a) A state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
b) Conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence
Now, we know that our beliefs are felt deeply within ourselves. We may not be able to explain why we believe something, and I don't think it's completely necessary for us to have to, but I love that the word is defined as "a state or habit of mind". Belief in Christ should be the ONE habit you NEVER break!
But I love the "conviction of the truth" definition best! Especially the part that says "especially when based on examination of evidence"! Don't you just love that! If ever there was abundant and sufficient, historical evidence for and in something, it's the Holy Bible! The Holy Word of The most High God!
And Jesus very matter-of- factly states that belief is strong and binding when he comes down from the Mtn of Transfiguration to find his disciples unable to cast the impure spirit from a young boy. The boys father says to him...
Mark 9:22b-23 "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 23) If you can?, said Jesus. Everything is possible for one who believes."
I just almost get a giggle at the thought of the look on Jesus' face when he says "If you can?" I mean, knowing that he's God!
I can just imagine how he felt in this pitiful human flesh, so limiting even for Him. And he had just scolded his disciples for being "you unbelieving generation..."
And then the boys father says "if you can" when he must have had enough belief to travel all the way there to see Jesus. But then the boys father replies to Jesus curiously in the following verse.
24) "Immediately the boy's father exclaimed 'I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!"
At first, that's a strange read, but if you read the whole chapter in all it's context, you begin to see that, he did have belief, as we do, but being that our beliefs are stronger in certain areas, we should all ask Him to help us overcome our unbelief! Being our weaker areas.
My prayer for us today, Father, is that we humble ourselves before you and ask for help in our areas of unbelief. We need you, Lord, to help us strengthen our minds, hearts and souls to a deep belief with no questions asked. We know YOU CAN, Jesus. In your Holy name, Amen.