How Do I Keep My Faith Strong? 3 Answers from the Bible
Scripture guides us in growing our faith throughout life’s ups and downs
Good habits—they’re difficult to form and easy to abandon!
We begin each new year with bright hopes and bold plans. But by February we’ve found a load of excuses for why life is easier without our new habits.
Going to the gym? It’s so hard to find that extra hour each morning.
Eating healthy? Too much planning and preparation in our busy week.
Less screentime? Can’t look away from the trainwreck on that social app!
Even when we know new habits are good for us, it’s too easy to return to our old ways.
Our spiritual lives often mirror our physical lives. Spiritual discipline requires consistency. Without a regular habit of engaging in Scripture and prayer, our faith can falter. In moments of stress or crisis, we fail to recall Scripture’s promises. We forget what God says about who he is, what he cares about, and how he wants us to live. We let sin slip into our lives and distract us from our eternal goals, not to mention our goal of sharing Christ’s love with those around us.
It’s no surprise that the author of Hebrews compares our lives of faith with a physical race:
So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne.
Just like a dedicated runner, we need to follow habits that help us increase our faith and reliance on God each day. We see a perfect example of this endurance in Jesus, who focused on God’s call and did not turn back even in the face of shame and suffering.
You can follow in Jesus’s footsteps—and share in his reward—as you ask God to help you run the race of faith! Here are three habits that will help you keep your faith strong.
Stay in the Word.
Scripture itself highlights the importance of regularly reading and meditating on God’s Word. This habit is the best way to remind ourselves of God’s promises, train our hearts to recognize what is true, and be encouraged by the hope of Jesus in every circumstance.
As you seek to grow in faith, remember to schedule a regular time to spend in Scripture. You’ll quickly notice how filling your heart and mind with God’s Word will transform your day!
Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.’”
Pray throughout your day.
The Bible is how God has chosen to communicate his message of salvation to the world. But he also invites us to communicate with him through prayer! This incredible gift is something Scripture encourages us to use moment by moment as we navigate life’s joys and sorrows. Through Jesus, we can always approach God as a loving heavenly Father. Remember to use prayer as you train yourself to rely on God and bring each day’s worries—big or small—to him.
Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.
Connect to community.
When you’re running a long race, it’s always helpful to have a friend by your side to cheer you on. God intends Christians to live in community as they study his Word, pray together, and grow in their faith. Make time to meet with other believers regularly, both in and out of church. (Don’t know anyone? Ask God for guidance and join a church near your home.)
Spend time talking about God’s Word and praying for one another’s needs. Ask other Christians for wisdom and advice when you face a difficult situation—and look for opportunities to point your fellow believers to the truths of Scripture. In this way, you help each other run your race of faith as you look forward to Jesus’s return.
Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.
Thank you for using our Bible resources to engage with God’s Word! Check out these other blogs to continue exploring ways to grow your faith:
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