Believing, then Understanding

The medieval theologian, Anselm, once wrote: “I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand.” (Anselm, Proslogion 1.7)

That phrase, “I believe in order to understand”, shapes how we as Christians ask questions about God. I believe in the Trinity because I must conclude that Jesus Christ was God … and now I hope to understand it better.

But what is true for theology is even more true for the Christian life. We read last week that Martha believed — “I know Lazarus will be raised on the last day” — and then Jesus led her to deeper understanding.

But our temptation is to hold off on our trust in God’s goodness until all of our questions have been answered. I will wait on my evaluation of God’s goodness. No five-star reviews for God until my felt needs are satisfied. Oh, I would gladly trust that God is good if he first solved my difficult family dynamics, or healed a sick loved-one, or provided just a bit more income for our family to live on. 

We neglect the real glory of faith, which grabs hold of Jesus with all our might first, and then says, “Now help me understand what is going on.”

I believe, Lord, now help my unbelief.

That is a faith that believes in order to understand. When we feel the weight of that posture of faith, and when we know how deeply we fall short, it reminds us of our need to confess our sins…

Prayer of Confession

“If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared” (Ps. 130:3-4).

Our heavenly Father, you have revealed so much to us, you have given us such rich gifts, and yet we so easily slide toward uncertainty and unbelief. Rather than a posture of faith, we take up a posture of evaluation. Forgive us, O Lord, for the ways in which we doubt your goodness, for the ways in which we seek false, unsatisfying goals and ignore you, the fountain of living waters. We are weak creatures and in need of your mercy … and so, we confess these and other sins, and ask that you lead us in a time of silent confession…