8 Strategies for Strengthening Your Belief in God
Are you wondering how to grow in your faith and keep doubts and unbelief out of your life? I have asked myself these same questions before. At times, I have felt like I have gotten off track in my relationship with God. I have gotten distracted and focused more on my problems instead of trusting in God’s faithfulness to help me through challenges. Here’s what I do (and still do) to get back on track:
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Spend time with God. This is why I emphasized the importance of a Quiet Time with God at the beginning of this e-book. This is a crucial part of your faith journey. Read the Bible and really think about its message. Get to know your creator and learn about His promises. When you get to know God, you will trust Him, and trust is at the heart of faith.
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Remember what God has done for you. I consciously make an effort to recall what God has done for me in the past. This helps me focus on God’s ability to come through for me and strengthens my faith.
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Listen to Christian music. I enjoy singing and listening to contemporary Christian music. These songs move my heart and soul and I can relate to the lyrics. They often convey a message that I need to hear at that moment.
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Join a ministry. You can grow by serving others and using your God-given gifts. I joined my church’s music ministry and made a commitment to attend practice sessions consistently and sing during Mass.
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Be part of a small group of fellow believers. We grow better together. It’s helpful to have a close bond with a few people who are also following the Lord. They can be there for you when you need someone to talk to, when you are discouraged, or when you need a shoulder to cry on. They can also hold you accountable in a loving way.
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Attend Mass regularly. This doesn’t have to be every day, but even just on Sundays. Some people don’t go to church anymore or only attend Mass on special occasions like Christmas or Easter. But how can your faith grow if you don’t even hear the Word of God once a week? If you don’t feel motivated to go to your parish church, try finding one that inspires you and helps you grow in faith.
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Acknowledge God often or say short prayers. Talk to God throughout your day. You can say simple things like “Thank you Lord for the nice weather” or “God, how beautiful those flowers are. And I know you made them. You’re awesome!” When you make God a part of your daily life, things tend to go more smoothly.
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Be selective about what you read, watch, and listen to. There is so much out there that can be confusing for someone trying to grow in faith. Don’t watch too much news or documentaries that go against your faith, or movies with a lot of nudity. Don’t listen to radio announcers who swear or music with references to violence, swearing, depressing thoughts, or sex.
I will never forget the moment when I first took a step of faith. I was working in a village on the coast of the Philippines and I would often go to the beach after work. One day, as I watched the sun setting over the calm sea, I was struck by the beauty of the scene. It occurred to me that only God could create something so magnificent and that, if He could do that, He must be able to take care of me too. That moment marked the beginning of my journey towards trusting in God.
