It’s a cruel irony in life that faith sometimes wanes when we need it the most. One of those times is during stress. Stress is a reaction to adverse circumstances or conditions. Ordinarily, stress is temporary. But sometimes, it can feel as though there is no let up. When you are undergoing chronic stress, it can be helpful to turn to prayer to help calm yourself and alleviate those feelings of stress. Ironically, stress can actually cause a person to lose faith, the very thing that could be your salvation. Here are seven warning signs that stress is starting to impair your faith.

1. You Turn to Substances to Alleviate Stress

It’s common to drink, smoke or do other things that are unhealthy to get temporary relief from stress. But when the substance has worn off, the stress will still be there. True, everlasting relief from stress only comes from communing with God, who offers relief to all his children. In Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10, we read, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

2. You Blame God

When you start to believe that God is punishing you and you blame God for your misfortunes here on Earth, that is a sign that stress is impairing your faith. In Job, chapter 34, verse 5, he says, “I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice.” Job’s stress is causing him to blame God, but in the end, he realized his error. He realized that God had a bigger plan for him in Job 42:1-3. “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”

3. You Make Excuses to Miss Service

When you have too much on your plate, you may look for ways to cut back on obligations. Stress may cause you to miss your usual religious services in order to sleep in late, relax or do something fun with friends. In reality, attending service may offer you much more in terms of reliving stress than any of those other activities.

4. You Think You’re on Your Own

Footprints in the Sand is only a poem, but it embodies the truth of how God helps you during times of stress. If you think you are on your own, it’s likely that these are the times when God is carrying you. You are never alone when you keep God in your heart.

5. You Resort to Other Means

Stress and resentment can make you resort to words and actions that go against what Jesus said. In Matthew 5:43, it says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

6. You Refuse Help

Often, God sends others to help his children in need. Don’t let pride get in the way of letting others help you through times of stress. When you do, you are letting go of faith and holding on to some sense of pride that will not serve you in the long run.

7. You Lash Out at Loved Ones

Your stress is not invisible to others, but it may feel that way. Stress can make you lose faith in God’s love and in the love from your family and friends. If you find yourself lashing out at people who don’t deserve it, consider that God is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Don’t let earthly stress make you stray from your faith. Take heart in the wisdom of the Bible and in God’s everlasting love.