Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Most believers experience feelings of doubt at one time or another, and when we do, it effects our ability to receive the Lord’s wisdom. James 1:5 tells us, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all…But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt. Doubting God means not trusting Him completely – – and “trust” is how God will make your paths straight. God’s wisdom in our life may be clouded if we struggle to believe the following truths:
1. God loves you all the time!
When we’re “good,” most of us believe God loves us (or at least it’s easier to believe that). But how about when we are disobedient? In those times we must remember that God isn’t like us (Praise the Lord for that!!). His love is rooted in His nature, and He has chosen to lavish it on us. That’s what the cross was all about. His nature is why His love doesn’t fluctuate with our behavior.
2. God has forgiven you for your disobedience.
Even though we, at times, don’t “feel” forgiven, God promises to forgive us when we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins… (1 John 1:9). Emotions don’t determine truth. God’s Word does.
3. God calls you to serve Him.
When we doubt this, it’s easy for us to make excuses for why we can’t obey, kind of like Moses did (Ex. 4:10). But God promises to equip us with everything we need. Paul, with confidence says, And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). And what does He equip us for? “… to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10).
Do you struggle to believe any of these truths? Take a moment to confess your doubt to the Lord, and ask for His wisdom today.