Doubting God - how can I overcome doubt in my relationship with God?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Every believer has questions and doubts from time to time. The Bible presents the means for us to increase our faith: study God’s word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. God provided us with Scripture to build our trust in Him by revealing His great deeds throughout history. For example, the Bible recounts God’s faithfulness in rescuing individuals like Daniel and his companions (Daniel 6, 3) as well as to the nation of Israel (Exodus 3:7-8, 6:6-7, Exodus 12 and Exodus 14). He also fulfilled Old Testament prophecy by sending His Son to die for our sins (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 53; Galatians 4:4). God also invites us to pray to Him about our needs (Matthew 7:7; James 5:16), and this includes praying for more faith. When we have doubt, we can ask the Lord to strengthen our faith, as the father of the demon-possessed boy asked of Jesus in Mark 9:24. We’re also helped by the church. God has provided us with a body of believers to encourage and build us up, and this can help when we struggle in our faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25). It’s normal to have doubts, but we shouldn’t let them overcome us, especially when God has provided the means to strengthen our faith.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God's Word functions as a light to help us navigate the path of our life (Psalm 119:105).
• The Old Testament repeatedly calls God’s people to recall how He has faithfully delivered them (e.g., Exodus 14:13-14, Psalm 77:11-12). Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness can strengthen trust and reduce doubt.
• God made many covenant promises to His people, inviting them to trust Him despite uncertainty (Genesis 15:6, Psalm 37:3-5).
• Scriptures like Deuteronomy 4:29 and Jeremiah 29:13 emphasize seeking God sincerely. Pursuing God with a genuine heart helps dispel doubt through growing intimacy and understanding.
• Psalms reveal that even the most faithful expressed doubt, fear, and confusion to God (Psalm 42:5-6, Psalm 73). Being honest before God invites His peace and guidance.
• Passages like Isaiah 40:28-31 remind us God is all-powerful and sovereign, able to sustain and strengthen us, which can build faith beyond doubt.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• As food feeds our physical body, God's Word feeds us spiritually (Matthew 4:4).
• Reading the Word of God develops and strengthens our faith: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).
• When we have doubts, we can ask God to strengthen our faith (Mark 9:24).
• First John 5:14–15 assures us that God will listen to to our prayers: "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
• God doesn't promise to give us whatever we pray for; He desires that we pray "according to His will." Prayer should be aligned to God’s will (James 4:3).
• When we are saved, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us (Ephesians 3:16-17).
• Associating with other believers helps us to stay strong in our faith. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul exhorts believers to "encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
• It's of crucial importance that we stay connected to the body of Christ: "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24–25, NLT).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Doubt in your relationship with God is a natural part of spiritual growth, and overcoming it involves intentionally leaning into the resources God has provided. When you face doubts, turning to Scripture can serve as a steady light, reminding you of God’s faithfulness throughout history and His unchanging promises. Regularly reading the Bible helps you understand God’s character more deeply and strengthens your trust in Him, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Alongside Scripture, prayer offers a direct way to express your doubts honestly and seek God’s guidance, allowing Him to bring peace and reassurance to your heart.

Additionally, staying connected to a community of believers is vital when doubts arise. Fellowship encourages and builds you up, providing mutual support that strengthens your faith journey. Isolation often feeds doubt, but gathering with others reminds you that you are not alone in your struggles. Through sharing, prayer, and encouragement, you can find renewed confidence in God’s presence and power. Over time, keeping a record of answered prayers and reflections on God’s faithfulness can serve as a powerful testimony to yourself, helping you overcome future doubts with a grounded and growing faith.

UNDERSTAND

• Doubt can happen to anyone and is not inherently a sin.
• Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers helps us in our seasons of doubts if we sincerely seek Him and answers to our questions.
• Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness and promises strengthens trust and helps us overcome doubt in our relationship with God.

REFLECT

• How do you personally respond when doubts arise in your faith, and what spiritual practices help you navigate those moments?
• How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in the past, and how can recalling those moments strengthen your trust today?
• How open are you to sharing your doubts with other believers, and how might doing so impact your relationship with God?

ENGAGE

• How does Scripture, prayer, and fellowship work together to help overcome doubt?
• What are some biblical examples of doubt that challenge or encourage our own understanding of trusting God?
• How can a community of believers better support one another when facing questions and uncertainties in their faith?