Light for a Questioning Heart
Well now, mercy sakes alive, this is somethin’ else, friend. So, come right on here and rest yourself on this ol’ front porch like you are easin’ into a comfy haven where the ol’ rockerin’ chairs are swayin’ a gentle welcome and the smell of warm apple butter drifts out of the kitchen like it has been searchin’ out your trail through the timber since before sunrise. My stars, I’m so mighty tickled you made it over for a lil’ ol’ visit. If you were any more welcome, that round‑bellied barn rabbit that hops around like he’s conductin’ official business would scoot right over and offer you the smoothest lil’ hickory nut he’s been guardin’ from every critter out in the holler. So, you come on over here and pull up a comfy chair, friend, because we’re about to go meanderin’ right on into a truth sturdier than an ol’ oak stump anchored so deep in the hillside that even a team of determined work mules couldn’t tug it free.
Doubt is somethin’ every believer bumps into sooner or later. It sneaks in real quiet as a sneaky lil’ ol’ fox slippin’ through the brush. Jesus told Thomas, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:27). That wasn’t a scold. It was an invitation. The Lord knows doubt is natural, but He never meant for us to let it take root and grow into unbelief.
Scripture reminds us that “the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Doubt may git to rattlin’ us, but it can’t shake Him. And the Lord deepens this truth tellin us, “The entrance of Your words gives light” (Psalm 119:130). Doubt sho’-nuff’ thrives in the dark. God’s Word plum shines it out.
So, how do we conquer doubt? First, we’ve gotta acknowledge it. Pretendin’ it ain’t there is like ignorin’ a lil’ ol’ raccoon rummagin’ through your pantry. It’ll only get a whole lot louder. Second, we’ve gotta analyze it. Sometimes doubt plum gits to growin’ from hurt, unanswered prayer, or plain ol’ weariness. Third, we’ve gotta be articulatin’ it. Thomas told Jesus exactly what he needed. And Jesus downright met him right there.
Friend, when you turn your doubts into prayers, God steadies your heart. He don’t shame you. He plum guides you.
Father, thank You for meetin’ me in my doubts. Help me bring every question to You. Let Your Word shine light where fear tries to settle. Strengthen my faith and steady my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, you can put them boots back on, and as you git ready to leave this here place, may the Lord plum fill up your day with the calm confidence of a big ol’ turtle sunbathin’ on a river log like it owns the whole bend. Let His peace settle over you like the hush that drifts through a forest when the breeze finally decides to settle down for a while. And may His wisdom rise in you with the bright shimmer of a lil’ ol’ dragonfly catchin’ its first glint of sunlight. Wherever your day carries you, let His goodness guide your steps like a faithful ol’ hound dog followin’ his master footsteps along the rugged trail through the woods. Go on now, friend, and walk in the kind of faith that keeps that ol’ doubt from takin’ any kind of root.
With joy,
Gwen
