For the Days When Faith Feels Fragile - Encouragement for Today - January 02, 2026
For the Days When Faith Feels Fragile
JENNIFER DUKES LEE
Lee en español
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Have you ever deeply doubted God? I want you to know: I have.
In fact, at one time, my doubts ran so deep that I nearly lost my faith entirely.
For me, those doubts began early. As a teen, I couldn’t intellectually reconcile the stories of the Bible with logic and reason. Let’s be real: We believe some wild things happened, like seas parting, prophets calling down fire, Jesus “wrecking” people’s funerals with resurrections — including His own.
Those days of unbelief were dark for me. When you’re unsure if God is real, life looks bleak. And death? Even bleaker.
My journey back to faith wasn’t tidy. It wasn’t a mountaintop moment or a single altar call. It was slow, tear-stained, and riddled with questions. It felt like I was following a flicker of light at the end of a long, dark hallway. Step by trembling step, I kept going until the light grew strong enough to see clearly again. That light? God’s Word.
These days, the light is bright. My belief is strong. But I still have moments when questions rise up. And in those moments, I remind myself faith doesn’t mean faking a smile or stuffing my doubts deep down. Faith means trusting that God is still good in the valley — even when the valley makes no sense.
A psalmist once said it like this: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
We all have what I call “valley questions,” like:
God, where are You in this struggle?
Why is this taking so long?
Why does it feel like my prayers aren’t being answered?
How will I make it through this?
Why does healing feel so far away?
I’ve learned faith isn’t pretending everything’s fine. It’s trusting that when everything isn’t fine, God is still with you.
Can I confess something to you? Sometimes I’m afraid to admit my valley questions. Because “good Christians” don’t question, right? We’re supposed to “just have faith.”
But following Jesus doesn’t mean you don’t have questions. It just means you know where to take them.
Paul reminds us in Romans 3:3-4, “What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all!” (NIV). It comforts me to know that even when our faith feels paper-thin, God is so very faithful.
Your doubts may be real, but God’s faithfulness is more real still. Even when you walk through the darkest valley of questions, your Shepherd is with you.
Lord, You know my doubts, fears, and questions. Thank You that Your faithfulness never wavers, even when mine does. Help me to trust You in the valley and to follow the flicker of Your light when the way feels dark. Remind me that You are not only at the end of the hallway but right here with me. Strengthen my faith and steady my steps. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
What if this year isn’t about doing more — but about building something that lasts? At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we believe lasting impact starts with God’s Word. Every devotion, podcast, study, and story exists to help women know the Truth and live the Truth — right where they are. That’s why we’re inviting you to start 2026 with 40 Days Through the New Testament: Knowing the Savior Who Steadies Our Uncertainty. It’s more than a study; it’s a daily invitation to know Jesus more deeply and walk in the hope He offers. When you give today, you’re helping multiply that impact — reaching thousands of women who need biblical encouragement in their own uncertain seasons. And as our thank-you, you’ll receive 40 Days Through the New Testament to strengthen your own faith as well. Together, let’s build a firm foundation of faith for this new year.
ENGAGE
Download Jennifer’s free set of Scripture cards, accessed through her Freebies page, to help you combat doubt and anxiety every morning. Jennifer would also love to connect with you on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Mark 9:24, “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (NIV).
In Mark 9:24, a desperate father cried out to Jesus to heal his son. If you prayed those same words today, what part of your life would you place before God?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Jennifer Dukes Lee. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
