Monday Morning Encouragement -- When We Doubt and Distrust the Lord

"And the Lord said to Moses, 'How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?'" Numbers 4:11

There is a special kind of pain that is felt when someone we love distrusts us. We've done nothing to deserve it, we've been faithful in every way, yet they show us by their words and deeds that they do not trust us. If this has ever happened to you, then you know what I'm talking about. It hurts deeply.

If we who are imperfect can feel this way, imagine the pain God feels when we don't trust Him with our lives. When we doubt Him and maybe even speak against Him. He's done nothing to deserve our distrust. He's only ever done what is good, and just and right. He gave His very life to save us. And we have done nothing to deserve such a gift. If we doubt Him, it is we who are at fault. Not the Lord! 

Doubt and distrust have no place in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and as Spurgeon says of such unbelief, "It so dishonors Christ, that He will withdraw His visible presence if we insult Him by indulging it. It is true it is a weed, the seeds of which we can never entirely extract from the soil, but we must aim at its root with zeal and perseverance." (Note, Spurgeon does not mean this "visible presence" is physical. Rather, it is a sensing of His guidance, comfort, and influence in our lives through the working of the Holy Spirit.)

By acknowledging where doubt and distrust of the Lord are present, we can then confess this to Him and ask for forgiveness. He will forgive us, and as we yield our lives to Him and prayerfully determine to trust Him no matter what comes, the result will be a stronger, more vibrant faith that will stand the test of time and trials. All to the glory of God. It's a wonderful way to live!

Today's music video Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa is a beautiful hymn of faith. Its lyrics reaffirm the very truth that our doubting hearts need most.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.