What Does the Bible Say About Doubt? Take Them to God

Doubt is a feeling that many of us wrestle with during the hard times in our lives. Whether it’s doubting God’s promises, questioning His presence, or feeling uncertain about the future, doubt can leave us feeling unsettled and distant from the peace God desires for us. The good news is that the Bible does not shy away from addressing doubt, and it offers guidance, encouragement, and examples of how we can deal with it. Let’s explore this topic together and dive into what God’s Word says about doubt.

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Is Doubt a Sin?

One of the biggest questions Christians wrestle with is whether doubt itself is a sin. The short answer?

No, doubt is not inherently sinful. However, it can lead us down a dangerous path in our Christian life if we allow it to take root and turn us away from God. 

Doubt becomes a problem when we let it push us away from God rather than drawing closer to Him for answers. James 1:6 warns, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” 

This verse is not about condemning honest questions but encouraging an attitude of trust in the heart, even when we don’t fully understand.

When Jesus slept through a furious storm on a lake, the disciples awakened Him, asking, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 

After He calmed the storm, He asks them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:38,40. Notice He didn’t say the opposite of faith was unbelief, but fear!

I’m reminded of this quote from C.S. Lewis: “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”

Why Do We Doubt?

Understanding why we have times of doubt along our faith journey can help us address the root causes. Here are a few common reasons:

1) Life’s Challenges: When God’s people face trials, it’s easy to question God’s goodness, where He is, or why He allows certain things to happen. King David prayed this prayer to God in his despair:

“How long, O Lord,? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” Psalm 13:1-2.

We can do as David did, and express our feelings and talk our problems out with God. David ends his questioning this way- “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.” vv5-6

2) Our Limited Understanding: As humans, we have finite minds and can’t always comprehend God’s ways or wealth of wisdom; leading us to uncertainty. This reminder helps us understand the distance between God and man:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9.

3) Spiritual Warfare: The enemy often sows seeds of doubt to lead us astray. Just as he tempted Eve, the mother of nations, by questioning God’s Word- “Did God really say?”, a satanic attack can cause us to question. The Apostle Paul warns the early believers-

“Just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3.

4)Unanswered Prayers: When God doesn’t answer our prayers in the way or timing we expect, we may doubt His goodness or faithfulness. He can answer our prayers with a yes, no, or ask us to wait.

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1. (The Parable of the Persistent Widow)

Recognizing these triggers helps us respond to doubt with faith rather than fear. Now let’s look at specific ways to deal with our doubts.

How to Deal With Doubt

* Take Your Doubts to God

God invites us to bring all our questions to Him. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Be honest with God about your doubts and ask Him for wisdom, understanding, and patience.

*Seek Truth in Scripture

The Word of God is our anchor in uncertain times. Study passages that affirm God’s faithfulness, character, and promises. 

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Psalm 36:5.

*Surround Yourself with Community

Don’t isolate yourself when doubt creeps in. Share your struggles with a trusted Christian friend or mentor who can encourage you and pray for you.

*Remember His Past Faithfulness

Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life. Journaling or keeping a record of answered prayers can help you remember His goodness when doubt clouds the truth of God.

Many years ago, I was asked to give a talk at a weekend retreat. I couldn’t say no- I had gladly signed up and checked the box that said I would do whatever they needed!

Oh, but I fussed, and argued with God and shook with fear. This was too far out of my comfort zone. But God… 

He led me so gently through it all, and in the end, it worked for His glory. Many years later, when He asked me to start this blog, I remembered my early shaky days and His faithfulness to me.

I knew if He was faithful before, He would be faithful again. Sometimes it’s the difficult things we struggle through that increase our faith the most.

*Act in Faith

Even if you do not feel well-quipped or particularly strong in your faith, take small steps of obedience. The book of Hebrews 5:8 tells us Christ Jesus “learned obedience from what He suffered.” 

He could only experience obedience by leaving His glory in heaven and humbling Himself. He never disobeyed, but learned how to live out obedience, which came through His earthly struggles. Our faith grows as we trust God one step at a time, even in our doubts.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of various kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3.

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Bible Characters Who Struggled With Doubt

The Bible is full of examples of faithful believers who experienced moments of doubt. We are in the company of great saints of the faith when doubts arise.

~Moses responded to God’s call with doubt. He was sure God had called the wrong man. He continues to doubt God’s plan and wisdom. God’s holy anger finally burns against Moses when he doesn’t trust God to help him. God silences Moses’ doubts with a reminder of His own character and presence.

When we face difficult or frightening situations, we have to let God help us.

~John the Baptist, a superhero of Biblical characters, selfless and humble, and the one who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry, doubted. 

As he sat in a jail cell, he doubted if Jesus was really the Messiah. Jesus, in a loving response, patiently pointed him back to how He had fulfilled Scripture-He had made the lame walk, the blind see, and the deaf hear as prophesied in Isaiah 35:5-6.

If you sometimes doubt your salvation, the forgiveness of sins, or God’s work in your life, look at the evidence in Scripture and the changes you’ve made in your life. Don’t turn away from Jesus when doubts arise, turn TO Him.

~Peter had faith to jump out of the boat to meet Jesus in the water. But doubt kicked in when he concentrated on the wind and waves instead of Jesus.

Jesus immediately catches him and says, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31.

Our best intentions sometimes still end in doubt. Peter shows us that when fear and doubt overtake you, look to Christ!

Doubts do not make us automatic unbelievers. What they should do is send us right to God’s Word and into His arms.

~Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, doubted the resurrection until he saw the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and His wounded side. Jesus didn’t scold Thomas but met him where he was, offering the evidence he needed. This reminds us how patient Jesus is with our doubts and wants to lead us to belief!

Bible Verses To Encourage Us When Doubt Creeps In

Proverbs 3:5-6- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Hebrews 11:1- “Now faith is the assurance of things hope for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Isaiah 41:10- “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” NASB.

Did you notice all the “I will” promises here? And that He is with us always? Doubt tells we are on our own; we can’t count on the protection and love of God. That is a lie from the enemy.

John 6:68- Peter expresses his reason for not doubting his Lord Jesus Christ and turning away (as some did)- “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Psalm 73:26- The Psalmist describes his crisis of faith when he sees the wicked prosper while the righteous struggle. He realizes happiness and hope are based on God, not worldly riches. Our lives have eternal value.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

2 Corinthians 12:9- “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Doubt is not the end of faith; it’s an opportunity to grow deeper in your relationship with God. By bringing your doubts to Him, seeking truth in Scripture, and leaning on the support of fellow believers, you can overcome doubt and walk confidently in faith.

Remember, our God is patient, loving, and always ready to meet you where you are.

Blessings!

AnnMarie

Reflection Questions:

What areas of your life do you find it hardest to trust God, and how can you bring those doubts to Him in prayer?

Which Biblical example of doubt resonates most with you, and what lessons can you take from their story?

How can you support someone in your life who may struggle with doubt?

All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.

Photo Credit: Canva

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