In an article titled ” How to Pray for Faith in the Midst of Doubt,” Erika Allen provides a poignant resource on trusting God despite doubt. She starts with one of my favorite passages in Scripture, Mark 9:21-24:
And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Much of the work I do with clients involves navigating two coexisting realities: the starkness of having faith while also suffering as a human being with doubts. While clients can have great success learning only the tools of CBT to work differently with thoughts and behaviors, there’s an often missing component that is crucial for overall health: the spiritual.
When we struggle to believe, small starts are crucial. Slowing down to be present in the moment requires holding an uncomfortable tension. The more we force away what is part of the moment, the more we fight ourselves and reality (ACT calls it experiential avoidance). Jesus doesn’t want us to pretend to be where we are not, even when it’s the “right” answer. God’s desire is for our hearts.
As the article says, “The very act of turning to God is an act of faith.” Simple prayers can look like:
- Lord, help
- Increase my faith
- Thy will be done
- Give us this day our daily bread
- I believe, help my unbelief
- I don’t know if I believe, help me
Praying for you today as you lean into the joy of walking with Jesus and his gentleness, even when you doubt.
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