How to believe when there's nothing to believe in
- Eljoh Hartzer, MTh
- Aug 16, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 22
When there's nothing left, it can be hard to believe in God. This article uses a metaphor to explain how it can be possible to trust in God ESPECIALLY when we cannot see Him or understand His ways. We look at Scripture references to see what the Bible says about blindly believing in God, even when it feels like "How can I?"
Sometimes we want to believe in God, but it feels impossible. Sure, it'd be nice to believe there's this supreme being and higher power who's got my back! Who wouldn't want that? Our issue is not with the premise of faith, but whether or not any of it is real. When these terrible things happen and getting out of bed is hard, how do we believe in God then??
A metaphor showing how to believe when you can't see God move
Imagine that you are standing in a big open field. Golden wheat heads are swaying back and forth in the wind as if moved along by an invisible force. For a moment, you catch yourself forgetting about all the worry and stress that seems to follow you around these days and you just breathe a few deep and easy breaths. Here, in the field of gold, with the wind circling around you, you feel like perhaps there might be something like God or a higher power.
How do we know the wind is there? It is much like God - invisible and unpredictable. We know the wind is there because we can see its effects. We see the way the wheat heads nod and dance when the wind pushes them like a dance instructor teaching moves... Is it possible to see the effects of God moving in much the same way?
How to believe in God - a Definition of Faith
If you're reading this, wondering how to summon belief in God from deep within, you're in good company. What you are asking is a question of faith. The Bible is filled with examples of people who asked the same questions you're asking today - How to believe in God when bad things happen; How to believe in God when He's quiet; How to believe in God when you're dying. It's all in the Bible!
Let's begin with a definition of faith from Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - KJV
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd." - MSG
"This is what it means to trust God: We will be sure about the things that we hope for. We will be sure in our minds about things that we cannot even see." - EASY
There’s this moment right before it starts raining – a slight pause before the first water starts falling from the sky. It’s a moment of pure anticipation, as if the earth is holding her breath for what’s to come. Like a little kid pinching their nose before jumping into the ocean or a pool of water. Earth waits (for just a heartbeat) before the rain starts to fall. One drop at a time, until every open space is drenched, and as if what happened previously is washed away.
Finding a definition for faith can feel tricky - but it is a lot like the pause before the rainfall.
How to Believe - A testimony of faith-filled action
Believing starts with faith-filled action. You don't just cross your fingers, close your eyes, and wish upon a star. Often (actually, most of the time) we need to take that first step before the breakthrough comes. THAT is faith.
I heard a testimony of a mother who set the table for dinner while there was no food in the house. She still put a vase with flowers in the middle, and carefully set out the plates and cutlery for herself, her husband, and their three kids. The kids peeked up at the table with curious eyes. What was she doing? Didn't she know there was no food? I imagine them sitting down at the table, hearing the clock ticking away, and even praying for the non-existent meal... Then came the knock at the door. If I remember correctly a delivery vehicle broke down with bread and milk that would spoil, so it was offered to them.
Do you see the faith in that story?
Another example is found in Peter walking on the water towards Jesus. They were in the middle of a storm.
What storms are raging around you today, friend? Do you see Jesus standing in the middle of it, locking eyes with you, extending His hand and indicating for you to step out of the boat and walk with Him?
"Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." - Heb 4:14
How to believe in God
If you are new to spirituality and faith, this section is for you. If you've been around the block with God, consider this section a crucial reminder. As the famous quote goes: "We never graduate past the Gospel!"
Believing in God is not a strange thing. The very fact that you're reading this article proves it again: Human beings have a deep-seated internal longing for Someone more. Nowadays some people will call this 'the Universe' and many religions will claim to know the way to the top of the mountain so to speak. Everybody is on the pursuit for happiness, seeking success, flourishing, and a full life in every possible place.
We were made with a missing piece... intentionally.
The God of the Bible is the Creator of the Universe - He is not just outside Earth; He is the Maker of it all
God created human beings in His image / likeness to enjoy friendship with Him and to live His way
People were unable to do this and then what we call "sin" entered the picture
God loves you very much. All the brokenness in the world breaks His heart!
