Daily Meditation: June 21, 2021

by Lisa Tompkins Holden on June 21, 2021

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

- James 1: 5-8

I feel like lightening might strike as I write this meditation. James says that God doesn't like us to ask with doubt and that doubters should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. With great respect, I disagree with James.

In my experience, I am often in doubt when I am asking God for help - doubting whether God has the desire or even the power to give it to me. What I have found, usually looking back, is that when I humbly confess my lack of faith, God invariably does something or offers me something that is clearly a gift--something that lets me know God is listening. It is most often not exactly what I asked for, but it is a beautiful gift nonetheless--something meant for me.

Musical Reflection - Doubting Thomas - Nickel Creek


Loving God, I often come to you in doubt, yet you do not turn a deaf ear. For this I am deeply grateful. Help me to notice those things that will allow my faith grow. Amen.