As we journey into the new year this week, it would be good to focus on strengthening our faith. A strong foundation in faith allows us to face life’s challenges with confidence, rooted in the knowledge that God is with us.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith isn’t just about what we believe; it’s about trusting in God’s character and His promises, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Deepening our relationship with God …
Strengthening our faith begins with a closer relationship with God. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and reflecting on His Word help us connect with His heart and understand His will.
James 4:8 “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
This daily practice nurtures our faith, reminding us of His presence and guidance. Consider setting aside intentional time each day to deepen your relationship with God. Whether it’s through reading a devotional, meditating on Scripture, or simply being still in His presence, this time of connection strengthens our trust in Him and reinforces our faith foundation.
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past …
Faith is built on a history of God’s faithfulness. Reflecting on moments when He answered prayers, provided guidance, or brought peace in difficult times helps us remember that He is trustworthy.
Psalm 77:11 “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”
Take a moment today to look back on times when you experienced God’s faithfulness. Write down specific instances where you felt His presence, saw His provision, or received His peace. Reflecting on these memories bolsters our faith, reminding us that the God who was faithful in the past will continue to be faithful in the future.
Embracing trust over understanding …
Faith often requires us to trust God beyond our own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
We may not always understand why certain things happen, but faith calls us to trust in God’s wisdom and plan.
As we move forward in the year, let’s remember that we don’t need to have all the answers to have faith. Embracing trust over understanding allows us to surrender control to God, opening ourselves to His direction and peace. By letting go of our need to know everything, we strengthen our ability to rely on His guidance.
Surrounding ourselves with faith-building community …
One of the best ways to build faith is through fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… not giving up meeting together.” Surrounding ourselves with a community of faith provides encouragement, support, and accountability, especially when challenges arise.
Consider connecting with a church group, small Bible study, or friends who share your faith. Sharing your journey, learning together, and supporting one another helps us grow stronger in our faith, reminding us that we are not alone in our walk with God.
Moving forward with a firm foundation …
As we continue into the new year, let’s commit to strengthening our faith by deepening our relationship with God, remembering His faithfulness, embracing trust, and building community. A firm foundation in faith empowers us to face whatever lies ahead with confidence and peace.
May this year be one where our faith grows stronger, our trust in God deepens, and our hearts are rooted in His love. With Him as our foundation, we are ready to walk forward in faith, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.