Trusting God With Our Doubts

Have doubts ever felt overwhelming, stealing peace, passion, and joy, and leaving an empty sense of desperation?

Doubt can disrupt thoughts with uncertainty, making it hard to hold onto comfort. This often results in isolation from God and others, as the choice to face struggles alone takes hold.

The journey of faith often begins with questions, curiosity, and the desire to seek truth. These moments of uncertainty aren't obstacles but stepping stones to deeper understanding. They challenge assumptions, refine beliefs, and foster resilience in faith. Embracing these questions with courage opens the door to spiritual growth and an unwavering connection with God.

What is doubt?

The Bible reveals two distinct kinds of doubt. The first is skepticism, as seen in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans displayed this approach:

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

The Bereans sought confirmation of Paul’s words. Skeptical doubt involves being uncertain about the truth and actively searching for it.

The second type of doubt is referred to as "unbelief" in Scripture. This kind of doubt resists trusting God and His promises. James illustrates the effects of unbelief in James 1:5-8:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

Unlike skepticism, unbelief resists truth and refuses to trust God despite evidence.

Skeptical doubt is often beneficial. The Bereans were praised for their eagerness to confirm the truth. When doubts align with skepticism, it’s important to seek truth while maintaining trust in God.

Unbelief, however, is a sin. The encouraging news is that unbelief is a choice, just like faith. In Mark 9, Jesus addresses a man’s unbelief, prompting him to respond, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" This heartfelt plea should be echoed. With God’s help, choosing to trust Him amidst doubts becomes possible.

What keeps us from trusting God with our doubts?

Fear is a significant barrier. It can prevent resolution and keep doubts unresolved. The Bible urges believers to bring fears to God and rely on Him completely.

When doubts are neither unbelieving nor fearful, they can serve as a healthy catalyst for examining beliefs, discarding falsehoods, and grounding faith in truth. Facing doubts in this way leads to spiritual growth. However, trusting God with doubts and approaching them with faith is essential for this growth.

How do we handle doubt?

Seeking truth while trusting God is crucial. If doubt is entangled with unbelief or fear, choosing to trust God and walking in faith should take priority.

One practical approach is prayer. Reluctance to pray may stem from fear, but Philippians 4:6-7 provides guidance:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Prayer should not be driven by fear. Instead, gratitude should accompany requests, with trust that God hears them.

Another way to build trust in God is by engaging with Scripture. The Bible confronts fears and unbelief directly. Hebrews 4:12 describes the power of Scripture:

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Scripture not only challenges assumptions but also provides comfort. Isaiah 43:1 offers reassurance:

"But now, this is what the LORD says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’"

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God’s love and brings peace during times of uncertainty.

Put it in action

Choosing to trust God with doubts simplifies the path to resolution. Understanding God’s claims about areas of doubt, following the Bereans’ example from Acts 17:11, and confirming His words are practical steps. Exploring the reliability of Scripture, scientific support for biblical claims, and actively seeking answers lead to resolution. Accepting these answers in faith completes the process.

Doubt creates uncertainty and can lead to withdrawal from God and others. At its core, unbelief and fear are the driving forces behind this struggle. Addressing doubt with trust in God allows for a healthier perspective.

This journey is not solitary – God’s help is vital in choosing trust over fear. The response in Mark 9, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" emphasizes reliance on divine support. For those struggling to trust God, calling out for His help transforms the experience.

Trusting God with doubts brings profound changes. Confidence replaces wavering, truth becomes a pursuit, and faith grows stronger. Trusting God amidst doubt unlocks its potential to foster spiritual strength and resilience.