When In Doubt

There’s an old saying that has been ingrained in me since my teen years. “When in doubt, don’t.” In other words, it’s better to err in our actions on the side of caution, when the scripture isn’t clear about something. Or if our conscience bothers us. But today I’m thinking about the flip side of that saying: “When in doubt, DO.”

Here’s what I mean. There are times when my faith is tested and doubt rears its ugly head. Some of the things in the Bible seem “too good to be true.” Some of them are difficult to adhere to. Some defy human logic. But Scripture has proven itself over and over. Throughout history, and throughout my life. So why should I doubt what it says?

We used to sing a song about not knowing, but knowing. The verses talk about not understanding how God could love us, how He would save us, how the Spirit puts faith in our hearts, or how we will go to meet Him. But each verse is answered by this statement in the chorus. “But I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day” (words by Major Daniel Whittle).

That’s what the apostle Paul was talking about when he wrote to Timothy. Maybe his statement is a little easier to understand in this translation: “I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (II Timothy 1:11-12, ESV). Paul’s inspired words still reassure us today. When we look to the Word, we have no reason to be in doubt.

The prophets, the apostles, even Jesus had words to bolster our doubting minds. Jesus pointed out to the disciples little sparrows. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7, ESV). And from that statement came the song I used to sing, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” The chorus affirms the fact that “I know He watches me.” Not I doubt. Not I wonder. But I know! How’s that for building confidence in our all-knowing, all-seeing, loving God?

I’m also reminded of Job’s profound words. After having everything stripped away except his faith, Job declared: “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth” (Job 19:25, NIV).

We may have doubts about what is happening in the here and now. But  we can be sure of what is coming in the great tomorrow. Jesus and the prophets all told us about the bright future we can have in Heaven with our Lord. So I say, “When in doubt, DO believe, DO have confidence, DO search the Scriptures, DO know that God’s promises are reliable. Are you going to the right place when you have doubts?

“There’ll Be a Glad, Glad Tomorrow,” from “God and Us”