Struggling with uncertainty

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Veronica97

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Okay, I understand intellectually that we can never be certain that we are in a state of grace or that we will have eternal salvation, but that we can have reasonable HOPE of those things. My question is, how do we develop the virtue of hope? I have struggled with scrupulosity for the past 2.75 years. I want more than anything to serve God and to be with Him always, but it seems just when I am becoming less fearful and am able to go to communion regularly and confession less often (every 5-6 weeks instead of my high point of 3 times in 8 days), I hit a snag. I am in one of those snags right now. One thing that has occurred to me this weekend is that the more the devil taunts me with doubts that I am saved, the more I should pray for others and the more determined I should be to go to daily Mass more often. What else can I do to develop the virtue of hope in my fearful soul? In my past I was presumptious–now I have gone to far the other way. Any advice?
 
Sorry, I meant to post this in the Spirituality forum. Please disregard.
 
Veronica97 said:
Okay, I understand intellectually that we can never be certain that we are in a state of grace or that we will have eternal salvation, but that we can have reasonable HOPE of those things. My question is, how do we develop the virtue of hope? I have struggled with scrupulosity for the past 2.75 years. I want more than anything to serve God and to be with Him always, but it seems just when I am becoming less fearful and am able to go to communion regularly and confession less often (every 5-6 weeks instead of my high point of 3 times in 8 days), I hit a snag. I am in one of those snags right now. One thing that has occurred to me this weekend is that the more the devil taunts me with doubts that I am saved, the more I should pray for others and the more determined I should be to go to daily Mass more often. What else can I do to develop the virtue of hope in my fearful soul? In my past I was presumptious–now I have gone to far the other way. Any advice?
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Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance & direction.
 
Veronica - this is not the first time I see such a post from yourself. Once again, let me tell you that I struggle with much the same thing.

My two cents (from experience):

Keep praying
You are not committing mortal sin unless you will it
Read Scripture
Read the Catechism

God will work from there. I particularly reccommend that you consecrate yourself to Our Blessed Mother as she takes care of everything and brings you closer to Jesus.

Have you ever come across St Louis de Montfort? Do some research on his Marian spirituality (total consecration to Jesus through Mary)

Peace
 
I was just thinking about hope today… I would suggest that you continue to go to confession at least monthly or fortnightly whether you think you have any mortal sins or not. Maybe also try to find a good confessor who will give you courage on the journey. Go, and you will receive the grace you need. Also, read good spiritual books, especially by the saints and try to possibly join a prayer/meditation group where you can gain support for your faith among others who also have faith. It is easy to doubt, and doubts plague everyone. I think we always have to remind ourselves of Jesus’ words in the gospel and the promises He made and the fact that He made His covenant with us a very long time ago, and will not break it. And do not expect massive undertakings of yourself - if the best you can do is to keep going to mass and confession and saying your prayers - then you are doing very well. 👍👍👍
 
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