DECEMBER 3, 2024 – DOUBT

READ: James 1:5-8
… for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; – James 1:6b,7

Perseverance in faith does not allow for pride, self-conceit, or doubt. How can you cling to God’s promises if you doubt them? Yet trials, accompanied by temptations, can lead believers to doubt.

Why does God act this way? Does God have control over this? In such times, they should pray for wisdom. They should seek understanding from God’s Word regarding their actions and acceptance of circumstances.

God will surely grant wisdom, but their prayer must be sincere and careful. It is necessary to doubt the correctness of one’s actions and to test them against God’s Word.

However, believers should not doubt the Lord or His covenant promises. Otherwise, they are double-minded, lacking a unified spirit; they claim to believe in God but simultaneously doubt His words. They are limping between two opinions (1 Kin. 18:21).

James writes that such a person is like a wave aimlessly swept up by the winds of life’s trials, tossed back and forth (v.6).

Doubt can pervade one’s entire life. It reflects a lack of complete trust in the Lord. In such a case, one should not expect an answer from Him (v.7), and repentance is necessary.

The need to pray for wisdom is not limited to a few. Verse 5 should be read as: if anyone among you lacks wisdom. Thus, we all need this exhortation!

Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians that they should continually pray and plead in the Spirit at every opportunity, being vigilant with all perseverance (Eph. 6:18).

There is an absolute necessity for all of us to keep praying for wisdom from God. Its beginning, its starting point, is the fear of the Lord: reverence and trust (Ps. 111:10).

Does this prayer for wisdom have a place in your prayers?

Sing: Ps. 111:6