Discovering Joy in the Midst of Doubt

Life can bring seasons when doubt sneaks in uninvited, stirring up questions about our faith, God’s goodness, and His plan for our lives. It can feel disheartening, as though joy in God is slipping away in the face of uncertainty. Yet, as Christians, we often wonder, Can I still experience joy in God when I’m struggling with doubt?

This is a question Steve from Nashville asked recently: “Sometimes I struggle with doubts about whether God exists or whether He is good because of all the evil I see. These doubts don’t last long, but they do come and go. So, my question is, can I ever hope to have deepening joy in God in seasons when I also struggle with doubts like these? Or is joy in God simply impossible when doubts are present?”

The simple answer is that joy in God is not only possible during seasons of doubt, but we can also experience deepening joy, even in the midst of our struggles. Here’s how we can understand and find biblical hope for joy, even when doubt lingers.

Doubts as Intrusions, Not Conclusions

Doubt comes in many forms, and for the Christian, it often feels like an intruder a thief breaking into the house of our mind, creating chaos and confusion. These doubts might question whether something the Bible teaches is true or make us wonder if our faith is real. But for believers, doubts are not conclusions; they are temporary intrusions that challenge our faith but don’t define it.

In fact, even biblical figures faced doubt. When Peter sank after walking on water, Jesus asked, "Why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). The disciples, too, experienced doubt when Jesus appeared after His resurrection (Matthew 28:17). Jude 22 calls the church to “have mercy on those who doubt.” These examples remind us that doubt is a normal part of the Christian experience, and it’s not the opposite of faith. Doubting is not a sign of no faith; it’s a sign of embattled faith.

In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul urges us to “fight the good fight of the faith.” This includes the battle against doubt. When doubts intrude, we are called to fight them with prayer, with Scripture, and with obedience to God.

Joy Amidst Doubt

The key to experiencing joy during seasons of doubt lies in understanding how joy can coexist with sorrow, perplexity, and even suffering. Let’s look at three biblical truths that show how joy can flourish even in the midst of doubt.

1. Joy and Sorrow Can Coexist

In 2 Corinthians 6:10, Paul describes his experience as "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing." This teaches us that joy and sorrow can inhabit the same heart. Doubt often brings sorrow or anxiety, but that doesn’t mean joy is impossible. Like the ocean, where turbulent waves can churn on the surface while deep waters remain calm, so can our faith. Doubt may stir anxieties on the surface, but deep down, we can still experience the steady joy that comes from knowing Christ.

2. Perplexity Without Despair

In 2 Corinthians 4:8, Paul says, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair." Perplexity being confused or uncertain can be seen as a form of doubt. But notice that while Paul admits to being perplexed, he is not overcome by it. The confidence that God will sustain us through our confusion can lead to joy, even as we wrestle with doubts.

Imagine a child lost in the forest, filled with anxiety, yet deep down confident that their father will come. The child’s fear doesn’t erase the trust they have in their father’s promise. In the same way, we can be perplexed by doubt while still clinging to the deep-seated joy that comes from trusting in God’s faithfulness to keep us.

3. Rejoicing in Suffering

Paul also teaches us to rejoice in suffering because of what it produces in us: endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–4). This same principle applies when the suffering we experience is psychological, like doubt. Doubt can feel like a form of suffering, but when we endure through it, we come out on the other side with a greater sense of God's faithfulness. Each time we persevere, we gain a deeper hope and a more profound joy in knowing that God will hold us fast.

Every season of doubt, with triumph on the other side, deepens our sense that God is faithful. It’s in these moments that we can experience the paradoxical calm of joy in Christ, even as we fight through doubt. As Paul reminds us, we rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2).

How to Fight Doubt and Reclaim Joy

While joy is possible during seasons of doubt, it doesn’t mean the battle is easy. Here are practical ways to fight doubt and hold onto joy during these times.

1. Fight Doubt with Prayer

The father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:24 cries out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This is a powerful example of how we should respond to doubt with prayer. Cry out to God, confess your struggles, and ask for His help to strengthen your faith.

2. Fight Doubt with God’s Word

Paul tells us in Romans 10:17 that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” To fight doubt, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing God’s truth to renew our minds and fortify our faith. The more we feed on God’s Word, the more our faith will grow, even when doubts arise.

3. Fight Doubt with Obedience

In John 7:17, Jesus promises that those who do the will of God will come to know the truth of His teaching. Obedience strengthens faith. When we actively live out our faith, it helps push back doubts and allows us to experience the joy that comes from walking closely with God.

The Ground of Deepening Joy

Ultimately, our hope for joy during seasons of doubt rests in God’s faithfulness. Every season of doubt we endure brings a greater sense that God is reliable and true. As we continue to trust Him, we can experience deepening joy even when we don’t have all the answers.

In the end, doubt does not have to steal our joy. Just as sorrow and joy can coexist, so can doubt and joy. Each season of doubt can become a stepping stone toward deeper faith, greater hope, and more profound joy in God.

So, Steve, the answer is yes you can hope to experience deepening joy in God even in seasons of doubt. God’s joy is not dependent on the absence of doubt, but on the presence of His sustaining grace. Keep fighting, keep trusting, and keep hoping in the God who holds you fast.

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