“When in doubt… rest.”

I tucked these words into a note on my phone over a month ago, occasionally revisiting them. It was a Sunday and I’m sure we were scrambling.

These words were like a fresh drink of water.

Because my default is busy, quick to react, move, action, do. I often need permission to rest. I require a reminder to slow down, take a breath, selah, savor, pause, be. To embrace this moment and saturate it with Truth.

Maybe doubt isn’t always a sign of weakness, but one of honesty and vulnerability.

We need to stir up faith and choose trust. We need to let trust and faith and hope drive the darkness of doubt away. And let love cast out the fear.

I’m just wondering if, in our doubt, we can rest in the Father’s arms, trusting Him to be big enough to cover our doubt.

In today’s Jesus Calling devotional, Sarah Young wrote, “Rest in Me, My weary one, for this is a form of worship.” I took time to reflect on this; worship includes bringing our whole selves to our Faithful God, coming into the presence of our First Love. Fixing our eyes, letting our souls rest in His care, thanking Him for who He is.

Let’s look for Him. Look to Him. Look up – yes. But also, look all around. He’s in front of us, leading the way. He’s beside us, walking with us. He’s within us, His Spirit giving us abundant life. He’s behind us, protecting us and scooping us up in His arms as needed.

The #last90days challenge began today (can you believe it’s October 1st)?! As I read and reflected in the quietness of this morning, an hour earlier than normal, this thought came to mind: “I’m not where I thought I’d be by now.”

I felt the doubt in that, then I wrestled with it and rested in it. Grace, trust, faith, courage, and obedience began to rise up as I brought it to Him. He sees the big picture – the beginning, the middle, the end. He’s trustworthy. He’s good.

Jude 1:20-21 is underlined and highlighted in my Bible: “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

These two verses are amazing, but it’s verse 22 that got my attention: “Be merciful to those who doubt.”

What if we met doubt with mercy and compassion, not just with others but also in ourselves? This life is full of trouble and struggle. Let’s be people who go to God’s throne to receive mercy in our doubt and grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Let’s meet doubt with mercy, not shame. Dig deeper; find out why doubt is present. Read God’s Word and choose faith. Be encouraged. Receive grace. Don’t work so hard to get rid of the doubt; take time to rest in the finished work of Jesus. Trust that He is working all things to good.

Build yourself up in your faith, pray in the Spirit, keep yourself in God’s love, wait for mercy. Eternal life is coming.

In the meantime, meet doubt with mercy.

This week’s song suggestions:

• Hallelujah for the Cross by Chris McClarney
• Canvas and Clay by Pat Barrett & Ben Smith
• You Already Know by JJ Heller