Dealing with doubt

Doubt dealt with by holding on to God’s truth

Gaining assurance from God’s word

Ps 119:147; 1 Jn 5:13

See also Ps 119:116; Jn 20:31; Ro 15:4; 2 Pe 1:19

Receiving correction and understanding through God’s word

2 Timothy 3:14–17 NIV

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

See also Ps 119:130; Pr 6:23; 1 Co 10:11

Avoiding idle speculation

Eph 4:14; 1 Ti 6:20–21; 2 Ti 2:16; 2 Ti 2:23; Tt 3:9

Doubt dealt with by meditating on God’s works

Remembering God’s past deeds

Psalm 77:10–20 NIV

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

See also Dt 7:17–19; 1 Ch 16:8–12; Ps 22:4–5; Ps 74:12–17; Ps 143:5; Is 46:9; Mt 16:9–10

Commemorating God’s deeds

Ex 12:14 Religious festivals such as Passover provided a permanent reminder of God’s past goodness to his people.

See also Dt 16:1; Lk 22:19; 1 Co 11:24–25

Reflecting on divine power

Mt 11:4–6; Jn 10:38; Jn 14:11

Doubt dealt with by trusting

Trusting in God’s unfailing love

Psalm 6:2–4 NIV

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

See also Ps 42:8; Is 49:15–16; Is 54:10; Je 31:3–4

Trusting in God’s presence

Genesis 28:15 NIV

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

See also Ex 3:12; Dt 20:1; 2 Ch 20:15–17; Ps 42:11; Ps 73:23–26

Trusting in God’s strength

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

See also 1 Ki 19:6–8; Is 40:28–31; Is 43:2

Remembering God’s concern for the weak

God’s compassion for the weak

Ezekiel 34:16 NIV

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

See also Is 42:3

God’s grace to those with doubts

Ex 5:22–6:1 God responds to Moses’ uncertainty by promising a demonstration of his power.

See also Nu 11:21–23; Jdg 6:39–40; Jn 20:27

Pastoral concern for those who doubt

Being patient with doubters

Jude 22 NIV

Be merciful to those who doubt;

See also Ro 14:1–4; Ro 14:15–17; Ro 15:1

Encouraging those with doubts

Jdg 20:22; Job 4:3–4

See also 2 Ch 32:6–8; Is 35:3–4; Is 40:1; 1 Th 3:2; Heb 10:23–25; Heb 12:12