3 Steps for Positive Religious Coping – Faith Based Coping Skills

This post is about faith based coping skills for positive religious coping.

Written by a previous trauma therapist, a Licensed Master Social Worker, and current Student working toward her PHD learning how to bridge the gap between theology and psychology.

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on purchases (at no extra cost to you). 

Positive religious coping prevents us from being consumed by the stress of this overwhelming life. Biblical counseling coping skill and Christian coping skills help us as Christians feel more grounded without become too overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Today, let’s learn another faith based coping skill to continue to ground our mental health in Christ.

Educational Faith Based Coping Skill: “Externalizing the Pieces”

Hosea 6:1 “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.”

When life become a storm, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and consumed by life. One might even feel as if they are getting pulled into 1000 different directions. When our mind holds onto many different emotions, responsibilities, schedules, etc. our brain can become easily stressed and overwhelmed. To help the brain feel more grounded will be learning about a coping skill one can use to let go of everything your brain is trying to hold on to when you are feeling pulled in 1000 different directions.

Step 1: Write it down Take a blank piece of paper and write down every single thing that is worrying you, hurting you, or stressing you out. Do not try to organize the list or make it look pretty. Just get the scattered thoughts out of your head and onto the paper.

Step 2: Step Back and Look Once your worries are on paper, your brain no longer has to use all of its energy trying to “hold” them. You have externalized the pieces. You can now look at them safely from a distance, which naturally helps lower your stress levels.

Step 3: Pick Just One Piece You cannot fix a shattered plate all at once. Instead, you have to glue it back together one piece at a time. Look at your paper and pick just one small thing you can handle today. Give yourself permission to leave all the other pieces on the paper for another day.

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Faith Connection

The more I read scripture the more I realize how often the pains of this world are acknowledged. Hosea 6:1 is one of those verses that doesn’t ignore the harsh reality of this life. Heart break, pain, stress, grief, betrayal can pile up all at once making this life feel overwhelming when trying to figure it out all on our own. But if we keep reading, Hosea does not end in brokenness. No! It ends in restoration. God’s master plan is far greater than any burden we are carrying in our mind, within our body, or our spirit. God is not overwhelmed by the mess of this life. In fact, He wants to take on those struggles and walk with each and every one of us. In the good, the bad, and the really messy. Today, let’s put everything on paper and show God what we are carrying so He may be able to work on our healing and restoration.

Journal Reflection Question

When you feel like your life is scattered and messy, what is one broken piece you can hand over to God today so he can begin to heal it?

Prayer

Dear God, I confess that right now I feel very overwhelmed. Sometimes the stress of life leaves me feeling scattered and torn to pieces. I have been trying so hard to hold everything together on my own, and I am exhausted. Thank You for the promise that You will heal me. Help me to bring all my messy, broken pieces to You today. Give me the patience to trust Your gentle healing process. Amen.

Book Recommendations

• “A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss” by Jerry L. Sittser – A deeply comforting, faith-based book that explores how to navigate seasons of profound brokenness and trust God with the shattered pieces of our lives.

• “Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness” by Rick Hanson – An excellent educational resource that teaches practical, gentle ways to help the brain rebuild strength, piece by piece, after a stressful or painful season.

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Closing Thoughts

I hope today’s blog post was not only educational but also helped you draw closer to God. If you or someone you know struggling to find peace and want guidance, please connect with a therapist today! Check out TherapyforChristians.com to get connected with a faith-based provider in your area!

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Think Like Christ Mental Health

Disclaimer

Educational and Spiritual Support Only: I am not your therapist. The information provided on this blog—including book recommendations, worksheets, biblical insights, coping skills, or any other content on this blog—is for  educational, informational, and spiritual encouragement purposes only. No Professional Relationship Interacting with this content, including leaving comments or sending direct messages, does not create a therapist-client relationship. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Seek Professional Help: Always seek the advice of your physician or a licensed mental health provider regarding any medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you are in a crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline you all have the best and most blessed day!