Reconstructing Faith: Navigating Doubt with Hope
Summary
In my recent sermon, I began by sharing a personal anecdote from my childhood about playing Little League baseball. I recounted the transition from coach pitch to kid pitch, which introduced a level of unpredictability and pain that eventually led me to quit the game. This experience paralleled the doubts many face in their faith journey, where the pain and confusion of life's "rogue pitches" can cause us to question our beliefs and consider abandoning our faith altogether.
I then introduced the theme of our five-week series, "Reconstructing Your Faith," aimed at navigating through doubts without losing faith. I emphasized that doubt often starts with belief, using the example of second-guessing whether one has left the garage door open after leaving for vacation. This led to an exploration of Psalm 73, penned by Asaph, a Levite and worship leader during King David's time. Asaph's psalm begins with an affirmation of God's goodness to Israel, reflecting a belief passed down through his family of faith.
Asaph's doubt arose from observing the prosperity of the wicked, which seemed to contradict the notion that God rewards the righteous. This dissonance between belief and experience is a common trigger for doubt among believers. I highlighted that doubt is not only unsettling but also a shared experience among the faithful, as evidenced by numerous biblical figures who wrestled with doubt.
I then discussed the concept of deconstruction, a term that has gained popularity in describing the process of questioning and dismantling one's faith. I cautioned against this approach, as it often leads to the abandonment of faith altogether. Instead, I advocated for "wrestling with God," a relational and constructive process that involves grappling with doubts while seeking to strengthen one's faith.
To navigate through doubt, I outlined three practices based on Asaph's response in Psalm 73: seeking community, engaging with Scripture, and practicing prayer. I stressed the importance of being part of a faith community that offers mercy to those who doubt, as isolation can be detrimental to faith. I also emphasized the need to confront doubts with the truth of Scripture, which provides a broader perspective and reassurance of God's eternal goodness. Lastly, I encouraged prayer as a means of connecting with God and receiving His guidance through seasons of doubt.
I concluded by expressing hope that through community, Scripture, and prayer, we can emerge from doubt with a reconstructed and stronger faith. I invited those wrestling with doubt to continue engaging with the church community, studying the Word, and seeking God's guidance.
Key Takeaways:
1. Doubt often originates from a place of belief, and it is a sign that our faith has been meaningful to us. When we doubt, we are grappling with beliefs that have shaped us, indicating that our faith has had a significant impact on our lives. ([06:48])
2. Doubt is a common and unsettling experience that can lead to a feeling of instability. It is important to recognize that doubt does not equate to unbelief; rather, it is a state of being unsettled and seeking clarity. ([13:44])
3. The prosperity of the wicked can cause us to question the goodness of God, but it is essential to remember that earthly prosperity is temporary, while the goodness of God is eternal and unfailing. ([17:23])
4. Deconstruction of faith often leads to a loss of belief, but wrestling with God through our doubts can lead to a stronger, more resilient faith. It is through engaging with our doubts, rather than avoiding them, that we can grow in our relationship with God. ([24:54])
5. Community, Scripture, and prayer are vital practices for navigating through doubt. By surrounding ourselves with a supportive faith community, immersing ourselves in the truth of God's Word, and seeking His presence in prayer, we can find the strength to reconstruct our faith. ([35:09])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 73:1-28
- James 1:5-8
- 1 Corinthians 13:9-12
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#### Observation Questions
1. What initial belief does Asaph affirm in Psalm 73:1 before expressing his doubts? ([05:36])
2. How does Asaph describe his experience of doubt in Psalm 73:2? ([10:27])
3. According to James 1:5-8, how does doubt affect a person's stability? ([11:50])
4. What does 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 say about our current understanding and future knowledge? ([20:20])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Asaph's observation of the prosperity of the wicked challenge his belief in God's goodness? ([15:18])
2. In what ways does the experience of doubt feel like standing on ice between belief and unbelief? ([13:02])
