Beliefs for Hire: Beliefs that can step in and do the heavy lifting when life changes
When we look at theological change through the lens of beliefs that are of use, we can identify that our beliefs do something within us. The belief that God loves us is something that does something within us. Perhaps the belief calms us down when we’re feeling anxious or pumps us up with confidence when facing a daunting task. The belief that God forgives us for anything might soften your self-criticism when you’re unsure about life, or it might act like a lever, pushing you to consider forgiving someone else because you have personally experienced God’s forgiveness.
When we go through periods of theological change, changing our beliefs means that we can quickly feel stranded and stuck because those beliefs no longer do the thing they once did. Former beliefs once helped regulate our emotions or carry us through grief. Sure, you’re now more “adult” for no longer believing that “everything happens for a reason.” But that belief once helped ease your anxiousness before. What helps when you feel anxious now?
You need beliefs to step in and help, as life’s challenges don’t stop just because your beliefs have changed.
Look back at Claire. She once believed that she was most at home in church. She felt seen and known, loved and accepted no matter the circumstance. Those beliefs relaxed her body when she felt tense. Those beliefs propelled her to try new things and grow spiritually without fear. Once those beliefs changed, she found herself dealing more with anxiety when she was in religious spaces, which shouldn’t surprise us as those beliefs are no longer relaxing or inspiring her. She needs to grieve the loss of those beliefs and name and embrace some beliefs that can function like the former ones. She needs some beliefs that relax her or inspire her.
Sometimes, we feel like we’re losing more ground than gaining it. We experience the unexpected, or a relationship changes for the worse. We thought something was reliable, but now we face a future without it. You once gained confidence from a particular belief or spiritual practice, but now that belief or practice no longer fits or feels true based on your experience. What belief can step in to build you up when you’re feeling anxious and unsure?
Naming and claiming beliefs is helpful in these periods of theological change when we invite these beliefs to function within us.
An example:
Living in a Christian community was a foundational belief within your faith. Relationships with people from your faith circle filled your calendar, kept you busy, and offered a place to reflect on your personal journey. But you’ve entered a season when you’re physically unable to get out of the house in ways you used to, or you’ve moved to a new town. Whatever it is, you find yourself not around the people you once understood as your Christian community. You’re in a moment of theological change because the belief that community is where my faith is lived no longer works in a season that will require more solitude.
What beliefs can help you understand how time passes more slowly in this season with more solitary time? What beliefs invoke personal reflection when you have more time alone? Perhaps you need to lean into believing that God is close to those feeling lonely. You begin reading the gospels to notice when Jesus spent time away from the disciples. You don’t know what Jesus did while he was alone, but you imagine that you and Jesus can be alone together.
What belief used to do something in your life, and now you need another belief to step in and do the heavy lifting for this season?
