SAINTS CYRIL, MONK, AND METHODIUS, BISHOP (MEMORIAL)

The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. 

We all struggle with doubts about our faith from time to time, especially when we are being tested. Questions pop up in our minds, often unwelcome and without warning: Is God really listening? Does he care? Will he give me the wisdom, strength, or grace I need right now?

It’s only human to ask such questions, and yet we know how doubts can weaken our faith. As James so eloquently writes, such doubts can destabilize us so that we become like a wave “tossed about by the wind” (1:6). But we don’t have to let that happen! God has given us two “anchors” that can help us stay faithful when doubts inevitably arise.

The first is the word of God. When you meditate on the truths of Scripture, you are allowing them to settle deep within your heart and mind. Over time, they become part of who you are and how you look at the world.

Then when doubts arise, so do these truths: God is good. He loves me so much that he died for me. He cares for me. He is always with me. He has good plans for me. To keep reminding yourself, you might want to search for Bible verses that reflect these truths and write them down, perhaps on sticky notes you place on your mirror or refrigerator. This will help you pray them throughout your day. As you do this repeatedly, the doubts will lose their power to derail you.

A second “anchor” is to pray against “the wickedness and snares of the devil,” as the Prayer to St. Michael says. Because Christ lives in us, we have his authority to rebuke Satan and the doubts he tries to sow in our minds. So if you find yourself anxious about a situation, or if doubts keep coming up again and again, recognize who might be behind them. Then pray against this “spirit of doubt.” Maybe even ask a friend to pray with you.

You never have to passively allow doubts to toss you about. Whenever they surface, remember that you can do something about them. God has already equipped you to deal with them!

“Lord, anchor me in prayer and your word so that I can overcome my doubts and stay faithful to you.”

Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76
Mark 8:11-13
James 1:1-11