DOUBT
Psalm 73
“Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.”
I don’t know about you but these thoughts have certainly crossed my mind along with several others that usually arise because God seems to be slow to respond to my need and situation. There are other sources of doubt as well: the lack of the supernatural as well as sections of Scripture that seem irrelevant or difficult.
The main thing I learn from this psalm is that I should be honest before God with my doubts but I should keep them between God and me. Let other people deal with their own doubts; why should I saddle them with my own.
In time the Psalmist found answers that satisfied him and this is true for me as well. I find that I often need to unlearn things and I also need to grow up before I could understand and appreciate God’s answers. For example, wealth and a carefree lifestyle may be important when I’m struggling to carve out a living but they pale into insignificance at this late stage of my life. My understanding of what brings joy changed over the years.
In the end the Psalmist realises that God, his love and care, his patience and wisdom, his faithfulness meets his deepest needs. May you also come to this truth as you journey through your own doubts.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”