Many people struggle with a lack of faith for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons according to the Bible:
Not understanding who God is
If we don’t have a proper understanding of who God is, it can be difficult to place our faith in Him. God reveals aspects of His character throughout Scripture that help us understand Him better. For example, He is described as eternal (Psalm 90:2), all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17), all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-6), holy (Isaiah 6:3), righteous (Psalm 119:137), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), loving (1 John 4:8), merciful (Ephesians 2:4-5), gracious (Exodus 34:6), and faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13). Knowing these attributes of God helps us trust that He is capable and willing to help us when we place our faith in Him.
Not understanding the promises of God
Another reason people may lack faith is not knowing or understanding the many promises God has made in His Word. For example, promises related to the forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9), God’s faithfulness (Deuteronomy 31:6), God’s presence (Matthew 28:20), eternal life (John 3:16), power over sin (Romans 6:14), God’s guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6), and so many more. If we don’t know what God has promised, we may find it hard to trust Him fully. But when we dig into Scripture and discover the treasures within, it gives us a solid foundation for our faith.
Focusing on circumstances rather than God
Often our feelings and faith are dictated by our circumstances. When things are going well, it’s easy to trust God. But when trials come, many begin to waver in faith thinking God has abandoned them. The disciples struggled with this, like when they were afraid in the storm (Mark 4:38-41). Jesus corrected them by saying “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” Their circumstances made them doubt despite Jesus being right there with them. Our circumstances change all the time, but God never changes (Malachi 3:6). Keeping our focus on God rather than our circumstances allows us to have faith despite what is happening around us.
Not spending time in God’s Word
Regular time in God’s Word is vital for growing our faith. As Romans 10:17 says “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Just as we need food and water for our physical bodies, we need spiritual nourishment from Scripture for our souls. When we neglect time in the Bible, our faith begins to waver. But immersing ourselves in God’s truth daily helps renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and reminds us of God’s promises on which to anchor our faith.
Not living in obedience to God
Disobedience can hinder our faith. When we go our own way rather than God’s way, faith diminishes. Sin separates us from close fellowship with God where faith can thrive. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely” so we can run with perseverance the race set before us. Examining our lives and surrendering any areas not pleasing to God will help restore a heart willing to trust Him fully.
Trusting in our own efforts rather than God
Pride and self-sufficiency can lead us to think we don’t need to trust in God. Our culture today exalts “believe in yourself” and “you can do it”. While we should work hard, our trust must be in the Lord rather than ourselves. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Our faith wavers when we start trusting in our own abilities more than God’s provision.
Going through trials
All followers of Christ go through trials and suffering. Difficult times often bring new depths of testing for our faith. During storms of life, our faith may waver. Even the disciples saw the storm around them and were afraid, thinking Jesus didn’t care (Mark 4:38). But Christ wants us to press through doubts and have faith in Him amidst our trials. The Bible says we will have troubles in this world, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Leaning on Christ will strengthen our faith through trials.
Not being part of a Christian community
Having fellowship with other believers is valuable for growing our faith. We can be encouraged by testimonies of what God is doing in someone else’s life. It keeps us from becoming disconnected from the Body of Christ. The author of Hebrews tells us “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Staying involved in a church provides support for our faith.
Doubting God’s power
Sometimes we may intellectually acknowledge God’s power, yet still doubt His ability to work in our lives. If our prayers go unanswered, problems feel insurmountable, or a situation seems hopeless, we can start to doubt God’s power. But Scripture reminds us that nothing is too difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:27). He is able to do immeasurably more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He has power over the universe, nature, nations, and even our problems and fears (Psalm 121:1-2). Remembering God’s limitless power bolsters our faith in Him.
Listening to erroneous teaching
There is a lot of false teaching out there that can undermine our faith if we’re not grounded in the truth. Cults and false religions will lead people astray. Even within Christianity, there are churches and leaders who distort the Word of God or teach things contrary to Scripture. The Bible warns about false prophets (Matthew 7:15) and says we must test every spirit against Scripture (1 John 4:1). Immersing ourselves in the Bible protects us from deception. Staying rooted in sound doctrine keeps our faith aligned with the truth of God’s Word.
Comparing ourselves to others
It’s easy to start looking at other Christians and make comparisons that lead to doubts. We may think “My faith isn’t strong enough. I should be more like that person.” But God deals with each of us differently and we are all at different points in our spiritual journey. We must remember that God’s approval of us is not based on our performance. Scripture says God has given each person a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and we should not compare ourselves to others (2 Corinthians 10:12). Focusing upward on Christ will keep us from unhealthy comparisons that weaken faith.
Not seeing God’s work in our lives
Sometimes we expect God to work in big, bold ways. But more often God works subtly in the everyday aspects of life. If we’re only looking for the huge displays of His power, we may miss seeing Him at work around us. He promises that His word never returns void but accomplishes His plans (Isaiah 55:11). Our role is to trust Him even when we can’t see all that He is doing. God reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Faith means believing He is working even when we can’t perceive it. Keep looking for His hand in the small, daily ways He works.
Going through spiritual dry spells
Every believer will experience desert times when our passion and zeal for God seem depleted. Prayers become dry and routine. Joy is sapped from reading the Bible. We can begin to drift from close fellowship with God that nourishes faith. But persistence is key. Jesus taught perseverance in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). Praying, worship, fellowship, and meditating on God’s Word will bring us back to a place of vibrancy again. Don’t give up! Times of dryness should drive us closer to the Father.
Feeling distant from God
When we go through seasons where we feel far from God, it can certainly impact our faith. Perhaps sin has created a barrier between us and God. Or a hectic schedule has kept us from regular time alone with Him. Distractions and busyness of life can sometimes slowly draw us away without us noticing. Thankfully, God promises if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). Taking steps to eliminate anything hindering that close relationship will help our faith abide in Christ once again.
Going through disappointment and pain
Disappointment and pain are an inevitable part of life on this fallen planet. Suffering is promised in Scripture for all believers. What are we to do when faced with tragedy, loss, persecution, illness, or other trials? The Bible says we are not to lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:16). God can use pain for our good if we entrust it to Him (Romans 8:28). As we see God sustaining us through suffering, it gives us a living testimony for how great His faithfulness is. This strengthens our roots of faith even deeper in the One who upholds us.
Lacking understanding of our identity in Christ
Our faith wavers if we lack understanding of who we are in Christ. The Bible says we are dearly loved children of God (Colossians 3:12), chosen and accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6), saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8), given access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18), and recipients of every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). Knowing our identity helps us rest in our position before God and find security that bolsters faith even amidst turmoil and uncertainty.
In summary, lack of faith is often rooted in misunderstandings about God, ignorance of Scripture, lack of obedience, trials, doubts, erroneous teaching, unhealthy comparisons, self-reliance, spiritual dryness, and pain. Drawing close to Christ in His Word, community, prayer, worship, and obedience will strengthen our roots so our faith is secure in Him alone.