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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 1011 min read

How Should a Christian Deal with Doubt?

Understanding the Nature of Doubt


Doubt is a reality that every Christian will face at some point in their walk with Christ. It is an experience that often brings confusion and distress, challenging one's faith and commitment to Jehovah. While some may view doubt as a sign of weakness or a lack of faith, it is essential to understand that doubt, when properly addressed, can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God’s Word.


In the Bible, doubt is not portrayed as a sin, but rather as a struggle or a challenge that believers encounter. Consider the example of John the Baptist, who, despite his strong faith and clear understanding of Jesus as the Messiah, experienced doubt while imprisoned. In Matthew 11:2-3, we read, "Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?'" John, who had previously declared Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), found himself questioning his earlier convictions due to his circumstances.


John’s doubt, however, did not disqualify him from his role as a prophet. Jesus responded to John’s inquiry with reassurance, pointing to the fulfillment of messianic prophecies as evidence of His identity (Matthew 11:4-6). This interaction shows that doubt can arise even in the hearts of the most faithful servants of God, and that the appropriate response to doubt is to seek answers in the truth of Scripture.



The Causes of Doubt


Understanding the causes of doubt is crucial in addressing it effectively. Doubt can stem from various sources, including difficult circumstances, intellectual challenges, emotional struggles, or spiritual attacks. Each of these sources can disrupt a believer’s confidence in Jehovah and lead to questions about His goodness, power, or presence.


Circumstantial Doubt


Doubt that arises from circumstances is often linked to the believer’s experiences of suffering, hardship, or unmet expectations. When life takes an unexpected turn, it can be difficult to reconcile one’s understanding of God with the reality of pain and loss. This form of doubt is exemplified in the life of Job, a man described as "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1).


Job’s trials were severe: he lost his wealth, his children, and his health. In his anguish, Job questioned the justice of God, asking, "Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?" (Job 13:24). Despite his doubts and questions, Job remained steadfast in his pursuit of God, declaring, "Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face" (Job 13:15).


Job’s example teaches that it is possible to struggle with doubt while maintaining a firm hope in God. Circumstantial doubt can be a catalyst for deepening one’s relationship with Jehovah, as it forces the believer to seek God’s presence and wisdom in the midst of suffering.



Intellectual Doubt


Intellectual doubt often arises from challenges to the truth of Christianity posed by secular philosophies, scientific discoveries, or alternative religious beliefs. These doubts typically center on questions about the reliability of Scripture, the existence of God, or the validity of Christian doctrine.


The apostle Thomas is a well-known biblical example of intellectual doubt. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas refused to believe the testimony of the other disciples, saying, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe" (John 20:25). Thomas’s demand for empirical evidence reflects the intellectual struggle that many believers face when confronted with doubts about the core tenets of their faith.


Jesus responded to Thomas’s doubt by appearing to him and offering the very evidence he sought. Yet, Jesus also provided a gentle rebuke, saying, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). This encounter illustrates that while intellectual doubt can be addressed with evidence, true faith ultimately rests on trust in God’s Word, even when evidence is not immediately available.


Emotional Doubt


Emotional doubt is often rooted in personal experiences of fear, guilt, or anxiety. This type of doubt can be particularly distressing, as it affects the believer’s perception of God’s love and acceptance. Emotional doubt can lead to feelings of unworthiness or abandonment, causing the believer to question whether they are truly saved or if God cares about their struggles.


King David frequently wrestled with emotional doubt, as seen in many of the Psalms. In Psalm 13:1-2, David cries out, "How long, O Jehovah? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?" David’s lament reflects the deep anguish of a heart struggling to reconcile the promises of God with the reality of personal pain.


Despite his emotional turmoil, David repeatedly turned to Jehovah in prayer and reaffirmed his trust in God’s faithfulness. In Psalm 13:5-6, he concludes, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to Jehovah, because he has dealt bountifully with me." David’s example teaches that emotional doubt should drive the believer to seek refuge in God’s love and to remember His past faithfulness as a source of comfort.



Spiritual Doubt


Spiritual doubt is often the result of attacks from Satan, who seeks to undermine the believer’s confidence in God’s promises and character. This type of doubt can manifest as a sense of spiritual dryness, a feeling of distance from God, or a temptation to question the validity of one’s faith.


The experience of Jesus in the wilderness serves as a profound example of spiritual doubt and temptation. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. During this time, Satan sought to sow doubt in Jesus’ mind by challenging His identity as the Son of God and offering Him shortcuts to achieve His mission.


Jesus responded to each of Satan’s temptations by quoting Scripture, affirming His trust in God’s Word over the deceptive promises of the enemy. For example, when Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus replied, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’" (Matthew 4:4). Jesus’ reliance on Scripture as the foundation of His response to doubt and temptation underscores the importance of God’s Word as the ultimate weapon against spiritual doubt.



The Biblical Response to Doubt


While doubt is a natural part of the Christian experience, it is not something that believers should accept passively. The Bible provides clear guidance on how to confront and overcome doubt, emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, and the Word of God in the process.


Strengthening Faith Through God’s Word


Faith is the antidote to doubt, and the primary means by which faith is strengthened is through the Word of God. Romans 10:17 states, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Immersing oneself in Scripture is essential for combating doubt, as it provides the believer with the truth of God’s promises and the assurance of His faithfulness.


