Understanding and Overcoming Doubt
A Guide for Christians With Questions or Apprehensions About God
Dec 24, 2008 Kenneth Burchfiel
The first step to managing one’s skepticism is to understand its source. The origin of doubt may be external (a critical book, a remark from a teacher or a news program), or internal (a misgiving about Christianity, or confusion over God).
In either case, however, doubt usually stems from an unanswered question about Christianity. One might be confused over why pain can exist in a world created by a loving God, or why Jesus has not yet returned. When such questions are answered, they usually boost one’s spiritual life; when left unattended, however, they result in fear, anxiety and skepticism over the truth of Christianity.
Those in doubt should not let themselves be led into temptation. Read the article
Overcoming Temptation in the Christian Life for more on this important point.
Steps for Overcoming Doubt
If questions comprise the source of doubt, then answers are the key to healing it. But where does one find responses to questions about God?
What one must remember is that virtually every question has already been asked—and answered—in the 2000-year history of Christianity. There is no reason to feel alone in one’s search for responses, given the wide range of books that deal with such questions. And, of course, the Holy Spirit is present within questioning believers.
The first step one should take is to pray for guidance and understanding on the subject confusing them. Rarely will this lead to an immediate and direct answer, as God may have a reason behind the doubt, but it is important nevertheless to explain one’s concerns to Him.
Next, one should consider the subject without fear or reservations. This is often the time when the Holy Spirit helps guide one to an answer. If the question arose from a misunderstanding, they might be able to answer their own question before a deeper search becomes necessary.
If neither of those steps resolves the issue, the next action should be to seek the help of those to whom God has provided an answer. Most clergy would be happy to support one in their search, especially if they have pondered the same topic. Answers can also be found in books written by past and present “apologists,” or Christians whose lives are dedicated to answering questions that believers may have. It is also important to give control to God, as this article explains.
It may take decades before one finds a satisfying answer to their question. Of course, as the next section explains, this may not be a bad thing.
The Benefits of Going Through Doubt
One struggling with religious questions ask why God allows doubt to develop in the first place. Would it not be better for Him to answer questions and worries immediately?
The wonderful irony about doubt is that it usually increases, not decreases faith in the long run. As Christians search for answers to their questions, they come to learn more about the Bible, history, science, and apologetics than they ever would have cared to know. Additionally, apprehensions about faith can lead to a closer relationship with God as one seeks answers and guidance from Him.
As long as one commits to finding the answers to their questions, the process of going through doubt can lead to spiritual intimacy and increased knowledge alike. This makes inquiry something to celebrate.
Additional Reading
Those besieged by doubt may also experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts, which may stem from obsessive-compulsive disorder. The article Dealing With Unwanted Thoughts has more on this topic.
The Bible can help Christians going through doubt.
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