Crisis of faith

[PontypandyBlues]

Any tips or support for surviving a crisis of faith? I'm struggling with "feeling" Jesus in my heart at the moment and feel like I'm just going through the motions at church, when praying etc. IDK what to do and feel like I'm in a bit of a panic, like I'm drowning, every time I think about it. I've had a run of bad luck recently and this is just the icing on the cake. Then last week I denied Christ - when someone specifically asked if I was a Christian I said no because I was scared of repercussions in the situation. I feel like I'm in a hole and don't know how to get back out of it. I've tried Googling and all the advice seems to be to pray, but what do you do when even praying feels empty?

Sorry if this is confusing, I can't unpick my thoughts atm.

Thank you everyone. I know I haven't replied to everyone individually but I'm grateful and have read all the responses and am in the process of looking up all the suggestions it's just taking a while as there are so many ideas here. It's probably going to take me a few weeks to read Mark, for example.

I had a dream last Saturday telling me the specific name of a denomination/church to go to. I'd never heard of it before. I looked it up and it was a real denomination but my nearest one was miles away so now I feel like I've had guidance and not accepted it/acted on it. So, that's something because you've got to believe in something to believe that you've been guided, right?

I'm trying a new church on Sunday and will see how it goes. I'm not sure which church, yet but hopefully it will be clearer on Sunday.

That sounds positive. Could you watch the one you dreamt about online for a start?

Hi all, I am posting here as also have had felt faith crisis in the last couple of months. Never not lived in a Christian household. Married to a Christian who is very supportive and intelligent and struggling with the whole meaning of life and why are we here question. Have had a few difficult issues in life as everyone does but the whole concept of free will/predestination etc really baffles me! I want to believe as it’s been a massive part of my life but also feel so confused and lost.

Pottypandyblues, sorry if you have answered this but have you been baptised to help you be led by the Holy Spirit. I write next as this as this is a message to the Church's in the Book of Revelations-they were told not to lose their first love and passion for their faith. That seems to help sustain people. Have you held onto your first love and passion for your faith. May be tell us what it what it is if it would help.

I would also suggest may be spiritual counselling to you as well.
Spiritual Counselling
https://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/vocations-and-discipleship/exploring-vocations/find-a-spiritual-companion/

@Allloveisbeautiful my suggestion would always be get back to basics. Look at Jesus, read one of the gospels, ask the Holy Spirit to show you Jesus and to help your unbelief. I think most other things are secondary to coming back to Jesus and looking at who he is and what he's done.

It sounds obvious but have you brought this specific problem to God in prayer? Ie told Jesus tgst you are struggling to believe in him at the moment.

This. And Jesus would not turn you away for this. Totally the contrary, he would pull you close.

Thank you all. I wish I didn’t think so deeply! Part of it is to do with what is the point of life and is there anything after?!