Doubt = the absence of faith.
The doubt attitude in a person’s life has significant consequences. At Christian Counseling Associates, we have the great opportunity of helping people with depression, anxiety, issues of addiction and substance abuse, marital problems, and much more. The doubting attitude can affect many aspects of our life, even our emotional well-being.
For example, many times people who struggle with significant problems such as depression or anxiety will begin to doubt that their condition can improve. Studies have shown that a person’s perception of the ability to recover can significantly affect their rate of recovery. We refer to this term as expectancy. In brief, what we believe will happen can affect our treatment outcome. Expectancy is relevant to how somebody will respond to counseling, but it also relates to many other types of healing “treatments”. The placebo effect is another example. At times in pharmaceutical studies, the person taking a sugar pill has a more significant improvement in their condition than the person who takes the actual drug under study. It points to how significant the attitude of doubt or faith can be in any situation.
Focus on the book of Numbers 13 – 14 this weekend. God instructs Moses to send twelve spies into the “Promised Land” that they are preparing to enter. Moses asks the spies to see what the land is like and whether they will be able to conquer the people. When the spies return from their scouting mission, they tell Moses and the people of Israel, “we went into the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey” (Numbers13:27).
The twelve scouts had seen the Promised Land with their own eyes. But there was a difference in attitude among them. Joshua and Caleb counseled the people to move forward. They had faith that with God, their mission would be successful. However, the rest of the spies were doubtful. They said, “We are not able to go up against the people for they are too strong for us” (Numbers 13:31). Unfortunately, the people of Israel chose to follow the voice of those who were doubting.
“Those who make doubting their lifestyle spend their lifetimes in the wilderness.”
James McDonald
In Lord, Change My Attitude, author James MacDonald outlines five key principles about the doubting attitude:
1. God Places Regular Tests of Faith before His Children
The people of Israel (see above) faced many huge challenges in their journey across the wilderness. These challenges were not intended by God for their failure, but for their success. In Psalm 48:14 it is written, “for this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.” It is a challenge in every situation to believe that God is our guide. The people of Israel had God’s promise, but they doubted. Remember: If we are a children of God, then we have this promise also. On a regular basis, our belief in this promise will be tested.
2. The Circumstances of Life Will Either Shrink or Stretch Your Faith
In the situations that we face, do we have eyes of faith or eyes of doubt? Either can become a significant habit in how we view everyday life. This habit shapes our expectancy, or what we believe will happen.
3. Doubt Sees the Obstacles; Faith Sees the Opportunities
As our perception of the world is shaped through our everyday attitudes (like doubt or faith), we begin to focus our attention on obstacles, or on life opportunities. Both are always present! When we develop an attitude of doubt, we develop the habit of focusing on obstacles, and exclude life opportunities from our sight. We take our attention away from the promises of God. When this habit takes hold, we experience significant emotional pain or discomfort.
4. When Surrounded by Doubters, Doubting Comes Easily
When the doubting attitude becomes a habit, we gravitate toward others who struggle with the same habit. This begins a vicious cycle where doubting becomes a chronic pattern in our daily thoughts.
Always consider the importance of surrounding yourself with those who have strong faith. The most important source for this is found in a healthy Bible believing church. Remember this, attitude is contagious!
5. It’s a Short Journey from Doubt to Despair
Depression, anxiety, marital problems, financial issues, and much more can be significantly affected by doubt. When this attitude reaches a chronic level, it can contribute to an emotional downward spiral.
To work on changing the doubting attitude, focus on the following this week:
- Take a doubt inventory in your life. What are the key points of doubt that have taken hold of your life? Where is the doubting attitude evident in you daily living?
- Consider the promises of God in your life. Read Psalm 48:14. Reflect: where are the areas in my life where I doubt God’s promises?
- What are the consequences of the doubts you experience. Focus on the emotional, physical and spiritual areas of your life.
- Next week we will explore replacing the doubting attitude with an attitude of faith. Until next time focus on this thought:
Let nothing disturb you,
nothing frighten you,
all things are passing;
patient endurance
attains all things.
One whom God possesses
lacks nothing
for God alone suffices.
Bookmark of Teresa of Avila, 1515 – 1582
