It's normal to have times when you feel close to God.Sometimes it's hard to feel His presence in your life.It can be hard to stay focused on your faith during those times.Spending time around other believers and devoting yourself to your spiritual routine will keep your faith strong.
Step 1: Make time for prayer.
It can be difficult to make time to read the Bible and pray when you are struggling with your faith.Even when times are hard, keeping a daily devotion will help you feel closer to God.Stick to a time that works best for you.You can start your day by studying God's word.If you're more of a night owl, you might want to end the day with prayer and reflection.Try to keep the focus on the task at hand.If it's possible, find a quiet place away from other people and stop using your phone and TV.God's word is a lamp to my feet and a light in my path.
Step 2: Talk to God about what you're thinking.
You don't have to say a formal prayer with your hands folded in front of you.The more you pray, the more connected you'll feel to God.No matter what you're going through, that can help keep your faith strong.When good things happen, ask God for wisdom when faced with a challenging situation, or pray for comfort when you're sad.Say a prayer like "I feel so far away from you right now, God" if you're questioning your faith.I need help feeling your presence in my life.Don't beat yourself up if you forget if it takes a while to get into the habit of praying.It will become more and more natural if you keep talking to God."Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God," the Bible says.
Step 3: Keep your faith strong by reading the Bible.
During your quiet time with God, you should read a passage from your Bible and meditate on it.Your Bible study can be relevant to what you're going through.It can help refresh your faith if God's word is applicable to you.There is no right or wrong way to read the Bible, you can start in Genesis and read all the way through, read a passage from the Old Testament each day, or do daily guided readings from a devotional.Spending time studying God's word is the most important thing.If you find yourself questioning your beliefs, it's a good idea to read stories of biblical figures who also struggled with their faith, like Job, Esther, and Noah.If you want to dig deeper into what it means for you, try meditating on what you read.
Step 4: Ask for forgiveness when you make a mistake.
If you don't address sin, you can lead to a crisis of faith.The Bible says that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness.Ask God to forgive you and help you overcome your sins.Everyone sins, it's human nature.It's important to turn away from sin when you recognize it in your own life because part of being a Christian is dedicating yourself to being more and more like Jesus.The Bible tells us to forgive other people for their sins against us, as well.Mark 11:25.
Step 5: When you feel God's presence, meditate on it.
When you feel far away from God, remind yourself of times when you were close to Him.Try to hold onto that feeling, and pray that God will allow you to feel his presence again.When you get on the other side, you'll find that your relationship with God is closer than ever.When you first became a Christian, you might think back to a time when you felt that He answered one of your prayers.The Bible reminds us that God is always with us.Matthew 28:20 says, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Step 6: A prayer journal is a good way to remember God's work.
Write down what you're praying about in a few minutes each day.Anything that's on your mind, this might be things you're grateful for, worried about, people you love, and so on.When you're going through hard times, it's a good idea to read through the journal and reflect on how God may have answered your prayers.Writing things down in your prayer journal will help you remember to pray about them.It's easier to find good things in life if you have a daily gratitude practice.Write down something you're thankful for.You can thank God for the blessings in your life when you're having a hard time.
Step 7: Allow yourself to ask questions.
It can be difficult to have faith when you see and hear things that make you wonder if God is real.Being a good Christian doesn't preclude you from questioning who God is or how He works in your life.Instead of allowing these questions to pull you away from God, lean on your faith, talk to fellow believers, and read God's word to try to find the answers.You might hear people say that God doesn't exist, or you might see other Christians acting in a way that makes you feel distant from the church during your time as a Christian.Use those things to remind you that all people need God's love and forgiveness.You might wonder why God allows bad things to happen to good people.It's important to know that these types of questions are a part of faith.Christians are encouraged to think critically about the things they hear."Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Step 8: If you struggle with your faith, be patient.
If something happens that makes them question their faith, many Christians go through times when they don't feel as close to God.Take time to think about why you don't feel close to God.Think about times when you felt very close to Him.Try to figure out how to get back into that relationship.Your faith doesn't have to look like anyone else's.You might think that the stories in the Bible are metaphors to guide God's followers, or that they were written exactly as they are described.
Step 9: You can learn more about God's word at church.
You can keep your faith fresh and strong by regularly attending church.During the service, you'll hear real-world applications of God's word from your priest or pastor.If you can't attend a local church in person, watch live-streamed services or listen to podcasts.
Step 10: It's a good idea to spend time with other believers.
A huge reason to attend church is fellowship with other Christians.In a more informal setting, join in church activities like Bible studies and fellowship groups.You can spend time together doing things that aren't church related, like having a barbecue or grabbing coffee.If you're drifting away from God, other people who share your faith can help hold you accountable.Christian forums or social media groups can be used to meet other believers."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" is how the Bible encourages this fellowship over and over again.
Step 11: Give your time to serve others.
Helping people in need is a way to show God's love.This can help strengthen your faith, so look for service opportunities wherever you can.If your church has any missions you can be a part of, you should check them out.When a loved one is having a hard time, you might show God's love by being a caring listener.As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
Step 12: Ask for help from your church's mentors.
You should form relationships with leaders in your church who embody God's love.Let them know that you're having a hard time.They may be able to share wisdom based on their own experiences, if they just pray for you.If you really like someone who's been a Christian longer than you have, you could turn to your pastor or priest.