"The Lord said, “Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground." - Genesis 4:10
That's why He made a plan to set it all right
So God promised to make a plan to restore His relationship to His people
He taught them to live His way again in the wilderness
But they were still unable to do it by themselves
So He promised to come to them!
He would walk with them again, like in the very beginning
Here's the thing about Jesus Christ:
He was a real person who walked the Earth (There are several mentions about him in other sources than just the Bible)
Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies about the coming Messiah (These are written down in the Old Testament)
He proved Himself to be the Messiah many times
The shortest Bible verse in the whole book is 2 words long: "Jesus wept" - John 11:35
God becoming like us is miraculous in itself, but read the words of Hebrews 4:15"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
Jesus was a compassionate, gracious, and kind person. He was a servant, a friend. And He was the perfect embodiment of God in human form.
He was killed under an inscription that read: 'The king of the Jews'
He died and was buried
After three days, they could not find his body. Some thought the corpse was stolen but then the craziest thing happened...
Jesus started appearing to people - many, many people!
He even let Thomas press his finger through the crucifixion holes in Jesus' hands
He said that He is the only way to God
Here's the thing about following Jesus:
Jesus had followers on Earth. They were called disciples.
To follow Jesus means to apprentice to Him - to become like Him
Jesus gives us a Helper, the Holy Spirit
He commissioned (sent out) His disciples and He is sending you too
Your goal is not just to live for yourself, you were made for perfect union with the Creator
Your existence is designed to flourish if you live His way
You can have abundant life, and life to the full
You can wholeheartedly worship Him with everything you do
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Gal 2:20
Believing in God despite circumstances
Because of this Gospel message, belief or faith in God is not something that is tethered to circumstances. It's a relationship. A marriage won't work if one of the partners walks out the second things don't go as planned.
Our deepest core human needs for connection, love, and acceptance were placed there by our Maker. They can be met by Him.
The Bible character who also grappled with how to believe in God when everything goes wrong is Job.
Job, chapter 1
"13One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing."
You can read the whole book of Job for more context, but the overarching message of his story is a perfect match for your situation: Job asked ethical, philosophical, and existential questions of God.
How could a good God let this happen? Why is God absently standing by as devastation occurs? Who could believe in a God like that!?
The Bible is not a fix-it pill. It's not a plaster to make a child forget about a boo-boo. It's a healing salve, an ointment that burns, but it brings complete and compassionate healing to your soul.
It doesn't promise easy answers, but Jesus comforts in the midst of unspeakable pain.
It will cost you everything you have, but you will gain eternal reward.
It won't solve all your problems, but you will no longer be facing them alone.
Faith is not the absence of doubts, but it is choosing to look beyond them to something more.
Faith will not always come naturally, but it is a gift from God given to those who ask for it.
Faith won't necessarily wipe out your pain, but it will infuse your life with meaning.
God's invitation is for you today: Give Me a chance?
When there's nothing to believe in you might as well give God a shot, it's not like you have anything to lose right now...
My testimony - When Jesus saved my life
I was just eighteen years old, jaded by the cold grip of religion growing up; already bruised and battered by how cruel people can be in this broken world. I tried being 'good' - whatever that means -. It didn't work. So I let myself go. It felt like I could finally breathe, freedom. But it was tainted by sin and it all turned sour.
Then the thoughts came creeping in when I was at my lowest: 'Why not just make this all stop? Why not end it all? Why keep going?'. My suicide was mapped out. The time and date chosen. The darkness threatening to swallow me whole.
I lay on my tiny bed in a small apartment, ready to take the action that would make the ache stop.
Then I heard His voice - or felt it - but it was loud. He said: "Hey there, what's happening?"
I cried, "I've tried everything." My body shook violently from sobs, uncontrollable depression.
And then the voice said five words that would change the trajectory of my life forever, "But you haven't tried Me".
.
Comments