Emotions
How do I learn to handle doubt?
One of the first steps in defusing doubt is to determine its origin. Begin by asking yourself if your feelings of doubt are legitimate. Many times we struggle with thoughts and feelings that have no validity. Fear and doubt are two of Satan's principal weapons against the believer. He knows if he can get you to doubt God, then maybe you will give up and abandon God's will for your life.
Feelings of fear often precede feelings of doubt and uncertainty. If left unattended, these runaway emotions can cause you to stop trusting God and His ability to provide for you. But there is hope! One of the best sources in combating fear and doubt is the reading of God's Word.
Committing yourself to a daily reading program will show you many ways to handle doubt without feeling that you have let God down in some way. Prayer is essential in fighting fear, doubt, and any number of other emotional problems. In essence, prayer is faith in action. When we pray, regardless of whether we feel like it or not, we make a statement of faith. We pray because we see God as a solution to what we are facing.
The book of Psalms is a great source of encouragement. They reveal personal conquest over emotions such as fear, doubt, loneliness, and discouragement. David and others made a conscious decision to trust the Lord through tremendously difficult circumstances and found that God never once failed them. Experience is a notable teacher and a sure way to witness God's faithfulness in action. If you are facing a difficult situation, don't be slow in asking God to show you the best way to handle it. If your level of trust seems low, don't worry. God is wise and kind. His goal is to teach you more about Himself, not to frighten you away. Your faith will increase as you practice getting to know Him better.
Even if you don't have the emotional strength needed to trust God, you still can begin. God will be your strength. A. B. Simpson often told those who found themselves in a difficult spot, "When God tests you, it is a good time for you to test Him by putting His promises to the proof, and claiming from Him just as much as your trials have rendered necessary."
Never hesitate to be honest with God. He knows it all anyway. Honesty breaks the pattern of doubt. The last thing Satan wants you to do is to go to God in prayer and tell Him you are feeling doubtful. He knows that God loves you with an eternal love, and if you come to Him for help, He will help you.
Turning Doubts Into Blessed Assurance (1)
Turning Doubts Into Blessed Assurance (2)
God's Promises: Doubt
|
|
Home