There are certain things in a life of faith that until they are settled, we will continue to live in a state of unease swayed back and forth by doubt without ever finding a place of rest.

Years ago, Jan shared with me a breakthrough that took place in her heart that changed how she processed life. She chose to believe that God is good all the time no matter what takes place. When she realized that foundational truth, something profound took place in the way she interprets life’s events, especially the unexpected ones that produce grief or sorrow. As a result of that choice, she became settled.

As a young boy, I came to realize Scripture was true. For me, it has been and will always remain the only trustworthy compass for life. As my understanding matured, I experienced the same kind of settling Jan mentioned. 

The gift of settling brings with it a peace that fills the depths of our previously confused and doubting souls. A settled soul is not someone who ends inquiry or thinks no new questions will emerge. They simply know the end of a journey of inquiry before they take the first step toward gaining understanding.  These settled issues are the macro truths about God and His word that are experienced on a visceral level and not subject to the whims of cultural influence or come under threat during seasons of loss, disappointment, or betrayal.

We live in an increasingly unsettled world. Without having settled the issue of God’s goodness and the trustworthiness of His word, we will be moved along by the nervous and unsettled pulsations of an uncertain world. The two essential moorings of God’s goodness and the unfailing truth of Scripture will anchor us safe within the harbor of His peace while the world continues to be tossed about in the open sea of doubt.