Learning to Be Uncomfortable Again
November 5, 2025
Are We Just Chasing Comfort?
If I’m being honest, If I’m honest, I spend a lot of time chasing comfort. I like my coffee just right, my house tidy, and my workouts in climate-controlled gyms. I refuse to run outside if it’s under sixty degrees—because I hate being cold. Rather than toughen up or adjust, I bought a treadmill so I could run indoors. When did I become so high-maintenance?
We live in a culture built on convenience. Groceries delivered to our door, phones that answer questions before we finish asking, thermostats that adjust automatically. But somewhere along the way, we’ve confused comfort with peace.
When I open my Bible, I’m reminded that following Jesus was never meant to be comfortable. Moses wandered through the desert. Esther risked her life for her people. Paul endured prison cells and shipwrecks. And Christ—He carried the cross. Yet here I am, grumbling about 55-degree weather.
Discomfort is where growth happens. It’s the space where God stretches our faith and reminds us that strength doesn’t come from self-preservation—it comes from surrender. Every minor inconvenience—the slow Wi-Fi, the cold wind, the detour that wrecks our plans—can be an invitation to lean in, not check out.
Maybe your season of discomfort isn’t about the weather. Maybe it’s loneliness, uncertainty, grief, or waiting. Whatever your “cold run” looks like, let it draw you closer to the warmth of God’s presence.
Because heaven is comfort. Earth is training.
Faith Meets Mental Health
It’s human nature to seek safety. Our brains are wired to protect us from pain, both physical and emotional. When we experience discomfort—whether it’s an awkward conversation, an anxious moment, or an unfamiliar challenge—our nervous system can interpret it as danger. But not all discomfort is a threat.
Here’s a gentle truth: Growth requires discomfort.
Psychologists often talk about the “window of tolerance”—the emotional zone where we can experience stress and still function effectively. When we avoid anything uncomfortable, that window shrinks. But when we gradually face challenges (with support and self-compassion), our resilience expands.
So what if your next uncomfortable moment isn’t something to escape… but an opportunity to grow?
When you feel anxious, try pausing instead of distracting.
When you feel lonely, reach out to a trusted friend or faith community.
When you feel spiritually dry, pray anyway—God meets us in the wilderness too.
These small choices build mental and spiritual endurance. They help us remember that peace isn’t found in perfect conditions but in God’s steady presence amid imperfect ones.
Faith, Discipline, and Well-Being
It’s easy to mistake discipline for punishment, but in God’s design, discipline is actually love in motion. It’s the daily practice of choosing what’s right over what’s easy. Discipline teaches us to show up when we don’t feel like it—to pray when we’d rather scroll, to move our bodies when we’d rather stay still, to speak truth when silence feels safer.
When we build consistent habits—morning prayer, journaling, exercise, healthy meals, boundaries that protect our peace—we create a foundation of stability.
From a mental-health standpoint, routines and discipline nurture well-being. Predictable rhythms calm the nervous system, regulate mood, and increase focus. Studies show that having structure—like consistent sleep, physical activity, and reflective practices—reduces anxiety and improves resilience. Spiritually, discipline builds endurance and helps us rely on faith rather than fleeting feelings.
Discipline isn’t about perfection; it’s about direction.
It’s choosing purpose over impulse.
It’s training our hearts to say, “Even when it’s hard, I’ll keep showing up.”
So maybe the next time life feels uncomfortable, we can see it as training ground—a chance to practice the discipline that produces perseverance, character, and hope.
If You’re Struggling
If discomfort has become distress—if anxiety, grief, or loneliness feel too heavy—know that you don’t have to carry it alone. You can always reach out for help. Talking to a licensed mental-health professional, pastor, or trusted support group can be a courageous next step toward healing.
If you are in crisis or need immediate help, call 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.). You are not alone, and help is available.
A Moment to Reflect
Where am I resisting discomfort that God might be using to refine me?
What spiritual or emotional “treadmills” have I built to avoid hard growth?
How is God inviting me to practice discipline in this season—whether in prayer, rest, movement, or emotional self-care?
In what areas of my life do I need consistency more than comfort?
How can I create daily rhythms that support both my mental health and my spiritual well-being?
Verse to Anchor You
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
— Romans 5:3–4
Closing Prayer
“Lord, help me embrace the discomfort that shapes me and the discipline that strengthens me.
When life feels uncertain, teach me to rest in Your presence instead of reaching for control. Train my heart to choose consistency over convenience and faith over fear. Remind me that peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances but in Your steady hand guiding me through them. Stretch my faith, steady my steps, and help me become more like You, one small act of obedience at a time. — Amen.”
Disclaimer: This reflection is written for faith encouragement and personal growth. It is not intended as professional counseling, therapy, or medical advice. If you are navigating mental health challenges, I encourage you to connect with a licensed counselor or mental health provider in your area.
