Stop doubting and believe
“Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27c)
Ponder for a moment the domino effect of doubt.
When a person begins to doubt, that opens the door to fear, worry and host of other negative feelings that can emotionally cripple us and cast a dark cloud over our life.
A week ago we celebrated the resurrection. There comes a time, however, when we must live the resurrection. That is not always easy. There are days when we prefer to just stay in bed, pull the covers over our head and close out the world. Some days it seems easier and safer to lock the doors of our house and avoid the circumstances and people of our lives. Sometimes we just want to run away, hide and not deal with reality.
Every time, however, we shut the doors of our life, our mind or our heart we imprison ourselves. For every person, event or idea we lock out, regardless of the reason, we lock ourselves in. That’s what has happened to the disciples in the wider section around this week’s Bible verse. There is one disciple in particular who is consumed with doubt – Thomas. As Jesus visits with Thomas and the other disciples behind those locked doors on the evening of that first Easter, he gives us The Antidote for Doubt.
Our verse for this week encourages us “Stop doubting and believe.” So how exactly do you do that? If you look at the section around this verse, you would read that three times Jesus spoke these words to his disciples “Peace be with you.” Peace is the complete opposite of doubt. So what does Jesus do to give us peace and chase away our doubt?
In our verse for this week Jesus tells Thomas and us to “believe.” One of the things that gives us peace and removes our doubt is having a stronger faith. If you reflect on those moments in your life when you were filled with doubt, you would likely admit your faith in God was not at its strongest. One of the goals of weekly devotions and everything else we do regarding “the care of the soul” is intended to help all of us grow stronger in our faith.
Another thing you will notice if you read the whole section of the Bible around our verse for this week is that Thomas had isolated himself from the disciples. When we don’t have those who can support and guide us near to us, it is very easy to slip into doubt and wonder if anyone cares for us. What a blessing and privilege it is for each of us to be a part of a ministry where we know those around us stand ready to support and assist us in our spiritual life. Please take advantage of that opportunity and don’t isolate yourself and let doubt creep into your life.
One last thing to know: When Jesus says “Peace be with you” after he says “Stop doubting and believe,” he is telling us he wants to give us the peace of the forgiveness of sins. How often do we doubt God can or will forgive us for a certain sin? As Jesus seeks to give us the antidote to doubt, he wants us to have the peace only he can give us as he reminds and reassures us because of his death on the cross every sin is forgiven, no matter how seemingly big or horrible.
The reminder of our verse for this week is one we all need not just in the days after Easter, but every day of our lives. Know that Jesus has the true and real antidote to our doubt and let him give you his peace!