Expressing doubt to God can feel scary or offensive, especially when we see verses that warn against questioning or doubting Him (Malachi 2:17; 3:14-15). However, the Bible shows that honesty before God is valued, and He can handle our doubts. The key is bringing them to Him with humility and seeking understanding.
First, we can look at examples of faithful followers expressing doubt. In Exodus 33, Moses boldly asked to see God’s glory after everything he had witnessed. God graciously responded by revealing His goodness. The psalmists often cried out in raw, honest laments, even questioning God’s love or asking “how long?” (Psalms 13, 22, 74). Jesus assured John the Baptist that He was the Messiah despite John’s lingering doubts (Luke 7:18-23). God is not scared away by our doubts and often responds graciously.
Second, we see that God values sincerity and humility. The prophets warned against hypocritical or self-assured doubt that arrogantly demands answers from God (Malachi 2:17). However, humble honesty – admitting we don’t understand something or struggle with doubts – is received differently. In Psalm 73 Asaph admits his envy of the wicked before working through to God’s goodness. God invites the sincere question: “Come now, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). Humility matters more than perfect faith.
Third, bringing doubts to God requires faith. We need faith that God hears us, cares for us, and can handle our doubts. The psalmists cry out in confusion yet cling to God’s ultimate faithfulness. Habakkuk boldly brought his complaints, yet chose to stand in awe of God’s ways he could not understand (Habakkuk 1:12-13; 3:17-19). Bringing doubts to God is an act of faith that He wants to hear us and can help us.
Fourth, we can learn to doubt our doubts. Since we are fallen humans, our perspective and ability to understand spiritual truths are limited. Our doubts do not change God’s unchanging nature. “Let God be true though every one were a liar” (Romans 3:4). As we bring our doubts to God, we can ask Him to reveal where our thinking needs correction.
Fifth, we can find reassurance through Scripture. Studying examples of faithful people expressing doubt and God’s gracious response can build confidence that He welcomes our honesty. Passages affirming God’s love and patience with His people help anchor us in truth (Exodus 34:6-7; James 1:5-8). Reminding ourselves of God’s proven trustworthiness counters irrational doubts.
In summary, expressing doubt requires faith to humbly yet boldly approach God, sincerely seeking understanding while doubting our own doubts. We can have confidence that God is big enough to handle our honesty and respond with grace and truth.
Going deeper, here are some key Biblical principles for expressing doubt to God:
Come with humility and sincerity
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6)
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”” (Psalm 40:6-8)
Ask boldly yet reverently
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6)
“Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!” (Psalm 30:10)
Seek understanding through Scripture and prayer
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7)
Cling to God’s proven faithfulness
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Wait patiently for God’s timing
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14)
“It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:26)
Trust God to sustain you through the process
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Bringing our doubts and questions to God requires much grace and wisdom. But we can be confident that God welcomes our honesty and cares more about the attitude of our hearts than the perfection of our faith. As we seek Him humbly and trust His proven faithfulness, He promises to meet us in our need (Hebrews 4:16).