3. How can the practice of seeking community, engaging with Scripture, and prayer help in reconstructing faith during times of doubt? ([29:54])
4. What does it mean to "wrestle with God" rather than deconstruct one's faith, and how can this approach lead to a stronger faith? ([28:09])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you navigate through it, and what helped you the most? ([03:40])
2. Asaph found comfort in community during his doubts. How can you actively seek and contribute to a supportive faith community? ([31:56])
3. When you face doubts, how can you ensure that you are engaging with Scripture rather than avoiding it? What specific steps can you take? ([33:31])
4. Prayer was a crucial practice for Asaph. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine, especially during times of doubt? ([35:09])
5. Think about someone you know who might be struggling with doubt. How can you show them mercy and support, as suggested in Jude 1:22? ([31:56])
6. How can you model and share your faith with your children or grandchildren, preparing them for potential seasons of doubt? ([09:31])
7. What specific doubts or questions do you currently have about your faith? How can you begin to address them through community, Scripture, and prayer? ([04:42])
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This guide is designed to help your small group engage deeply with the themes of doubt and faith reconstruction, encouraging personal reflection and practical application.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Doubt as Faith's Companion
Doubt is not the enemy of faith but rather an indication that one's beliefs have been significant and impactful. It is a natural part of the faith journey, where one grapples with the beliefs that have shaped their life. This process can be unsettling, but it is also a sign of a faith that is alive and active. Doubt arises when experiences challenge long-held beliefs, prompting a deeper exploration of one's faith. It is in these moments of uncertainty that one's faith can either falter or become more deeply rooted. The key is to approach doubt not as a sign of weakness but as an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding.
"Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.'" (John 20:27 ESV)
Reflection: Recall a recent moment of doubt in your faith journey. How did it make you feel, and what did it reveal about the areas of your faith that may need deeper exploration or understanding? [07:40]
Day 2: Unsettled by Uncertainty, Anchored by Faith
Doubt can often feel like a destabilizing force, creating a sense of instability and a desire for clarity. However, it is important to recognize that doubt does not signify a lack of belief but rather a state of questioning and seeking understanding. This experience is shared among many believers, including biblical figures who also wrestled with doubt. By acknowledging doubt as a common experience, one can take solace in knowing they are not alone in their spiritual struggles. The challenge is to remain steadfast in seeking truth and allowing one's faith to be refined through the process of questioning.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV)
Reflection: When you experience doubt, what are the usual triggers, and how do you typically respond? How can you shift your perspective to see doubt as an opportunity to walk by faith, not by sight? [13:44]
Day 3: Earthly Prosperity vs. Eternal Goodness
The prosperity of the wicked can be a stumbling block for believers, leading to questions about the fairness and goodness of God. It is essential to remember that earthly success is fleeting and does not compare to the eternal and unfailing goodness of God. This perspective helps to realign one's focus from temporary material gains to the everlasting nature of God's love and provision. By understanding that God's ways and timing are beyond human comprehension, one can find peace in the midst of apparent injustices and maintain trust in God's sovereign plan.
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2 ESV)
Reflection: How does witnessing the prosperity of those who do not follow God's ways challenge your faith? How can you adjust your focus to the eternal goodness of God rather than the temporary nature of earthly success? [17:23]
Day 4: Wrestling with God Strengthens Faith
Deconstructing faith can lead to its dismantling, but engaging with doubts through wrestling with God can result in a stronger, more resilient faith. This process involves an honest and open dialogue with God about one's doubts and fears. It is through this relational struggle that one can gain a deeper understanding of God's character and purposes. Wrestling with God is not a sign of disrespect but a testament to the depth of one's relationship with the divine, where questions and doubts are met with grace and truth.
