I have always pondered over the question of how to increase faith in God. I remember lying at night staring out the window trying to will myself to have more faith. I’ve learned that to strengthen faith there are intellectual pursuits that can feed the rational part of the mind. And then there are relational, emotional, and rote disciplines that are equally important. This blog explores the top 10 ways to fortify your connection with the divine, drawing inspiration from God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and the teachings of Jesus.
1. Immerse Yourself in God’s Word: The Foundation of Faith
Begin your journey on how to increase faith in God by diving deep into God’s Word. The Bible is not merely a book; it is a living testimony that nourishes and strengthens our mind and spirit. By spending time in scripture, on a regular consistent basis you become familiar with how God works in people’s lives. You become aware of his personality. And he becomes more real. This is the foundation that should anchor your faith.
2. Pray to God: Engage in Conversation with the God
Prayer is the channel through which we communicate with our Heavenly Father. Prayer allows God to be a part of your life. Pray daily and consistently throughout the day. Have that open dialogue with God. And when you petition to God and he answers, this act strengthens your faith.
Once I was working overseas and the airport runway had eroded after a torrential storm the night before. Because of this our departure would be delayed days if not a week. Our group decided to pray and that afternoon the runway was repaired. I distinctly remembered a sense that God had answered a prayer. However if I had not prayed and the runway was still repaired my view of the same event would have been thought of as luck. Not to say that God was not involved with the repair of the runway, but that the act of prayer in and of itself increased my faith in God. So pray, and pray regularly.
3. Spending Time in Worship
Worship is more than a church activity; it is a personal and intimate connection with the living God. Whether through music, prayer, or contemplation, spending time in worship fosters an environment where your faith can grow stronger, and your spirit aligns with the divine. Take time to go on a walk and admire the world around you, his creation. Recall the events of your life and acknowledge how God has led you to where you are. This will help your respond with worship.
4. Practicing Faith in Daily Life: Integrating Belief into Actions
Practice faith in your daily routines, making conscious choices aligned with your beliefs. The simple ways you integrate your faith into your actions contribute significantly to its strengthening. Faith in action means do what you say you believe in. If you believe God calls all of us to help the poor then make decisions to help the poor. If you believe that God wants you to forgive those who have wronged you then make efforts to do so. Making your faith alive through your decisions not only helps you be more authentic with your beliefs, but it will also vitalize it as well.
5. Understanding Truth: Intellectual Engagement
Christians should not shy away from intellectual pursuits to the existence of God. God made the world with consistency and order, and he made us with minds to explore it. If God exists and we believe that his footprints are littered throughout the universe then we should be able to see God through his creation. Thus the opposition of science and faith is an illusion. There is no opposition. Let them meld and a fair inquiry in science should lead us to God. Check out our Does God exist page.
6. Jesus Resurrection- the Evidence
Along the same lines as number 5. Explore the historical evidence of Jesus resurrection. As Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:14 “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Our faith in Jesus rests on his resurrection. Thankfully there is an abundance of evidence to support this. Learn about them and let it strengthen your faith
7. Answering Doubt with Hope: Overcoming Negative Feelings
Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey. Instead of succumbing to doubt, answer it with hope. Recognize that doubt is an opportunity for growth and a chance to seek deeper understanding. Although it may be disheartening to doubt, don’t give in despair, realize that even the best of us doubt. So don’t be afraid of it but instead hope, and let your faith can emerge stronger and more resilient.
8. Be Transparent with your Faith
I am a natural introvert and I naturally tend to shy away from expressing my faith to people. Rather being transparent and not letting my fears of how people perceive me is a freeing endeavor. Remember only God’s opinion of you matters. When you are transparent with your faith, your faith becomes more real. It is no longer a private matter, but a public one as well.
9. Give yourself Grace in Moments of Uncertainty
Christians, like the disciples, may encounter moments of failure and weak faith. Embrace these moments with grace, realizing that they are opportunities for learning and growth. Remember Peter’s denial of Christ or Thomas’ faltering faith. Understand that even in moments of weakness, God’s grace is abundant, and your faith can emerge stronger. Remember doubt is not a sin.
10. Teaching and Sharing
As your own faith grows, take the opportunity to share and teach others. Whether it’s within your family, your church, or your community, passing on the torch of faith is a reciprocal process. As you teach, you learn, and as you share, your own faith deepens.
Conclusion:
In the journey of increasing our faith in God, we find that it is a dynamic and evolving process. As we address the question of how to increase faith in God, find it through scripture, prayer, worship, and daily practices, our faith grows stronger. Embrace the teachings of Christ, navigate doubt with hope, and walk in the light of truth. Remember, faith is not about perfection but about a continuous and intentional pursuit of God. As you embark on this journey, may your faith in God flourish, bringing peace, joy, and a deeper connection with the divine and satisfy the inquiry: How to Increase faith in God.