You are here: Home / Study Tip Tuesday / STT: Doubt Defense

STT: Doubt Defense

By
The last two weeks, we’ve considered reasons WHY studying Scripture is important -
Jesus explained that God’s storehouse of wisdom covered the range of human experiences.
Intimate familiarity with God’s truth will enable us to quickly identify any lies.
Knowledge of Scripture helps us when we face doubt. Doubt is different than unbelief. Unbelief is a conscious, mental decision not to accept. Doubt is more of an emotional reaction, tempered by our presuppositions and past experience. Unbelief says “I won’t believe that.” Doubt says, “I can’t believe that because…”
Doubt surfaces when our faith depends more on what we “feel” than what we “know” is TRUE. Internalizing God’s word, His promises, His demonstrations of faithfulness, inoculates us against doubt. Our feelings change. God doesn’t. Going back to His truth also subtly switches our focus from ourselves back to God.
When doubts creep in, and they will, take that as an invitation to spend some time reviewing God’s promises. The Psalms are a great place to turn. Psalm 18 & Psalm 37 are two of my favorites. What Scriptures do you turn to when doubts enter your mind?

The last two weeks, we’ve considered reasons WHY studying Scripture is important -

Jesus explained that God’s storehouse of wisdom covered the range of human experiences.

Intimate familiarity with God’s truth will enable us to quickly identify any lies.

Knowledge of Scripture helps us when we face doubt. Doubt is different than unbelief. Unbelief is a conscious, mental decision not to accept. Doubt is more of an emotional reaction, tempered by our presuppositions and past experience. Unbelief says “I won’t believe that.” Doubt says, “I can’t believe that because…”

Doubt surfaces when our faith depends more on what we “feel” than what we “know” is TRUE. Internalizing God’s word, His promises, His demonstrations of faithfulness, inoculates us against doubt. Our feelings change. God doesn’t. Going back to His truth also subtly switches our focus from ourselves back to God.

When doubts creep in, and they will, take that as an invitation to spend some time reviewing God’s promises. The Psalms are a great place to turn. Psalm 18 & Psalm 37 are two of my favorites.

What Scriptures do you turn to when doubts enter your mind?

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
Filed Under: Study Tip Tuesday Tagged With: , ,
  • Christina France

    I love reading these posts each day. You are a warrior for God and I love that. You make me realize I am human and make mistakes. Your blogs are awesome to read and make me feel better about myself realizing I am not the only one struggling with my issues in this crazy world. I look forward to reading your inspirational messages every morning. Thanks Paula.

  • http://www.paulawiseman.com Paula Wiseman

    Thank you! It’s a privilege to have you read them! One of the most important lessons I ever learned was that I could not trust my own thoughts and feelings. The only way out of the holes I’ve found myself in- whether by depression or doubt or any other negative experiences- was holding on to what I KNEW was true, regardless of how it felt. I’m also a big believer in 2 Cor 1:3-4. Take the comfort God gives and lessons learned and share them so the blessing multiplies.
    I just read a terrific book called Doubting by Alister McGrath, which prompted the post for today. Doubt is a sign that our limited brains are trying to comprehend an infinite God. It’s not always a bad thing ;-)
    Have a blessed day! Thank you for making mine blessed!

  • Lauren

    Uncovering the lies, that’s a good thing to know how to do. And you’re right-Scripture is ultimately the only way. This is a great post full of advice! Thanks!

Array