"But he said, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.'" (Genesis 32:26b ESV)
Reflection: What doubts are you currently wrestling with in your faith? How can you approach God with these doubts in a way that seeks blessing and deeper understanding rather than distance and disconnection? [24:54]
Day 5: Community, Scripture, and Prayer as Doubt's Antidote
Navigating through seasons of doubt requires the support of a faith community, the truth found in Scripture, and the practice of prayer. Being surrounded by fellow believers who offer understanding and mercy can provide the strength needed to face doubts without isolation. Engaging with Scripture offers a broader perspective and reassurance of God's character and promises. Prayer connects one to God's presence and guidance, offering peace and wisdom in the midst of uncertainty. These practices are essential for reconstructing a faith that has been tested by doubt.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current engagement with your faith community, Scripture, and prayer. How can you deepen your involvement in these areas to support your journey through doubt and towards a reconstructed faith? [35:09]
Quotes
1) "But I also want to tell you this. Do not be surprised when at some point your kids or grandkids go through a season of doubt. Asaph, one who grew up in the faith and is for all intents and purposes like a worship pastor of the Old Testament, he went through a season of doubt. And although it is terrifying as a parent or grandparent to watch your kid or grandkid question the faith they grew up with, I want you to understand this. God is just as present in their doubting as he is in the initial forming of their faith." [10:27]
2) "But the reality is doubt is an incredibly unsettling experience. That's the second thing if you're following along in notes that I want you to notice. That doubt is unsettling. Take a look at the next verse. Asaph says, Surely God is good to his people, to Israel. Verse two. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped. I had nearly lost my foothold. Asaph is describing his experience of doubt here. And he's using terms like almost slipping. Like the ground he is walking on is no longer stable." [11:14]
3) "Understand this. He says James isn't ripping on those who doubt. He is simply describing what it is like. It's like being tossed back and forth like a wave. It's like having two minds. One that thinks one way and another that thinks like the opposite. The picture is that doubt is an unsettling experience." [12:28]
4) "We don't know the full picture yet. But it doesn't mean that we can't be certain of anything. We can grow from our childish faith to our mature, certain faith in Jesus. Still knowing full well that our picture of him, this side of eternity, is and will continue to be just a little dim. We won't know it all yet, nor do we need to know it all yet. And that's why in times we experience doubt and why it is common." [21:28]
5) "Deconstruction is a term that is used widely, but it's also a term that is used broadly, in that it means different things to different people. In many of the deconstruction videos and stories and articles that you see or view, deconstruction is synonymous with deconversion. Like it's how people talk about leaving their faith and walking away from church." [23:17]
6) "Instead of the term deconstruction, I would rather us kind of adopt a different phrase. I would rather us simply use the phrase wrestling. I'm wrestling with doubt, or more preferably, wrestling with God. You see, if deconstruction is a philosophical thought exercise, wrestling with God is relational. It's conversational. It's communal." [28:09]
7) "The unsettling experience of doubt does not need to slide us to the shores of deconstruction and unbelief. We can experience God on a deeper way and come out of it more strong in our faith. And so here's what happened in Asaph's life that caused him to reconstruct his faith when in doubt. He intentionally added to his practice three practices to his experience, or in a sense, three foundations." [29:54]
8) "Mercy should be the community of faith's first posture when somebody courageously expresses their doubt. You know, I think sometimes we mistake a moment that calls for shepherding with a moment that we think calls for like apologetics or defending or providing answers to our faith. But when in doubt, people need the care and support of a community before they can engage in the truth from that community." [33:31]
9) "Yet I am always with you. You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. When in doubt, I think we tend to think that God is surprised by it or shaken by it or disappointed by it. But in fact, God is so gracious." [35:09]
10) "I'll tell you what I can think of no better picture of how our heavenly father helps us construct our faith, even when we doubt. Piece by piece, hand over hand, God guides us in constructing this beautiful life of faith. And so, yeah, doubt can be unsettling. And yeah, it is common. And yeah, it can cause us to deconstruct. But when in doubt." [38:25]
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