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God's Goodness in Times of Spiritual Doubt

Spiritual doubt, characterized by a wavering of faith or a questioning of God's presence and character, can be a profound challenge for believers. Yet, biblical texts and theological traditions consistently affirm God's goodness as a steadfast anchor during such times [1, 2, 5]. The concept of God's goodness is a fundamental attribute, described as a perfection of His character exercised towards His creatures in various circumstances [5]. This goodness manifests as benevolence, mercy, pity, compassion, and long-suffering patience, even towards impenitent sinners [5].

The Psalms, in particular, frequently address the experience of distress and the assurance of God's goodness. Psalm 37:39 declares, "But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble" [1]. Similarly, Nahum 1:7 states, "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him" [2]. This verse is interpreted by Adam Clarke as a reminder that "in the midst of judgment he remembers mercy," and that those who trust in God need not fear, as they will be "discriminated in the day of wrath" [11]. The goodness of God provides encouragement and strength amidst suffering, transforming misery and weakness into abundant life for the wounded psalmist [12].

Spiritual doubt can manifest in various forms, sometimes leading to despair [8]. The Bible records instances where even saints were tempted to despair, such as Job and the lamenter in Lamentations 3:18 [8]. However, these same texts often provide a pathway to overcoming such feelings through trust in God, as seen in Psalm 42:5, 11 [8]. The experience of doubt is not necessarily a sign of abandonment but can be a period where believers are called to lean more heavily on God's character.

The goodness of God is intrinsically linked to His providence. Flavius Josephus, for instance, reflects on "Divine Providence" and its role in demonstrating the distinction God makes between individuals, even in challenging circumstances [9]. This divine care extends to providing help in times of trouble, which is a common experience for all people, and especially for believers who face unique challenges from indwelling sin, temptation, and even the "hidings of God's face" [10]. These troubles, though difficult, are often seen as appointed by God for the believer's good and as part of their journey to heaven [10].

Prayer is presented as a vital response during times of affliction and doubt. Scriptural exhortations encourage prayer for God to consider one's trouble, for His presence and support, for the Holy Spirit not to be withdrawn, for divine comfort, and for deliverance from both trouble and sin [6]. This act of prayer acknowledges God's goodness and His willingness to respond to His people's cries.

The concept of hope is closely intertwined with God's goodness and serves as a powerful antidote to spiritual doubt. Hope is rooted in God, in Christ, and in God's promises [4]. It is described as "good," "lively," "sure and steadfast," and "gladdening" [4]. This hope is obtained through grace, the Word of God, the comfort of the Scriptures, and faith [4]. The "good news" of God's readiness to forgive sinners encourages both fear and hope in Him [13].

The New Testament further emphasizes God's goodness and its implications for believers facing doubt. Hebrews 12:15 warns against "failing of the grace of God" or allowing a "root of bitterness" to spring up and cause trouble [3]. This suggests that a failure to grasp or rely on God's grace can lead to spiritual distress. Conversely, the presence of Christ is a source of support and comfort during affliction [7]. Jesus Himself promises not to leave His followers as orphans and offers peace amidst tribulation (John 14:18, 16:33) [7].

The goodness of God is not merely an abstract theological concept but a practical reality for believers. God is described as being "with" afflicted saints, serving as their refuge and strength, comforting them, preserving them, and delivering them [7]. Christ, too, supports, comforts, and preserves those who are afflicted [7]. This divine presence and active care are crucial for navigating periods of spiritual uncertainty.

Even when faith is "tried to the utmost," particularly by "speculative difficulties" that make "all truth seem ready to depart," the goodness of God remains a foundation [15]. Peter's declaration of belief in Jesus, even when facing challenging statements, illustrates the struggle and the ultimate affirmation of faith in the face of doubt [15]. The "want of faith in the providence and goodness of God" is identified as a source of human inquietude and fear [14]. However, God's wisdom, power, and love are presented as unfailing, providing assurance to those who trust in Him [14].

