What scriptural readings would you recommend to a Christian who is experiencing doubt or questioning God?

Question

We ALL experience doubt. If you tell me someone has no doubt, I would say that person does not have a real faith. Faith is belief in that which cannot be proven. Faith is belief even when doubt is present.

What are some scriptural passages that you would recommend to the Christian who is going through a tough time, perhaps experiencing great doubt, or even questioning the very nature or existence of God?

I've always found the writings of Paul helpful in these times. Everything he wrote is so beautiful and mystical.

What would you recommend?

Answer 1

Any of the Psalms, in fact, read them all. They are prayers that worked. If you read them out loud and tell God you are doubting him, he knows, be honest and say it to Him, then, he can help you.

Answer 2

I write as a former Christian, who had doubts about the faith, questioned the existence of God (or at least in the orthodox, Christian sense) and I am now not a Christian, though I would still describe myself as a spiritual if not religious person.

You may have heard devout Christians talk about 'The Dark Night Of The Soul': a process which some people go through, after which they either reject their faith or it becomes strengthened.

This is what happened to me, and ultimately I rejected it.

I don't know what scriptures to recommend though, because scripture reading affects people differently and what works for one may not for another.

Personally I found making my own comparative study helped. It was interesting to compare and contrast different religions and find that the world's major denominations have a surprising amount in common.

I do not now follow any orthodox religion, but still like to keep an open mind and discuss and debate with others.

Good Luck with your quest.

Answer 3

Faith is a gift of God but it is also based on evidence in the divine origin of Scripture. Here's a link filled with passages of Scripture that is very encouraging.

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/divine.htm

The Divine Inspiration
of the
Bible
by Arthur W. Pink
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table of Contents
About This Book

Title

Introduction

Chapter One: There Is a Presumption in Favor of the Bible

Chapter Two: The Perennial Freshness of the Bible Bears Witness to its Divine Inspirer

Chapter Three: The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to its Heavenly Origin

Chapter Four: The Character of its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible

Chapter Five: The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of its Author

Chapter Six: The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare Their Divine Authorship

Chapter Seven: The Wonderful Unity of the Bible Attests its Divine Authorship

Chapter Eight: The Marvelous Influence of the Bible Declares its Super-Human Character

Chapter Nine: The Miraculous Power of the Bible Shows Forth That its Inspirer Is the Almighty

I. The Power of God's Word to Convict Men of Sin.
II. The Power of God's Word to Deliver Men From Sin.
III. The Power of God's Word Over the Human Affections.

Chapter Ten: The Completeness of the Bible Demonstrates its Divine Perfection

Chapter Eleven: The Indestructibility of the Bible Is a Proof that its Author Is Divine

Chapter Twelve: Inward Confirmation of the Veracity of the Scriptures

Chapter Thirteen: Verbal Inspiration

Chapter Fourteen: Application of the Argument

I. We Need to Seek God's Forgiveness.
II. It Is the Final Court of Appeal.
III. It Is the Ultimate Standard for Regulating Conduct.
IV. It Is a Sure Foundation for Our Faith.
V. It Has Unique Claims Upon Us.

Answer 4

Ephe 6:10-19 & then Isa 54:17

Answer 5

I always find strength in the book of Job. When everyone turned against him and all those awful things happened he never turned from God. He questioned God (at points) in times of prayer and waited for the answers...thus erasing his doubt.

Answer 6

Was he or is he a good tither?... It helps to know how serious he is about God... the rest is just Christian Marketing 101... Paul is OK... But he is pretty rough on the dissenters... Peter compares them to the vomit of a dog... Jesus says you need to be eithe hot, or cold... otherwise you ar puked! So be careful... human persuasion can be better than pulling the Bible on hi/her...

Answer 7

In the New Testament, every Time you see the Words "In Christ"---put your Name there then Read it outloud to YOU and Reprogram (Renew) your Soul (your Spiritual Super-Computer).

King David Talked to himself (his Soul) Out Loud too!
King David commanded his Soul to "Bless the Lord"!!!
Does Wonders for your Feelings!!

(The Soul is Responsible for Producing "Feelings" in your Body and in You (a Spirit, living in that Body).

See?
p.s. the Soul works in Tandem with the Brain.

Answer 8

well you are right people no matter who you are some times feel like you do. but most bibles in the back have a study guide. maybe that can help you. also lots of old test stories have test of faith in them. that might help.

Answer 9

He that is within you is stronger than he that is in the world,and we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us..there are so many but i find these especially good when i feel doubt...God Bless

Answer 10

Whatever you want. I'd say make sure that you also mix in a daily dose of "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a' Kempis or "Interior Castle" by St. Teresa of Avila.