Releasing Doubt
(Adapted from the sermon, A Living Thanksgiving)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Another possible reason that prevented the nine lepers from returning to thank Jesus was doubt. They might have doubted his authority and power, as if he was just a lucky charm or a coincidence. They might have doubted his love and care, as if he was indifferent or distant. They might have doubted his promises and plans, as if he was unreliable or unpredictable. They might have doubted themselves and their worth, as if they were unworthy or unlovable.
Doubt is a natural and common human emotion that can challenge our faith and hinder our gratitude. It can make us question God’s goodness and presence, and make us worry about the future. It can make us fearful, anxious, and insecure, and make us lose hope and joy. It can make us forget that God is in control, and make us rely on our own understanding or on other things.
How can we release doubt and cultivate a heart of gratitude? One way is to follow the advice of Solomon, who wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, yet he knew that his wisdom was nothing compared to God’s wisdom. He knew that trusting God was the key to living a blessed and fruitful life.
Trusting God means believing that He is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do. It means acknowledging that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and that He is the Lord and Savior of our lives. It means seeking His will in all we do, and following His guidance and direction. It means surrendering our doubts and fears to Him, and relying on His strength and grace. It means thanking Him for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- How do you identify and deal with doubt in your life? What are some situations that trigger your doubt?
- How do you respond when you face uncertainty, difficulty, or disappointment? Do you trust God, seek His will, and follow His path? Or do you depend on your own understanding, seek your own will, and follow your own path?
- How do you remind yourself that God is trustworthy, faithful, and good, and that He has a purpose and a plan for your life?
PERSONAL APPLICATION: Think of a situation in your life where you might have doubted God, such as a health issue, a financial problem, a relationship conflict, or a personal struggle. How did you react when you faced this challenge? Did you trust God, seek His will, and follow His path? Or did you depend on your own understanding, seek your own will, and follow your own path? Ask God to forgive you for your doubt and to help you to trust Him more. Thank Him for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. Praise Him for His wisdom and guidance.
LOVE IN ACTION: Think of someone who is facing a situation that might cause them to doubt God, such as a health issue, a financial problem, a relationship conflict, or a personal struggle. How can you support them and encourage them to trust God? Pray for them, share a verse or a testimony with them, listen to them, or help them in a practical way. Let them know that you care for them and that God loves them and has a plan for them.
PRAYER: Dear God, thank you for your amazing grace and love. Thank you for being with me in every situation and for having a purpose and a plan for my life. Forgive me for my doubt and unbelief. Help me to release them and to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Help me to trust you with all my heart and to seek your will in all I do. Help me to live a life of thanksgiving, not just on one day, but every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.