say some prayers for you as well.
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chimpanzee
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8:59a, 9/6/23
Know that you are not alone, nor is our heavenly Father going to be surprised or bothered by feelings of anger towards Him. His plan is at work, it doesn't always feel good to us and He knows that.

I think the analogy to an earthly father is helpful in this regard, how many times do our own children get mad at us as parents? How many times do things we do involving them cause them to perceive trouble that they don't understand?

None of this should be seen as minimizing your struggles in this regard, I've been there myself and will probably be back at some point. I second the suggestion to talk to your pastor or someone else you trust.
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dermdoc
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9:19a, 9/6/23
AG
I have been there also. Fortunately, my wife is strong and between her and the Lord, I made it through.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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spud1910
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11:17a, 9/6/23
AG
OP, you have gotten some good suggestions. I might also suggest that we are all different and what works for one, may not work for others. In my own darkest time, I wanted to be alone. I got my strength by going alone with my Bible to the woods and praying, because it always seemed to be a favorite thing for Jesus to do. 15 or so years later, I still try to go into the backyard for sunsets as often as possible. Some days I will spend hours sitting there talking, and more importantly, listening to God.
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747Ag
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3:34p, 9/6/23
AG
A few practical ideas that may spark a positive change...

1) Attend a spiritual exercises retreat weekend. Miles Christi offers these on a regular basis. I found the weekend immensely beneficial several years ago.

2) VLX series of scriptural meditation from Padre Peregrino (YouTube or podcast format)

3) Kicking off your daily prayer time with meditations on the wounds of Christ (sign of the cross at each wound) as well as reciting the unity prayer. The unity prayer in particular seems like it often adds fuel to the fire when I am praying.

Often times I am distracted in prayer, though I haven't experienced the feeling of severe dryness. There's a lot going on in the world (and Church prelates are not immune) that can lead to despair.
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UTExan
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5:10p, 9/6/23
1.) Pray for God to intervene and stabilize your mind and emotions, telling Him you have nothing else beside Him.
2.) Scripture
3.) Eternal Security by Charles Stanley
“If you’re going to have crime it should at least be organized crime”
-Havelock Vetinari
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FTACo88-FDT24dad
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5:39p, 9/6/23
AG
Again, many excellent suggestions. Thank you all for sharing. I spent an hour in adoration this afternoon. Not a panacea but I talked to God and quieted my mind so I could try and hear his soft voice. Thank you all for your prayers. I'm blessed to have you praying for me. Please continue.
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trouble
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In reply to FTACo88-FDT24dad • 6:02p, 9/6/23
AG
I yell at God. Sometimes a lot. He loves me, He can handle it.
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PabloSerna
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6:51p, 9/6/23
AG
Recommend "Dark Night of the Soul" by St. John of the Cross
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strbrst777
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11:29p, 9/10/23
Dwell on applications of Philippians 4:8 and pray may help. Thoughts and mindsets count.
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PabloSerna
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5:49a, 9/11/23
AG
There is a level of spirituality (I'm not there yet) described in a book, "The Cloud of Unknowing" in which an anonymous Christian mystic explains,

"God is the door and the doorkeeper to himself. If nothing else, patiently wait at the door and let God allow you to enter in. If you have consolation, well and good. But in any event, persist in the practice of contemplative prayer, even if you experience dryness or find it painful. Whether praying with utter dryness or consolation, we can not know which of these ways is holier or dearer to God. Only God knows."

Here is a link to a review of this classic.

+++

There is a point in which the closer we try to get to know the infinite God, the fog or cloud is too much for our finite mind to know beyond that which God will allow.

Shortly before he died (3 months)...

On the feast of St. Nicholas [in 1273, Aquinas] was celebrating Mass when he received a revelation that so affected him that he wrote and dictated no more, leaving his great work the Summa Theologiae unfinished. To Brother Reginald's (his secretary and friend) expostulations he replied, "The end of my labors has come. All that I have written appears to be as so much straw after the things that have been revealed to me." When later asked by Reginald to return to writing, Aquinas said, "I can write no more. I have seen things that make my writings like straw."
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birddog7000
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12:00p, 9/11/23
AG
How are you doing? You've been on my mind the past couple of days. Hope life is getting better.
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