"In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness.'"
Jeremiah 23:6 (NIV)"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)When Faith Feels Like a House of Cards
Many of us have walked through seasons where our beliefs feel shaky, questions about God's goodness, the reliability of Scripture, the exclusivity of Christ, or the relevance of ancient texts in a modern world. Deconstruction can leave us feeling spiritually unmoored, wondering if we have enough right beliefs to be acceptable to God.
In these moments of theological doubt, God reveals Himself as Yahweh-Tsidkenu, the Lord Our Righteousness. This name, revealed through the prophet Jeremiah, reminds us that our right standing before God does not depend on having perfect doctrine or unwavering certainty, but on His righteousness credited to us.
Righteousness That Is Not Based on Our Certainty
Yahweh-Tsidkenu does not promise we will never have questions or doubts. Instead, He reminds us that our justification before God is not earned through theological precision or spiritual certainty. Even in our questioning, we can rest in the righteousness of Christ that covers us.
This name frees us from the pressure to have all the answers and allows us to honestly question without fear of losing God's acceptance, separate our salvation from our theological perfection, find security in Christ's righteousness not our belief accuracy, and engage in doubt as a potential path to deeper faith.
Finding Security in Divine Righteousness
When we anchor our identity in Yahweh-Tsidkenu rather than our theological certainty, we find freedom to question, explore, and grow. We can release the idol of theological certainty and embrace trust in God's character, allow space for honest questions without believing they disqualify us from grace, and find comfort in knowing that Jesus' righteousness covers our belief gaps.
Theological Peace Step
Consider one small step toward theological peace, whether that is admitting a question out loud, reading something that challenges your views, or simply resting in the knowledge that God's love is not based on your belief accuracy.
- What doubts or questions am I carrying about my faith?
- How has theological uncertainty kept me from feeling accepted by God?
- What would it look like to rest in Christ's righteousness instead of my own certainty?
- Am I afraid that my doubts will disqualify me from God's love?
- Am I pressuring myself to have all the answers instead of trusting God's character?
- Can I see doubt as potentially fertile ground for faith?
Your doubts and questions do not separate you from God's love. Yahweh-Tsidkenu sees your theological struggles and reminds you that your standing with Him is based on His perfect righteousness, not your ability to have it all figured out.
Yahweh-Tsidkenu, thank You for being the Lord Our Righteousness. Help me to rest in Your righteousness, not my theological certainty. Remind me that my standing with You is based on who You are, not what I believe. Help me to release the idol of certainty and embrace trust in Your character. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Your doubts and questions do not separate you from God's love. Yahweh-Tsidkenu sees your theological struggles and reminds you that your standing with Him is based on His perfect righteousness, not your ability to have it all figured out.
With honesty and hope,
Claire