If you're a Christian, or you grew up in a Christian home, chances are you've heard these words before: Just pray about it... keep praying... you've got to have faith! These words, often meant as encouragement, can sometimes leave us feeling as though we are doing something wrong.
Is my faith not strong enough? Am I praying the wrong way? Does God not love me? Whoa!
That's a lot.
Verses like Philippians 4:6 can spark intentional questioning:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Or Hebrews 13:6:
"So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”
But here’s the question: Are these verses meant as chastising, finger-wagging comments? Or, is this text reminding us that Jesus wants us to experience being with Him while we experience the mental and physical realities of anxiety?
Do we really think that God is surprised or angered by our moments of mood irregularities? Do we really believe that struggling with our emotions means we don’t love God enough, or worse, that God doesn’t love us?
I mean, take a look at Jeremiah, our beloved weeping prophet. What about Elijah's depressive symptoms? I love how God knew he just needed a nap and some food to get going again—sounds like God understands! Then there's Thomas and his constant questioning. And David? If you’ve read the Psalms, you know he was definitely going through something!
And let’s not forget Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a revered theologian and writer. His faith was deep, yet he wrestled with doubts, struggles, and the weight of a broken world. His faith was not shallow; it was real, refined through suffering, not diminished by it.
So, what if “pray about it" isn’t a dismissal of our struggles but an invitation? Not an easy fix, but a gentle reminder that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone? Maybe the real message is that God isn’t asking for perfect faith—He’s asking for honest faith. And maybe, just maybe, He’s sitting with us in our darkest moments, not shaking His head in disappointment, but holding us with love and understanding.
So yes, pray about it—but also talk about it. Seek counsel. Get help when needed. Psychologists, counselors, and mental health professionals are there to walk alongside you, helping you navigate your struggles with wisdom and care. Faith and therapy are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they can work hand in hand to bring healing and clarity.
I’ve seen the power of prayer time and time again, so I know that God hears and answers. It may not always be in the way or the timing we expect, but He is always present, always working, always loving.
And know that struggling doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re human. And God? He’s right there with you.
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Ruvimbo Kanyemba is a Registered Psychologist providing individual counseling services to adolescents and adults. Ruvimbo is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, faith, and evidence-based support. With a deep understanding of how past experiences shape the present, Ruvimbo provides a safe space for healing, self-discovery, and growth. Whether integrating faith or focusing on personal development, Ruvimbo walks alongside clients toward greater clarity, peace, and authentic living.
