When Faith Feels Fragile: What to hold on to when you're falling apart

Sifted: Faith in the Fire Part 1

May 09, 2025

This week nearly broke me.
I felt swallowed by anxiety.
Trapped in a fog of depression.
Angry with God.
Exhausted from trying.

My thoughts spiraled.
My prayers were half-hearted—if they came at all.
And I honestly wondered if holding on to faith was even worth it anymore.
Not because I stopped believing…
…but because I’m just so tired.

Then one night, as I lay in the silence, trying to fall asleep, I heard it:
“Come back to Me.”

It wasn’t loud or dramatic.
It was a whisper straight to my soul.

And it brought to mind something Jesus once said to Peter:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.
But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon,
that your faith should not fail.”
(Luke 22:31–32 NLT)

Jesus knew Peter would spiral.
He knew Peter would deny Him.
And He still prayed for him.
He still believed Peter would come back.
He still gave him a purpose after the fall:
“When you return… strengthen your brothers.”

That hit me hard.
Because maybe what I’m going through right now isn't failure.
Maybe it’s sifting.

What if your faith isn’t failing?

What if it’s just being shaken—
—and Jesus is holding it together for you?

Because He is.

Satan doesn’t have free reign.
He has to ask permission.
Even when he shakes us, God limits what he’s allowed to do.
As 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us:

“God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand... He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

And when you can’t even find words to pray?
Romans 8:26 brings peace to the anxious soul:

“The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness... and prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”

So if your faith feels fragile today...

If your mind is racing,
If you’re tired of praying,
If you’re stuck in fear, doubt, numbness, or shame—
this is for you.

Psalm 34:18 says:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Jesus isn’t shocked by your struggle.
He’s not disappointed in your exhaustion.
He’s not waiting for you to “get it together.”

He’s already praying for you.
Already interceding.
Already calling you back.
Not with guilt.
Not with shame.
But with grace.

Because even “a bruised reed He will not break” (Isaiah 42:3).
He meets us in the fragile place.

This post is the start of a new series:

Sifted: Faith in the Fire

Because I know I’m not the only one.

I’ve spiraled.
I’ve resented God.
I’ve repented.
I’ve come back—again.
And now, like Peter, I want to reach back and say:

You’re not alone.

It's Okay to Ask for Help

Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month

If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or exhaustion that feels too heavy to carry—please hear this: getting help does not make you weak.
And it definitely doesn’t make you less Christian.

Faith and therapy are not opposites.
You can trust God and talk to a counselor.
You can read your Bible and take medication if needed.
You can pray and go to therapy.
Jesus heals through both miracles and means.

Sometimes the most faith-filled thing you can do is ask for help.
You are not broken for needing support—you are brave for seeking it.

God created us as mind, body, and spirit. And sometimes healing takes time, layers, and other people walking with us.

So if you're drowning in darkness, please don’t try to survive alone.
Reach out. Get help. Say yes to healing.
You’re worth it.

And Jesus will walk with you every step of the way.

Want to Start Over with God?

If you’re spiritually exhausted, battling anxiety, or barely holding on—
Jesus isn’t far off. He’s near. And He’s calling you back.

Here’s a simple prayer to respond:

Jesus, I need You. I’ve tried to do this on my own and I’m exhausted.
I believe You died for me, and I want to turn back to You.
Forgive me, change me, and teach me how to follow You.
I give You my life—fragile faith and all. Amen.

You’re Not Alone.

Leave a comment or message me—I'd be honored to pray for you.
Subscribe to follow the Sifted series.
Share this with someone silently struggling.

📚 Resources for the Spiritually Weary

Books

Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
A gentle, trauma-informed guide that integrates faith and psychology to help readers move from anxiety and stress into a life of connection and joy.
👉 Amazon | Bookshop
The Deepest Place by Dr. Curt Thompson
Explores how God meets us in our suffering, transforming our pain into a deeper experience of His love and hope.
👉 Amazon | Bookshop
Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
Offers practical strategies rooted in Scripture to help readers overcome negative thoughts and live a life of faith and purpose.
👉 Amazon | Bookshop
Grace for the Afflicted by Matthew S. Stanford
A compassionate, biblically sound perspective on mental illness that bridges the gap between faith and science.
👉 Amazon | Bookshop
Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer
Guides readers through deep emotional and spiritual healing by applying seven transformational principles.
👉 Amazon | Bookshop

📖 Bible Reading Plans (YouVersion)

📱 Apps

Lectio 365 App

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