Finding Hope in the Christian Funk: A Journey Through the Psalms

Psalm 46

I understand that some might find this title somewhat confusing. But it pretty much describes the emotional state I have been in for a while now regarding the blog. I started this blog with enthusiasm, happiness, pride, and optimism. Over time, however, I slowly found myself in what I will call the "Christian funk."

Understanding the Christian Funk

I use this phrase because, as Christians, we often feel it is wrong to be in a funk. Yet many of us seem to feel hopeless, downhearted, and discouraged. I guess I have just explained the reason for the title.

As I write this, I recall an online Bible study at my church in Canada. Someone made an interesting observation about the Psalmist. We had been studying the book of Psalms. In an attempt to understand his emotions, she commented that the Psalmist seemed to have struggled with his emotions, almost appearing bipolar. While I can't claim those were her precise words, I do recall her describing him as someone who seemed bipolar.

Although some of us found it amusing, her statement conveyed a sense of reality. In my blog post titled "The Greatest Influence," I mentioned that "the characters in scripture provide valuable insights into the human experience." But I often feel that we overlook the emotions woven into these stories and characters. We forget that these were real people who conveyed genuine feelings and emotions.

The Psalmist's Emotional Journey

The Psalmist might appear bipolar due to the range of emotions he expressed while fleeing from those who sought his life, including his own son. In Psalm 3, David pleads with the Lord to save him from his enemies, lamenting, "Many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God." Yet, he found solace in God and called out for help.

However, in chapter 4 and the following chapters, the same man who found encouragement in God continued to pour out his heart to the Lord. He experienced moments of hopelessness, despair, fear, and doubt. For instance, in Psalm 10, he questions how long God will remain hidden in times of trouble, asking, "Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" (Psalm 10:1 ESV).

Whether the Psalmist was bipolar is not the main issue. The key point is that even Christians can find themselves in a funk, some more often than others. You might be downcast or hopeless right now, or perhaps you have been in the past. But can we find solace in the story of the Psalmist?

That indeed, bad days and tough times will come, but they don't make us any less Christian. Periods of hopelessness will occur. There will be days when you feel disheartened. There will also be times when you seek hope, yet hopelessness still lingers. You try to see it, but it feels elusive. You attempt to grasp it, yet it seems out of reach. These are genuine feelings that appear even in the lives of Christians.

The Pressure to Have Answers

Often, as Christians, we feel compelled to provide answers and solutions for every problem. We tell people to pray the hopelessness away, fight or suppress their feelings, and offer various other suggestions. However, I am starting to understand that, much like the Psalmist, there is hope found even in hopelessness.

Whenever the Psalmist appeared hopeless, filled with discouragement and doubts, his healing and answers were found in the expression of his emotions. The pattern typically involved him crying out to the Lord, questioning, expressing his emotions, and then remembering the true identity of the God he worshipped.

Embracing Our Emotions

The funk we find ourselves in sometimes just needs room for expression, not denial. But we should not only express it; we should also learn to convey those emotions to God.

Following numerous days filled with fear, hopelessness, and discouragement, David declared, “I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:7-11 ESV).

In expressing the funk we find ourselves in to the Lord, there is counsel and hope because He is at our right hand. Strength because we will not be shaken, direction because He makes known to us the path of life, and joy because His presence is joy to our souls. However, this does not happen immediately. It is through consistently expressing ourselves to the Lord that we are able to come out of the funk.

Lessons from the Psalmist

The different emotions the Psalmist went through teach us one thing: that in the various funks we may be in, God remains our present help in times of need.

I imagine the Psalmist staring at a mirror, with Christ staring back at him. While doing this, he expresses all his problems, fears, and disappointments with Christ. As he is done expressing all to Christ, he remembers and reflects on the identity of the one he beholds—the One capable of bringing him out of every funk.

We can also do the same and be like the Psalmist. If we learn to behold Christ even in life's funks, hope may be closer than it seems.

Finding Hope in Community

In times of struggle, community plays a vital role. Surrounding ourselves with supportive friends and family can help us navigate through our emotions. Sharing our feelings with others can lighten the burden. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Engaging in group prayers or Bible studies can also provide encouragement. Hearing others share their experiences can be a source of comfort. It helps us realize that many have walked similar paths.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool in overcoming the Christian funk. It allows us to communicate our deepest fears and doubts to God. When we pray, we invite God into our struggles. We acknowledge our need for His guidance and support.

In prayer, we can express our frustrations and seek clarity. It is a safe space to be vulnerable. As we pour out our hearts, we often find peace and reassurance.

Reflecting on God's Promises

God's promises in scripture can also provide hope. When we feel overwhelmed, we can turn to verses that remind us of His faithfulness. Meditating on these promises can strengthen our faith.

For instance, Isaiah 41:10 states, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Remembering these truths can help us combat feelings of hopelessness. They remind us that God is always present, even in our darkest moments.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

In conclusion, experiencing a "Christian funk" is a part of our journey. It does not define our faith or our relationship with God. Instead, it offers an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding.

By embracing our emotions, seeking community, and turning to prayer, we can navigate through these challenging times. Let us remember that even in our struggles, God is with us. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Prayer: I pray that the Lord heals the souls and hearts of those in a funk, whether it has lasted for days, weeks, months, or years, and be our present help in times of need. Amen.