Life is full of questions. Some of which are easier to answer than others. Even when we get the answers to the questions that we have, sometimes they do nothing to satisfy the curiosity within our souls. These questions produce doubt in our lives because they demonstrate what each person intuitively knows – we are not in control.
When these questions come, what do we do? Or perhaps a better question is, where do we go? When doubts consume our minds, it can be hard to make sense of the world and all that is in it. Doubt is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be the driving force within our lives. This means that we can live with our doubts but be governed by someone who is greater than them. Doubt can either lead us to sinful worry or joyful hope. Where do your doubts lead you to? My hope is that with my next few words you will realise that doubt doesn’t have to rule your life. That when the waves of doubt seek to consume your life, you have a Creator who tells these waves “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39).
Perhaps you’re struggling with doubt right now or you have just finished a battle with doubt. Whichever stage of life you are at, you want to be armed with truth to combat the lies those doubts may be whispering in your ears. So here are 5 things to consider when you doubt.
1. God does not condemn you
The Psalms are full of God’s people asking why? Why are you taking so long to answer my prayer (Psalm 130), why are my enemies triumphing over me (Psalm 25), why are the wicked prospering? (Psalm 73). God isn’t angry when you come to Him with your doubts. He understands that we are limited, after all, we are dust (Psalm 103:14). God doesn’t want you to be consumed by your doubts or to complain to others about how great your doubts are. Instead, God wants you to run to Him with your doubts because He cares about you (1 Peter 5:7).
2. The just live by faith
When you have doubts, it is understandable that you look for a solution that will quell them all. However, the Bible never promises that all our questions will be answered. The Bible does promise that the more we know Him, the more our faith will rise to trust God when we don’t receive the answers we desire (Hebrews 12:2). True faith doesn’t say I need to have all the answers to trust you. True faith says, I don’t have all the answers I want but I know enough about you to trust you in and with my doubts.
3) Where are my doubts from?
This is the hardest point to consider. When you’re battling doubts, it can be difficult to think clearly as to why you are doubting. Therefore, being part of a local church is critical. Where the waves of doubts are hitting you on every side, your family of believers are there to help stabilise the boat (1 Thessalonians 5:14). As the adage goes, a burden shared is a burden halved. It can be frightening to share your doubts, and perhaps you have had bad experiences. So, for those who are entrusted with people’s doubt, handle them with care. Doubters need mercy, not think pieces. When doubts arise, people need God’s words not our own.
4) The devil is a liar
We can often use this phrase casually and so the truthfulness of this statement can be lost. But if you’re doubting today remember this – the devil is a liar. The devil seeks to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). He wishes to use your doubts against you to influence you to believe lies about God and yourself. The antidote for lies is the truth. The more you fill yourself with the truth of God’s word the easier you will be able to discern lies (John 8:31-32). That is why it’s vital to engage with God’s word daily. Not to primarily have your questions answered, but to see God rightly. When you see God rightly, you will see that your doubts aren’t strong enough to move the One who has you in the palm of His hand.
5) God will keep you
This is the most important to remember. Your doubts although they may be great, are not greater than your Saviour. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ (Romans 8:35). You are not saved by your ability to suppress your doubts neither will you be abandoned if your doubts overwhelm you. Jesus saved you and Jesus will keep you. When nothing else makes sense, remember that Jesus died and saved you from your sins, so that you may be one with Him (Colossians 2:6-15). When your doubts threaten to consume you, remember the empty tomb that declares all of God’s enemies have been defeated, including your doubts. When Satan seeks to use your doubts against you remember “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,” (Jude 24).
If you are struggling with doubt, you are not alone. I have my doubts too. But our doubts won’t win, Jesus already has.
