Facing Life With Faith

Contemporary author Eugene Peterson once wrote, “Christian faith is not neurotic dependence, but childlike trust.  We do not have a God who forever indulges our whims but a God in whom we trust with our destinies.”

Our confidence in God provides peace of mind, purpose in life, and hope for the future.  As Corrie Ten Boom put it, “Faith is like a radar that sees through the fog of reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.  Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible.”

This week we have defined faith, considered the value of faith, and discussed four facts about faith.  In this final post, we want to look at some very practical ways in which we can daily face life with faith.  One of my favorite writers, anonymous, observed, “faith makes things possible; it does not make them easy.

So, how do we face life with faith?  Let me share six suggestions that will help you.

(1) Start your Day Right

Studies have shown that the first 10 minutes of your day sets the tone for the entire day.

Someone  says, “I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”  Really?  Well, go home and get in on the other side!  Actually it takes more than that!

The Psalmist said, “In the morning O lord, You hear my voice.  In the morning I lay my request before You and I wait in expectation” (Ps 5:3).  Remember, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  (Ps. 118:24) Begin your day with God!

(2) Give Your Problems to God Daily 

Too often we try to assume the burden of our daily cares, problems and trials. An old  song by Bobby McFerrin says, “Don’t worry, be happy.”  Well, it takes more than that–it takes faith.  The Bible says “Cast all your anxiety on (God), because he cares for you: (Jas. 5:7)

(3) Say Something Positive Everyday.

It is possible to talk ourselves into feeling bad, into a negative attitude, and into feelings of doubt and fear instead of faith and trust.  Eliminate corrupt speech. Negative words. Unwholesome language.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Prov 16:24).  Our faith is fostered and  fortified by positive affirmations.

(4) See Something Good Everyday

I know everything is not good; and I know that  some days, it may not seem like you can see one good thing that day.  But try!  If bad things are happening in your life, look for a way to turn them into something good.

Look for the good in life.  In your family.  Friends.  And church family.  That process lifts, encourages and strengthens you.  And others too!

(5) Associate with People of Faith

If you are discouraged, doubting, and fearful, attach yourself to people of faith–positive people.  Don’t “walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners  or sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psalm 1:1-2).  Paul was right, “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor 15:33)

Fellowship with good people.  People of faith.  God’s people.

(6) Focus on Your Future

The future belongs to the faithful.  We enjoy a “blessed hope” (Titus 2:3).  Look forward to an inheritance, in- corruptible undefiled and  unfading. (1 Pet. 1:3).  And we are assured that it is our faith that provides the victory that overcomes the world (I Jn 5:4.)

“Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch!”

Got faith?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman