“It is exactly at the point when you are tempted to think that you’re not blesses that counting your blessings is the most important. A thankful heart is the best defense against a doubting heart.”- Paul David Tripp
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one? And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”- Count Your Many Blessings, Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)
Paul David Tripp continues Chapter 6 of Suffering with the first two ways to fight the debilitating power of doubt.
1. Fight the devil’s lies. First, Pastor Tripp offers this practical counsel. You must force yourself to pay attention to your private conversation during your suffering. In addition, this conversation consist of the words you say to yourself that no one else hears. Because we constantly carry on this internal talk, we influence ourselves more than anyone else.
As a result, Pastor Tripp advises that you need to:
- question your own assumptions
- argue with your own heart
- confront evidences of unbelief in your private conversation
- defend your heart against any perspective that calls into question God’s wisdom, love, goodness, grace, and faithfulness
- fight this spiritual battle even in profoundly weak moments
2. Count your blessings. Gratitude, the author asserts, represents the most powerful tool against debilitating doubt. Thus, at the exact moment you’re tempted to think you’re not blesses, it’s most important to count your blessings. Thus, this resolve protects you against the lies that tempt you to judge God as less than good.
Furthermore, blessings exist no matter how difficult or long-term your suffering has been. And, if you find it hard to do this alone, ask someone close to you to help you. Hence, this is an important spiritual blessing for all who suffer.
Today’s question: What Bible verses provide the best defense against a doubting heart? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Godward, gospel-centered busyness”