The Danger of Doubt

The enemy’s goal is for us to doubt God’s goodness. It’s been that way since the beginning of time. 

Author John Eldredge put it this way: Satan came into the Garden and whispered to Adam and Eve—and in them, to all of us—“You cannot trust the heart of God…he’s holding out on you…you’ve got to take matters under your control.” He sowed the seed of mistrust in our hearts; he tempted us to seize control. It’s the same lie he is using in your life today, by the way: Trusting God is way too risky. You’re far too vulnerable. Rewrite the Story. Give yourself a better part. Arrange for your own happiness. Disregard him. (Epic: The Story God Is Telling)  

The enemy’s strategy of doubt didn’t end in Eden. We wrestle with it today. But doubt in God is neither necessary nor noble. David, through the Psalms, modeled a better way to handle doubt. He doubted the motive of others. The fairness of the world. The outcome of his current situation. But unlike Adam and Eve—and often us—he didn’t doubt God’s goodness. He wrestled through his emotions and questions about God…with God. He wailed and pleaded and ranted to God. But he stayed with God through it all.

We can do the same with our disappointments. No matter what we face, it’s our choice whether to remain steadfast in believing that God is real and good and present. No matter how hard it is, that’s always the next, best step.  

Because it’s a step toward—not away from—God.

Want more? Read the first section of The Eden Option for free here. Or order here.