Is there a difference between questioning and doubting? I think so. For instance in the Psalms there are many questions that plague David about how and why God does certain things. From “why do the heathen prosper” to “why, O Lord, to you stand far off?” to “how long, O, Lord?” David is full of tough questions for God in his songs of worship. God doesn’t rebuke his questions but embraces them to the point of allowing them in the canon of Holy Scripture.
Throughout the Bible serious men and women of God ask serious questions to God about the tough situations they are enduring in life. God allows them (and us) to ask the tough questions without repercussion.
But doubt is a totally different animal. Doubt is an assault on the charater and promises of God. When Jesus rebukes his followers again and again with phrases like, “Why did you doubt?” he is showing that he perceives doubt, as the antithesis to faith. And the perception of Christ is the real reality.
James sums up this same reality in the first chapter of his letter to the scattered church. In the context of making a case for the importance of asking for wisdom to endure trials James writes, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man unstable in all he does.”
Here’s how the Spirit of Jesus works through the pen of his half brother James to describe doubt:
1. Doubt is the opposite of faith.
Look at the phrase, “must believe and not doubt.” Doubt is set up as the opposite of faith. To doubt is not to believe. To believe is not to doubt.
2. Doubt is the enemy of prayer.
When we doubt as we pray we are ensuring that our prayers will NOT get answered. Only prayers uttered in faith have the opportunity of getting a “yes” from God.
3. Doubt is a sign of spiritual and emotional instability.
James describes doubters as driven by the winds of circumstance, unstable in all they do. Only faith can bring the stability that we need to face the struggles we all endure in this confusing life.
What’s the fine line between questioning and doubting? It’s the reality of whether or not we truly believe that God’s intent toward us is good as we endure trials. Hebrews 11:6 describes a faith-filled person with great precision, “anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
I love that description! Faith is believing that God exists and that his intent is only good for those who are seeking after him. He has only good things in store!
So at the core of our questioning of “who, what, why, when and how” we must believe that God’s intent toward us is only good all the time. As soon as we don’t we slide into the danger zone of doubt. We move from children of God who know they are loved by their Daddy to spoiled brats who are angry at their Fathers for not getting their own way. For the kids who believe, behave and ask the tough questions God will give an “allowance” of understanding. For the brats he reserves a spanking, but even that is out of love (Hebrews 12:6.) Continue >>
Comments
mike,
I'm sorry you've had a bad experience with that kind of religious person. I have stories I could tell you too. But try to see that the few bad ones do not represent all the caring Christians who would not condemn the person who suffers and doubts, those who would literally give you the shirt off their back and money for your next meal. The good ones far outnumber the few who are not living up to the teachings of Jesus.
I pray you meet and are lifted up by more of the good kind this week.
steve,
I think I understand what Stier is trying to say, though I doubt I can articulate it any better (pun intended). I have encountered quite a few losses in my years; two of the worst were my father's sudden death and the loss of everything (except my family + what fit in a Honda Accord) in hurrican Katrina. Both were sudden, tragic, + irreversible. Yet because my faith in God's goodness was strong at those points in my life, these events did not knock me flat on my back - I had a trust in God's goodness and His plan for my life. At other times when faith was weak, much smaller events caused worse feelings, damage, depression. I had forgotten that God has been working for my good since before I was born (Romans 8:28).
That's on the intrapersonal level. On an interpersonal level, I would never tell another person in the midst of their trial/suffering, that they are doubt and should be rebuked for it. You're right; that would be heaping suffering upon suffering. Rather, we should love, comfort, guide, help restore as best we can. I have been on the receiving end of both kinds of "helpers" and I can tell you which one left me feeling better.
That's why I think it's important for Stier (and us) to talk about it during the good times, not during the trial. His point is important, but perhaps he would have articulated it more clearly if he was not under space/word count constraints.
"Doubt is a sign of spiritual and emotional instability."
That is a terrible thing to say, I have seen Christian friends with a mature faith go through agony because this type of sentiment has been expressed to them when they have had periods of doubt. What they needed was love and support. Its aweful whattpeople will write in the name of religion and the damage it can do to other human beings, almost as if its an excuse to do away with common human decency.
Steve
I would not agree there is any difference between questioning & doubting. In fact many of God's people have doubted in God and demonstrated it in their life, e.g. Abraham, Jacob, David, Peter, Thomas and many more. But most importantly God restored all of them! I believe that doubting is part of our journey in many of our Christian pilgrimage. And I believe God do not despise those who have doubted, but like what Jesus did to Thomas, he is always yearning to restore and reassure our faith in Him.
the problem with the christians & pastors is they do not know the difference bet 2 issues. they will accuse you of sin or lack of faith. the problem with pastors is they do not know the issues bec. they do not work, they do not deal with politics, or suffering. their mentality is 'it's your fault, you sinned & you lack faith." they think that life is easy bec. they have a 10% mentality.
just give your 10% & god will take care of everything. yet the same accusations they judge you, they do not practice what they preach!!