The psalmist expresses the power of God’s Word in overcoming doubt in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse illustrates the guiding and illuminating role of Scripture in the believer’s life, helping them navigate through the darkness of doubt and uncertainty. By regularly reading, meditating on, and applying the truths of Scripture, believers can fortify their faith and resist the attacks of doubt.


In addition to personal Bible study, engaging with sound biblical teaching and participating in a community of believers who are committed to the truth of Scripture are vital for strengthening faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages Christians to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Fellowship with other believers provides accountability, encouragement, and a collective reinforcement of the truths of Scripture.



The Role of Prayer in Addressing Doubt


Prayer is another crucial aspect of dealing with doubt. Through prayer, believers can bring their doubts and concerns before Jehovah, seeking His guidance, comfort, and wisdom. The Bible encourages believers to approach God with their doubts, as demonstrated by the father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:24, who cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" This honest prayer acknowledges both faith and doubt, appealing to God for help in overcoming the latter.


Philippians 4:6-7 provides further instruction on how to address doubt through prayer: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage emphasizes the importance of bringing all anxieties and doubts before God in prayer, trusting that He will provide peace and protection for the believer’s heart and mind.


Moreover, prayer is not just about seeking answers or relief from doubt; it is also an expression of trust in Jehovah. By consistently turning to God in prayer, believers reaffirm their dependence on Him and acknowledge His sovereignty over all circumstances, including their doubts.



Remembering God’s Faithfulness


One of the most effective ways to combat doubt is to remember and reflect on Jehovah’s past faithfulness. Throughout the Bible, God’s people are encouraged to recall the mighty works of God as a source of strength and encouragement in times of doubt. In Psalm 77:11-12, the psalmist declares, "I will remember the deeds of Jehovah; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."


The act of remembering God’s faithfulness serves as a powerful antidote to doubt because it reinforces the believer’s confidence in God’s character and promises. Joshua 4 provides a vivid example of this principle in action. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to take twelve stones from the riverbed and set them up as a memorial. These stones were to serve as a reminder of God’s miraculous provision and faithfulness in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua 4:6-7 explains, "When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Jehovah. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever."


Similarly, believers today can combat doubt by recalling the ways in which God has been faithful in their own lives. Keeping a journal of answered prayers, significant spiritual milestones, and personal experiences of God’s provision can serve as a tangible reminder of His ongoing faithfulness. When doubt arises, these reminders can help redirect the believer’s focus from their present uncertainties to the unchanging nature of God.



Seeking Wisdom and Understanding


Doubt often stems from a lack of understanding or a need for deeper insight into the truths of Scripture. In such cases, it is essential for believers to seek wisdom from God, who generously provides it to those who ask. James 1:5 assures us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."


In addition to seeking wisdom through prayer, believers are encouraged to engage in diligent study of Scripture and to seek counsel from mature Christians who can provide guidance and clarity. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Surrounding oneself with wise and knowledgeable believers can provide valuable insight and support in times of doubt.


Furthermore, it is important to approach Scripture with a heart that is open to learning and correction. Psalm 119:18 is a fitting prayer for those seeking understanding: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." By approaching God’s Word with humility and a teachable spirit, believers can gain the understanding needed to overcome doubt and grow in their faith.


Persevering in Faith


Perseverance is a key theme in the Christian life, and it is especially important when dealing with doubt. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to endure in faith, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Hebrews 10:36 encourages believers, "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised."


Persevering in faith does not mean ignoring or suppressing doubt; rather, it involves continuing to trust in Jehovah and obey His Word despite the presence of doubt. This kind of perseverance is exemplified in the life of Abraham, who is described in Romans 4:20-21 as not wavering in unbelief but growing strong in faith, "fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Abraham’s unwavering trust in God’s promises, despite the seemingly impossible circumstances, serves as a model for believers who face doubt.


The apostle Paul also speaks to the importance of perseverance in 2 Timothy 4:7, where he reflects on his own journey of faith: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Paul’s words remind us that the Christian life is a race that requires endurance and steadfastness. In times of doubt, believers are called to press on, trusting that Jehovah will sustain them and bring them to the finish line.



Conclusion: The Role of Community in Overcoming Doubt


While doubt is often experienced on a personal level, it is not something that believers are meant to face alone. The Christian community plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate doubt and grow in their faith. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the value of companionship: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"


The fellowship of believers provides a safe space for sharing doubts, asking questions, and receiving encouragement. In James 5:16, Christians are exhorted to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." This practice of mutual confession and prayer can extend to the sharing of doubts, fostering an environment where believers can support one another in their faith journeys.


Additionally, the church community offers opportunities for corporate worship, teaching, and discipleship, all of which contribute to the strengthening of faith. Hebrews 10:23-25 reminds believers of the importance of gathering together: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."


By participating in the life of the church and engaging in relationships with other believers, Christians can find the support and encouragement they need to overcome doubt and continue growing in their faith.



Conclusion


Dealing with doubt is a complex and multifaceted process that involves understanding its causes, seeking God’s wisdom, relying on His Word, and persevering in faith. The Bible provides numerous examples of faithful believers who struggled with doubt yet found strength and assurance in Jehovah. By following their example and applying biblical principles to our own lives, we can navigate doubt in a way that leads to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. Through prayer, Scripture, and the support of the Christian community, believers can overcome doubt and continue to walk in faith, confident in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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