4 Ways To Have More Faith in God
A few years ago, I attended a church retreat where the guest speaker said something along the lines of:
Jesus already died. We should claim everything He died for!
The boldness of the statement shocked me at first and then the power of the words sunk in. Jesus loves His children so much and desires to give us good things. Why wasn’t I living with more faith and confidence? Why was I looking down at my issues rather than up at my God who saves, restores, blesses, heals, and so much more?
Freedom from Guilt
Maybe because it’s human nature to feel guilty and want to hide from God when we’ve made mistakes. But, thankfully, whenever we’ve said the wrong thing, chased something we knew we shouldn’t, or even flat out ignored a request from God, the Holy Spirit gently guides us to the truth (John 14:16-17). And He’s clear on what we’re to do in these situations. Rather than give the enemy a stronghold in our lives by focusing on the sin (and often the related emotions of guilt and shame), God wants us to run to Him. He always forgives us when we repent (1 John 1:9) and sets us free from those guilty feelings.
Let’s Cast Our Cares
When struggles come up, let’s learn to quickly cast them at God’s feet (1 Peter 5:6-7) and then ask Him to guide our steps. Even in the short few months that I’ve been doing it, it’s been amazing to see what life is like when I flick away anxiety, worry, shame and their siblings shortly after (if not as soon as!) they come up. God always gives me what I need in their place whether it’s hope, joy, peace, patience - whatever He knows I need. The freedom feels tangible, like chains have been cut off.
When we spend less time and energy dwelling, we have more time to focus on praising His goodness, living out His purpose for us, and claiming His good gifts.
Let’s not accept less than everything Jesus died for and longs to give us.
Trust He’s Got Us
In this season, I sense He’s been encouraging me to pray more boldly so He can release more blessings (John 16:24; James 4:2). As His children, we should have faith that we can have His ear (Psalm 91:14), draw upon His fighting strength (Psalm 94:1), access His wisdom (James 1:5), and so much more; I heard the other day that the Bible lists over 5,000 promises from God! Sometimes the words pour out of me, other times I find it hard to know what to say.
Yesterday night was one of those stuck times. I lay in bed with vague thoughts of watching a show to zone out and relax but I’ve realized the futility of such methods. Instead I started to pray. I honestly and openly just talked with God, sharing that I was exhausted and feeling a bit low but trying my hardest to trust that His blessings were coming. In the morning, I woke up with lingering memories of a sweet dream and had a powerful time of QT where He just loved on me. All this to say that ultimately God gives us His blessings because of who He is not because of who we are. In our highs and lows, we are always free in Him and He’ll meet us where we are at (Romans 8:26).
One Day at a Time
Life with God is such an interesting journey. Lately I’ve really seen it as a one day at a time kind of relationship (Matthew 6:11). Each day is different and I look forward to what He has to say as well as the opportunity to cast more cares at His feet. No matter what comes up and no matter how I’m feeling, I know I can trust that I’m never fighting alone and that in Him I can handle whatever comes my way (1 Corinthians 10:13). God’s got it and He’s got me (and you!).
Thank you, Jesus, for your great sacrifice. Help us to not waste our time on Earth … teach us how to claim your promises, grow in faith, and live wholly for you. We trust that in surrendering to you, we will be able to live in freedom.
Verses
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. (Psalm 91:14)
O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! (Psalm 94:1)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. (James 4:2)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)
Give us this day our daily bread, (Matthew 6:11)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
