Dealing with Doubts
By Kyle Pope
In
the context of urging his readers to pray for wisdom, James charged them not to
ask God with doubt, warning, “for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea
driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will
receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6b-7, NKJV). All of us have times
when we struggle with doubt. Whether it is doubt in things for which we pray,
or even doubt in our faith in God. Is He really there? Does He really care for
us? Is serving Him really worth it? How are we to deal with these doubts when
they come into our hearts? The Bible addresses the subject of doubt in a number
of different ways and it is clear there are different types of doubt and
different dangers associated with each.
Being Caught Between Two Things
When Elijah stood to challenge the prophets of Baal,
he challenged his unfaithful brethren in Israel, “How long will you falter
between two opinions? If the Lord is
God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). The type of
doubt addressed in James 1:6 is much like the condition Elijah described. The
word translated doubt is the Greek word diakrinō (διακρίνω)
meaning, “to separate, make a distinction, discriminate” (Thayer). This literal
sense helps us understand its application. Sometimes it is important to allow a
distinction to exist between people or things. Jude used this same word to teach that Christians must “make a
distinction” in how we approach people—some we “save with fear,”
while others must be handled with “compassion” (Jude 22-23). Other times
distinctions should not be maintained. In
Acts 15:9 this word is used to describe
what God no longer does between the Jew and the Gentile. In pouring out the
gospel He “made no distinction.” In James 1:6 the Holy Spirit pictures being
caught between one of two beliefs on the same matter. The one who doubts when
asking God for wisdom acts as if he believes and trusts in the Lord, while at
the same time he acts as if he does not believe in His love or power. This type
of doubt is not constructive, but actually reflects unbelief.
Two Types and Causes of Doubt
In the English language, doubt originally meant
to waver, question or to be hesitant about something. Now it most often means to
have a question about the honesty, integrity, or possibility of some person or
event. When used with reference to God, it can mean that a person has an honest
and sincere question regarding God’s actions, or it may indicate a skeptical
view as to whether something is true. This type of doubt (like that mentioned
above) reflects an unwillingness to believe. Let’s consider some things about
these two types of doubt: skepticism and
honest questioning.
1.
Skepticism. What kind of things cause
us to be skeptical? Perhaps statements made by political leaders, if they promise
to cut taxes when their record is that of raising taxes, we are skeptical of
their claims. When we hear claims that are supernatural or extreme we are skeptical.
If I told you about a man who lifted his whole house, you should be skeptical. We
are properly skeptical of offers that are too good to be true. If I promise to
give you a brand new car for $1.00—that is something you ought to view with
skepticism. What is it about these things that prompt our skepticism? 1)
These are things different from past evidence. 2) These are things not within
normal experience. 3) These are things that seem unreasonable. Skepticism can
be a valuable attitude when properly used, but it can also pose dangers. In
matters of faith, we are called to trust in things far beyond our normal
experience, yet these are not things for which there is no evidence or that are
unreasonable to believe. Doubt that takes the form of skepticism must not be
allowed to go unresolved. The skeptic is not truly convinced that he can put
faith in that which he doubts in this way. In truth he lacks the kind of faith
he should have.
2.
Honest questioning. Sometimes we want
to accept something but simply question how it could be. These may be things
that are important to us, but hard for us to understand or accept. These may be
things we would like someone to clear up for us. In material things I might
question, for example, how a television, computer, or smartphone works. I see
that they work, but I don’t understand how they work! Someone with more
knowledge about this could help me learn the details of what seems mysterious
to me through honest questioning. I could study and learn all I can about these
things in order to dispel those things that raise questions in my mind. In
matters of faith, I might question, how there can be a God?—How could Jesus be
born of a virgin?—How and why would He die for me?—How can we know the Bible is
true?—How can we be sure about salvation? Is it wrong to ask these things? Is
this the lack of faith about which James warns? No. It is important to ask
these questions and come to terms with answers that can help us avoid the
unbelief that often accompanies skepticism. We should ask others who may very
well have struggled with these same questions. We should study to find the
answers. We do not sin by asking these questions—we actually guard our hearts
from allowing doubt to cripple us spiritually.
Two Examples of Doubt
Scripture shows us some examples of doubt that
demonstrate both attitudes.
1.
Abraham. When Abraham was still
childless and owned no property in the land of Canaan God promised him
descendents and a land inheritance (Gen. 15:1-5). Although Scripture tells us
Abraham believed God (15:6), he also asked Him, “how shall I know that I
will inherit it?” (15:8). Was this wrong? No, it was honest questioning. To
resolve Abraham’s questioning God confirmed His word with a sign (15:9-17). His
uncertainty did not compromise his belief.
