Unpacking Unbelief in Christianity

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Unbelief is one of those struggles that has many ways of showing up. It also chooses its victims very carefully. As humans, the fabric of our realities is built on our belief systems and if you are a Christian, like me, you know that belief is a requirement in your journey to spiritual salvation. According to the Oxford Dictionary, unbelief is defined as follows:

Lack of religious belief; an absence of faith.

How is it possible to be both a Christian and have a lack of religious belief and/or an absence of faith? Faith and belief are core elements for a healthy relationship with God. Through faith and belief, we do our part to show God we trust him. In this article, we will explore how unbelief poisons the mind and cripples the spirit. We will discuss how unbelief shows up in your daily life and how to overcome it.

Exploring Unbelief in the Bible

When I look at the Bible, unbelief is often tied to a failure to trust in God’s promises and power. I think about the Israelites in the wilderness—God had already performed miracles, like parting the Red Sea, providing manna, and defeating their enemies. And yet, time and again, they doubted that God would provide for them in the future. Numbers 13-14 is one example where God was leading them into the Promised Land, but when the scouts came back reporting giants in the land, the people’s fear caused them to rebel. Their unbelief kept them from entering into what God had promised them.

Even Jesus faced unbelief. In Mark 9:24, there’s the father of a boy with an evil spirit, who says to Jesus, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” That’s such a raw and honest cry. I can relate to that—there are times when I believe but still feel like there’s something holding me back from fully trusting God. Jesus didn’t rebuke him, though. Instead, He responded with healing. It’s a reminder that even in my moments of doubt, God is still merciful and willing to meet me where I am.

And in Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. But He also rebukes them for their lack of faith. This tension between small faith and yet a call to grow in belief is something I constantly wrestle with.

Living With Unbelief

Unbelief shows up in my life in ways that might not always be obvious, but it’s still there. I think it’s not just a once-and-done thing, but something I need to deal with regularly. Here are some of the ways I’ve seen unbelief creep in:

1. Doubts About God’s Plan: When life feels uncertain, I sometimes wonder, “Is God really in control of this?” Even when I know God has a good plan for me, doubts sneak in. Like the Israelites, I sometimes forget what God has done in the past and worry that He won’t come through in the future. In these moments, my peace is shaken.
2. Fear of the Future: Anxiety about what’s next can be a form of unbelief. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us not to worry about our needs because God will take care of us. But when I face uncertainty—whether in my career, relationships, or finances—those worries can take over, and it’s easy to forget that God is still in control.
3. Complacency: I’ve noticed that when life is comfortable, it’s easy to get spiritually complacent. I believe in God, but I sometimes stop seeking Him with the same intensity. When everything’s going well, I can forget to fully rely on God and instead slip into a “self-sufficient” mindset, where I think I can handle things on my own.
4. Self-Sufficiency: I have a tendency to lean on my own strength, especially when things are tough. I try to solve problems on my own, forgetting that I need God’s help. When I act like I don’t need Him, I’m letting unbelief slip in, even though I’d never consciously reject His help.

Overcoming Unbelief

The good news is that I don’t have to stay stuck in unbelief. There are practical steps I can take to address it, and I’ve learned some things along the way that have helped me.

1. Acknowledge the Doubts: The first thing I’ve learned is to be honest with myself about where I’m struggling. I can’t work through unbelief if I’m not willing to admit it. The father in Mark 9:24 didn’t hide his doubts; he admitted them to Jesus, and Jesus helped him. I’ve found that just acknowledging my struggles with trust is a step toward healing.
2. Dive Into God’s Word: The more I immerse myself in Scripture, the more my faith grows. Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes from hearing the message.” When I’m feeling doubtful, I make it a point to read passages that remind me of God’s faithfulness—stories of His provision, His miracles, and His promises. Scripture helps me shift my focus away from my fears and onto God’s truth.
3. Pray Honestly: I’ve learned to pray not only for God to help me but also to be honest about my doubts. Just like that father in Mark 9, I can say, “I do believe, but help my unbelief.” Prayer is where I bring my questions, fears, and doubts before God, knowing He listens with compassion. He doesn’t expect perfect faith, just honesty.
4. Remember God’s Faithfulness: I try to reflect on the times when I’ve seen God’s hand in my life. I write down moments when He provided for me, gave me strength, or answered a prayer. When I’m struggling to trust, these reminders of God’s faithfulness help me face my doubts with confidence that He will come through again.
5. Surround Myself with Support: One of the best ways I’ve found to overcome unbelief is to be in community with other believers. When I’m struggling, I need people who can encourage me and remind me of God’s promises. Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about how important it is to gather together and build one another up. I’ve found that sharing my struggles with trusted friends or family strengthens my faith.
6. Take Steps of Faith: Finally, I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to fight unbelief is to take action. Even if it’s small, stepping out in faith—whether it’s trusting God with my finances, my relationships, or my future—helps me see that He is trustworthy. Even small acts of obedience can grow my faith.

Conclusion

Unbelief doesn’t just exist in the Bible; it’s something I wrestle with in my own life, too. But I’ve learned that God isn’t angry with me for struggling. He’s patient, merciful, and ready to help me overcome my doubts. By being honest about my unbelief, diving into Scripture, praying honestly, remembering God’s past faithfulness, surrounding myself with others, and taking steps of faith, I can confront my doubts and grow in trust. The journey of faith is about learning to rely on God more each day, and even when I fall short, I know He is faithful to help me grow.