I am afraid that we frequently have a very unbiblical understanding of “belief.” Far too often, we equate belief with the intellectual assent to a certain proposition—that is, we believe something if we think that it is true. Thus, I believe that 1 + 1 = 2 because I think it is true. I believe in God because I am convinced in my mind that He exists. I believe I can sit in a chair because my mind knows from experience that (most) chairs hold me.
Biblically, however, belief is not equated with knowledge, but with trust and dependence. To be sure, there is an intellectual quality to belief—one cannot have true belief without some form of knowledge, without the mind’s acceptance in some sense. Nevertheless, full, biblical, saving belief is not a function of one’s intellect, but of one’s trust.
Additionally the belief we are to have, the trust we are to exhibit, is not in the existence of God (that’s easy to do), but trust and dependence in His promises to us (which is much more difficult than the “casual Christian” realizes). If you know that God promises the best for us, yet you have a hard time living that promise, then you are exhibiting unbelief, no matter how convinced you are that God exists. Belief is not an awareness of God’s promises, nor even being convinced of their truthfulness. One believes when one acts in faith, trust, and dependence in light of those promises.
Battling unbelief is not a matter of seeking and knowing truth, it’s a matter of confidently living in light of the promises of God. Thus, with a nod to John Piper’s Future Grace,
- When I am anxious about some risky new venture or meeting…I battle unbelief with God’s promise of Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not for I am with you, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you.”
- When I am anxious about being too weak to do my work… I battle unbelief with God’s promise of 2 Corinthians 12:19 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
- When I am anxious about decisions I have to make… I battle unbelief with God’s promise of Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”
- When I am anxious about facing opponents… I battle unbelief with God’s promise of Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us!”
- When I am anxious about the welfare of those I love… I battle unbelief with God’s promise of Matthew 7:11 – how “the Father who is in heaven will give good things to those who ask Him.”
- When I am anxious about being sick… I battle unbelief with God’s promise of Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
- When I am anxious that I might shipwreck my faith… I battle unbelief with God’s promise of Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ.”
May you battle unbelief, trusting in His promises! “Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!”
Henry