Drowning in Doubt

Scripture: James 1:6-8 – “But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (NRSVUE)

You may think this is surprising coming from a pastor, but I think a little doubt can be a good thing. I believe that it is theologically and psychologically impossible for humans to completely understand an all-powerful God. Those that seem to have unquestioning faith are often those not willing to ask difficult questions. To me, true faith is not unthinking acceptance of what I have been taught by others, but a loving, back-and-forth relationship between myself and God. The kind of faith where Abraham, Moses, and even Jesus would occasionally push back against God. The kind of faith echoed the psalms, which ask things like, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1), or “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1). People who have no questions or doubts can be extremely destructive when the God they are certain about lacks empathy or wisdom.

However, there is a difference between doubting and lacking commitment. Even when I am confused or feeling forgotten, I never abandon covenant with God and my hope that I will find reconciliation again. This is how I understand the passage I quoted above from the Letter of James. It speaks of the doubter being tossed about by sea and storm, where it would say (I imagine) that the faithful one stands on solid ground. And if you pray to God for something, and you are not really sure if God exists or answers prayer, it is unlikely you will get what you want.

If you don’t trust that change is possible, it will never happen for you. But that does not mean you must silence your doubts. The fact is that sometimes we are tossed about by sea and storm. We get knocked off our feet by life, doubt creeps in, and we are left uncertain by our future.

When this happens, I suggest two things. First, explore your questions. Analyze the inconsistencies in the Bible or the religious tradition. As I like to say, theology always comes from crisis, and our understanding of God can never grow if we do not ask questions. A silenced faith is an immature faith.

Second, let go of the need for answers. God is more than you can understand, and you will necessarily hit a limit in terms of how far you can think things through. Instead, look back to a time when you were not filled with doubt, when you felt closeness and love from God. Trust that those feelings will come again, and more often than not, I think you will find that solid ground under your feet again.

Doubt can be good, but it cannot be the end of faith. Trust in God, and working through your doubt, you will find that your prayer will be answered.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that my doubts will ultimately bring me closer to your love, for you are ever faithful. Amen.