Struggling with uncertainty

[Veronica97]

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?

 

[Honey2800]

I am a relatively new Catholic. I was baptised on Easter Vigil 2 years ago.
I have found that fear and negativity is are some of the things that will smother hope.
Let go of your fear and negativity, Pray for God to fill you with Strength and Hope.

I have struggled a bit with being negative and doubting… you are not alone.
If there are other issues you are struggling with you should look for someone in your Parish to talk to… consider going to a healing mass or two. And a good soaking prayer if you can find one, will help you… it helped me let go of a dark hurtful secret that weighed my soul down, I let go, forgave those involved and felt so much lighter.

God is there and understands your struggles… Even Jesus was tempted. You can overcome this… Hope IS there, God is Hope, God is Love.

I wish you all the best in your struggles and hope that you can find a Good Shepherd to guide you.
Blessed Be,
~Honey

 

[JRKH]

Those who struggle with scruples really need a regular confessor and guide that they can talk to face to face. If you don’t already have these I urge you to try to them. There really is little that we can do here online. Not to say that we won’t try to help…just need you to understand the limitations.

First of all, I would suggest that all Christians recognize the need to make friends with uncertainty. For one thing most of us will never entirely get rid of it…and for a second thing, it can be a wonderful check on our pride and presumption.

That said, like most things it needs to be utilized properly and in right proportion.
The serenity prayer is a good place to start.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

It seems to me that when you are dealing with scruples, you need to concentrate on the first line…Serenity…Trust…and resting in God.
God knows your power and He knows your limitations. He knows where your heart is, so you can worry less about making it to heaven.
Remember that Jesus reduced all the law and prophets down to just two commands - Love God and Love neighbor. (Mt 22:36-40)
There is no huge need for specific acts or rituals or devotions etc. What is needed is the simplest of faith and a consistent effort to love…in many small ways every day.

Hope this helps a little

Peace
James

 

[the_phoenix]

St. Joan of Arc:

The judges asked her: “Are you in a state of grace, Joan?”

“If I am not in the state of grace, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.”

…