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After more than four decades of following Jesus, I am still learning how to cultivate a life of faith. But there are certain habits that I’ve developed over these many years that help me stave off doubt and trust that God knows what He’s doing, even when I don’t understand it.
Here are some ways I’ve been able to cultivate a life of faith over the long haul.
Spend Daily Time in God’s Word
As the senior editor for the Abide app, I have an opportunity every day to immerse myself in God’s Word through my work. From writing to editing to listening to content on the app, I either see God’s Word or hear it multiple times a day.
But sometimes I can let the work outweigh the wonder of hearing God’s voice through the Scriptures. I don’t want to merely consume; I want to cultivate a life of faith by pondering God’s Word, and then putting it into action.
Not many have the privilege of working with God’s Word as their actual job, so prioritizing time every day to read or listen to God’s Word in order to cultivate a life of faith becomes paramount. The Abide app has readings from the entire Bible available. Play it when you’re driving, making dinner, working in your yard. Or listen to one of the daily meditations from Abide, like the one below, to go deeper on a particular verse or passage.
Pray Without Ceasing
You can also cultivate a life of faith by talking to God about everything. Recently, my daughter couldn’t get the lid off a favorite cup from Starbucks. Each of us in the household tried numerous times. It wasn’t budging. I just stopped and asked God to help me get it off right before I tried again. It still didn’t budge, but my eldest son came over that day and I handed the cup to him to try to open, since he’s the strongest of us all. It took him less than 30 seconds.
Was that life-changing? No. But I had cultivated the habit of talking to God about everything. When I lose something, I ask God to help me either find it or be okay with its loss. If I’m late for something, I talk to God about my frustrations and ask Him to calm my heart. When we have a bigger need, I talk to Him about every aspect of my feelings.
By getting into the habit of talking to God about everything that concerns me, turning to Him in the big situations comes more easily. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy words and closed eyes; it’s just a conversation with your heavenly Father.
Go to Church
I’ll insert a caveat here. I know that all churches aren’t equal. I’m not even saying that an organized, official “church” gathering is necessary. The “church” isn’t a building; it’s the people. What I am saying is that gathering regularly with like-minded people who follow Jesus helps cultivate a life of faith. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews knew this. He wrote, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV).
Worshipping together, encouraging one another, listening to the Word of God proclaimed and examining all work together helps us grow closer to God. God didn’t create us to go it alone. In fact, in Genesis God proclaimed, “It is not good that man should be alone.” I realize God said this in the context of a partner, a “suitable companion,” but the idea of man not being alone stands.
We need each other, not only for fellowship, but for care, help, and encouragement. To carry one another’s burdens, sharpen each other, and lift each other up when one of you falls.
Reflect on Cultivating a Life of Faith
Listen to a short segment of this Abide meditation based on Ecclesiastes 4:12. Let God speak to your heart about being stronger with other believers.
Cultivating a life of faith takes intentionality. Spending time in God’s Word, praying, and with other followers of Jesus helps you grow. They will provide a firm foundation when life gets hard.
Let Abide help. Not only do our biblical meditations guide you in pondering God’s Word, our 400+ bible-based sleep stories help you find peace while you rest each night. Download the app today and start a premium subscription to gain access to our entire library of content. Use this link for 25% off.
Stephanie is the senior editor for Abide. She and her husband live in Orlando, Fla., as do their three adult children and one adorable grandson.