2. Thomas. In English the term “Doubting Thomas” has come to us
from the account in John that records Jesus’ first appearances to His apostles
after His resurrection. Thomas was not with the other ten and questioned their
report of seeing Jesus alive (John 20:19-25). It is not until he sees the
crucified hands and feet of the living Jesus that he believes (20:26-29). We
have often questioned whether Thomas attitude was one of doubt or honest
questioning. To some extent both seem to be true, however it was recently
pointed out to me what Jesus words indicate about Thomas’ mindset. Jesus told
him, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (20:27). Jesus had foretold
His death and resurrection (Mark 8:31), but Thomas had allowed any uncertainty
he had about this to move him to unbelief. It’s good to seek confirmation, but
we must not allow this to lead to unbelief.
The Dangers of Doubting
1.
Rejecting Everything as False.
Skepticism can be dangerous when it becomes a preprogrammed mechanism to reject
anything that’s unfamiliar. We use it as a defense mechanism. When the telemarketer
calls with a “win a free vacation” scheme skepticism keeps us from loosing our
money. However, if skepticism dominates our thinking in all things it may lead
us to reject what is actually true. It would be foolish to reject faith in
Christ because of this kind of thinking. Our soul is at stake!
2.
Always Questioning but Never Taking a Stand. Honest questioning is only of value if it leads a person to dig for
truth and when he or she finds it accept and follow it! Some people may not be
skeptics but they are content simply asking questions. We must act upon the
logical consequences of the answers we find. There are some things for which we
are not given answers (Deut. 29:29), but many answers are provided and must be
accepted. There is no virtue in never reaching a conclusion on anything.
3.
Overconfidence In Our Own Views. None
of this is to suggest when we have confidence in our opinions it guarantees we
are right. In Paul’s discussion with the Romans about the one struggling with
whether Mosaic dietary laws still applied he urged them never to act with
doubt. Although the Christian is now free to eat a variety of foods (Rom.
14:14), he warns. “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he
does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin” (14:23). Diakrinō , the same word used in James 1:6 is used here. While our
conclusions can be wrong, this show that it is always wrong to act against what
we believe to be true. To act with this type of doubt is wrong.
The Time to Choose
Sometimes the struggle with doubt is a matter of
refusing to really make a decision. James 1:6 teaches us we can’t do that and
please God. Let’s look at two passages that teach us the same thing. Both use a
slightly different word for doubt: distazō (διστάζω)
meaning “to stand in two ways” or “wavering as to which path to take”
(Vine). Both concern two different periods in Jesus’ dealings with His
disciples.
1.
Jesus’ Disciples after His Resurrection.
Matthew 28:16-17 tells us that after the resurrection when Jesus appeared to
His disciples in Galilee “some doubted.” Although the eleven are
mentioned, this may infer that others were present who had not yet see the
resurrected Jesus because the eleven first saw Him in Jerusalem and believed
(John 20:19-29). Whoever this was it is clear that some “doubted.”
Did they doubt it was really Him? Did they realize how this would change their
lives from that point on, and struggle with which path to take? Whatever
their struggle they were confronted with a time when they needed to stop
wavering and make a choice.
2.
Peter on the Sea. Scripture records
for us the marvelous account of Jesus walking on the sea and Peter asking to be
allowed to come to Him (Matt. 14:22-33). Peter wanted to believe, but what
happened? He looked at the things of this world (the wind, the waves, and the
turmoil around him.). Then he took his eyes off Jesus and became afraid. When
we trust only in ourselves we will fall. When we look only to the world we will
be overwhelmed with doubt. Only when we look to Jesus can we stand firm.
Conclusion
There are different types of doubt and different ways
that doubt can affect us. It is wise to have skeptical doubts when false
religion is presented, but foolish to be so skeptical that we won’t even
consider the truth. It is wise to have honest questions about matters that
concern our souls, but foolish to never apply the answers to such questions to
our lives. Our confidence is no assurance that we are doing right, but acting
with doubt is always wrong! Let’s consider a few suggestions to help us when
we face doubts:
1.
Constantly plant the word of God in the heart. Some people print passages of Scripture and post them
in conspicuous places to remind them of the goodness and promises of God.
Others schedule private reading times. We must not neglect the power the word
of God has to help us dispel doubts.
2.
Take time out to count blessings and see the good things God has done for us. A dark and sinful world can easily blind us to the
goodness of God. Spend time in nature. Look at the innocence of a child.
Consider all the good things you have for which God is the source (James.
1:17).
3.
Keep lists (either mentally or on paper) of Bible promises especially
meaningful to you. The Bible is
filled with promises offered to His people. Focusing on these things can help
us when doubts start to cloud our mind.
4.
Don’t give up—do whatever is necessary to resolve your doubts! Talk to a brother or sister in Christ about your
doubts. You may find they have had the same struggles and can offer guidance in
how to work through it. Be faithful in worship and Bible study. The answer to
your struggle may have been addressed at the very service you missed. There is
no weakness in wrestling with doubts—the key is not to let them defeat us!
eBulletin Print Version