Building Our Faith During Times of Turmoil
It can be hard to trust and follow God when it feels like the world is falling apart. It is hard to trust when we have been hurt or lost so much. It is difficult to place our faith in God, when it might feel like God is not present. In these times it seems best to remember what God has done and how faithful God has always been to us. It feels right to proclaim God’s truth – for it is what we can count on, not the stability of this life. Here are a few more steps you can take to help you faith during times of turmoil.
- Be a fountain of encouragement. Share words of encouragement, Scripture, sermons, and helpful advice. As you strive to find the words to encourage others, you will be amazed at how The Holy Spirit speaks through you.
- Adjust your focus. Too often we become so self-consuming, that we fail to see God and God’s actions all around us. Take your eyes off yourselves if you want deep experiences of God.
- Work to serve others. One of the best ways to get your eyes off yourself.
- Confess your pain to God through prayer. Laments are helpful ways of tapping into God’s mercy and help. God already knows what is happening and how we feel. We express our grief to God because it is a part of the healing process. It is for our benefit.
- See eventsthrough the hopeful lens of Eternity. This world is not all that there is. Sometimes we are to focused on the moment in front of us and miss out on seeing and experiencing God’s greater plan.
- Allow our faith to foster connectedness.Build bridges and connections, even with people who are very different than you. Resists labeling, stereotyping and breaking of trust with others.
- Cultivating connection through shared experiences. We interact with people based on stories and experiences. When we do not have shared experiences, we tend to listen to gossip, stereotypes, and false stories that label and degrade others while trying to make ourselves feel better. Having shared experiences with other people helps us to see and live life from their perspective, not our own.
- Love others well.Love as Jesus loves us. Love so they can feel it.
- Share hope and light.Make the most of every opportunity to share where your hope and peace stem from.
Here are a few scriptures to remember.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on God because God cares for you.”