Sources

  1. Psalms “But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. -- Psalms 37:39”
  2. Nahum “Nahum 1:7 (BSB) — The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.”
  3. Hebrews “Hebrews 12:15 (YLT) — looking diligently over lest any one be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up may give trouble, and through this many may be defiled;”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
  5. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Goodness of God — A perfection of his character which he exercises towards his creatures according to their various circumstances and relations (Ps. 145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8). Viewed generally, it is benevolence; as exercised with respect to the miseries of his creatures it is mercy, pity, compassion, and in the case of impenitent sinners, long-suffering patience; as exercised in communicating favour on the unworthy it is grace. "Goodness and justice are the several aspects of one unchangeable, infinitely wise, and sovereign moral perfection. God is not sometimes ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Despair — Produced in the wicked by divine judgments -- De 28:34,67; Re 9:6; 16:10. Leads to Continuing in sin. -- Jer 2:25; 18:12. Blasphemy. -- Isa 8:21; Re 16:10,11. Shall seize upon the wicked at the appearing of Christ -- Re 6:16. Saints sometimes tempted to -- Job 7:6; La 3:18. Saints enabled to overcome -- 2Co 4:8,9. Trust in God, a preservative against -- Ps 42:5,11. Exemplified Cain. -- Ge 4:13,14. Ahithophel. -- 2Sa 17:23. Judas. -- Mt 27:5.”
  9. Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 15, section 19: that although Ahab hoped Jehoshaphat would be mistaken for him, and run the only risk of being slain in the battle, yet he was entirely disappointed, while still the escape of the good man Jehoshaphat, and the slaughter of the bad man Ahab, demonstrated the great distinction that Divine providence made betwixt them.] 44 (return) [ We have here a very wise reflection of Josephus about Divine Providence, and what is derived from it, prophecy, and the inevitable certainty of its accomplishment; and that when wicked men think they ”
  10. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 60:11: Give us help from trouble,.... To have trouble is the common lot of all men, but especially of the people of God. They have some troubles which others have not, arising from indwelling sin, Satan's temptations, and the hidings of God's face; and as for outward troubles, they have generally the greatest share of them, which are certain to them by the appointment of God, and the legacy of Christ; though they are needful and for their good, and lie in their way to heaven. But perhaps here is particularly meant the time of trouble, which will be a little before the destr”
  11. Nahum (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Nahum 1:7: The Lord is good - In the midst of judgment he remembers mercy; and among the most dreadful denunciations of wrath he mingles promises of mercy. None that trust in him need be alarmed at these dreadful threatenings; they shall be discriminated in the day of wrath, for the Lord knoweth them that trust in him.”
  12. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 71:19: 71:19-21 God’s righteous character provides encouragement and strength in the midst of suffering. The wounded psalmist confesses faith in God’s ability to transform his misery and weakness into abundant life.”
  13. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 130:4: 130:4-6 The good news comes in God’s readiness to forgive sinners. His grace encourages people to fear him and hope in him.”
  14. Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 12:7: Fear not therefore - Want of faith in the providence and goodness of God is the source of all human inquietudes and fears. He has undertaken to save and defend those to the uttermost who trust in him. His wisdom cannot be surprised, his power cannot be forced, his love cannot forget itself. Man distrusts God, and fears that he is forgotten by him, because he judges of God by himself; and he knows that he is apt to forget his Maker, and be unfaithful to him. See on Mat 10:29-31 (note).”
  15. John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 6:69: And we believe,--(See on Mat 16:16). Peter seems to have added this not merely--probably not so much--as an assurance to his Lord of his heart's belief in Him, as for the purpose of fortifying himself and his faithful brethren against that recoil from his Lord's harsh statements which he was probably struggling against with difficulty at that moment. Note.--There are seasons when one's faith is tried to the utmost, particularly by speculative difficulties; the spiritual eye then swims, and all truth seems ready to depart from us. At such seasons, a clear”
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