"Resuelto a examinar cuidadosamente y constantemente qué es aquello en mí que me hace dudar aunque sea un poco del amor de Dios"

The essence of this quote is about taking a deep, honest look at ourselves to find out what's causing us to feel distant or uncertain about a higher power's love. It's all about self-examination—really digging into our thoughts and feelings to understand the root of our doubts. This idea isn't just about spirituality; it's about understanding ourselves better in any relationship or belief we hold dear.

This quote comes from Jonathan Edwards, a preacher during the Great Awakening in the 18th century. He was deeply religious and emphasized the importance of introspection in one’s faith journey. Edwards believed that examining our inner lives could lead to a stronger, more genuine connection with God.

Let's talk about a real-life example. Imagine someone who struggles with feeling unworthy of love—from anyone, not just a divine presence. This person might believe they're not good enough for their partner, friends, or even themselves. To address this, they start journaling every day, noting when they feel these doubts creeping in. Over time, they notice a pattern: their feelings of unworthiness spike when they compare themselves to others on social media. So, by identifying this trigger, they decide to limit their social media use. They replace it with activities that boost their self-esteem, like exercising or engaging in a hobby. Gradually, they start feeling more confident and less doubtful of the love they receive from others.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by being honest with yourself. When you feel a twinge of doubt about something important—whether it's your faith, your relationship, or your career—pause and ask yourself why. What's really causing that doubt? Is it fear, past experiences, or maybe something external like social pressure? Once you pinpoint the source, you can work on it. Maybe you need to make a change, seek help, or even just talk it out with someone you trust. The goal is to understand and address the root cause, not just the symptom.

Imagine you're chatting with a friend over coffee. They tell you they're feeling disconnected from their partner. They love them, but something feels off. You suggest they take some time to think about what might be causing this feeling. Is it something their partner did, or is it something within them? Maybe they're stressed from work or dealing with unresolved issues from the past. By taking the time to reflect, they might discover that their doubts aren't really about their partner at all, but about their own fears and insecurities.

In the end, it's all about being curious and compassionate with yourself. Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions and face the uncomfortable truths. It's not easy, but it's worth it. By understanding what's causing your doubts, you can work towards a more confident and fulfilling life—whether that's in your faith, your relationships, or your personal goals.