If you struggle with your faith, practice these 8 habits daily

Navigating your faith can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. There are days when you feel secure, and others when you’re teetering on the edge of doubt.

But here’s the thing: It’s okay to struggle with your faith. In fact, it’s a part of the journey.

The key is not to let these struggles shake your faith, but to use them as stepping stones towards a stronger spiritual foundation.

And how do you do that? By adopting daily habits that reinforce your faith.

I’ve got eight habits to share with you that have helped me stay grounded in my faith, even during the shaky times.

So, if you’re currently wrestling with your faith, keep reading. These practices could be just what you need to find balance again.

1) Start your day with gratitude

Gratitude can act as a powerful anchor in the stormy seas of doubt.

It’s easy to get caught up in our struggles and forget the countless blessings that we have. That’s why cultivating a habit of gratitude is essential when you’re dealing with faith struggles.

Starting your day by thanking God for all the blessings in your life sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. It helps you to focus on what you have, rather than what you lack.

A simple way to do this is by maintaining a ‘Gratitude Journal’. Each morning, jot down three things you’re thankful for. It doesn’t have to be something big. Even small blessings count.

Remember, the more you practice gratitude, the more you’ll start to notice God’s goodness in your life. And slowly but surely, this will help strengthen your faith.

So, make it a point to start every day with a heart full of gratitude. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in your faith journey.

2) Find solace in nature

I’ve always found something incredibly soothing about being in nature. The rustle of leaves, the sound of waves crashing on a beach, the quiet stillness of a forest – it all speaks volumes to me.

There was a time when I was going through a rough patch. My faith was shaky, and I was full of doubts and unanswered questions. Then one day, I took a walk in a nearby park.

As I watched the sun slowly setting, casting an orange glow over the trees and the lake, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. It was as if God was telling me that despite all my struggles, everything was going to be okay.

That’s when I realized the healing power of nature in strengthening faith.

Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your faith, take some time out to immerse yourself in nature. It can be as simple as taking a walk in a park or sitting by a lake or even spending some time gardening.

Connecting with nature not only provides a great stress buster but also helps you connect with God and His creations. It serves as a beautiful reminder that there’s a greater force at work, which can help bolster your faith.

3) Engage in regular prayer

Prayer is a cornerstone of faith. It’s our direct line of communication with God. But, did you know that prayer has scientifically proven benefits too?

Studies show that regular prayer can lead to reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improved mental health. Additionally, it can also bring about a sense of peace and tranquility.

When you’re struggling with your faith, engaging in regular prayer can be incredibly beneficial. It provides a designated time for you to connect with your spirituality and express your innermost thoughts and feelings.

Remember, prayer isn’t just about asking for things or seeking guidance. It’s also about listening and being receptive to God’s responses.

So, make it a habit to spend some time in prayer daily. It can be in the morning when you wake up, before bedtime, or any time that suits you best. This simple habit can go a long way in strengthening your faith and bringing about inner peace.

4) Connect with a faith community

Faith isn’t a journey you have to travel alone. Connecting with a community of like-minded believers can provide much-needed support and encouragement.

When I was grappling with my faith, joining a small group at my local church proved to be a turning point. It gave me a safe space to voice out my doubts, ask questions, and share my struggles. The sense of fellowship and understanding I received was invaluable.

A faith community can also provide you with different perspectives and insights that can help you navigate your own faith journey.

Remember, it’s okay to have questions and doubts. What’s important is that you’re seeking answers. And often, these answers can come through meaningful interactions with others who are on the same path.

So, seek out a faith community that resonates with you. It could be a church group, a bible study circle or even an online forum. The important thing is to connect and engage with others who can support and guide you in your faith journey.

5) Embrace your doubts

Here’s something you might not hear too often – it’s okay to have doubts. Doubts don’t make you weak in your faith; instead, they provide an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding.

Embracing your doubts isn’t about giving up or losing faith; it’s about acknowledging that faith isn’t always a straightforward path. It’s a journey with ups and downs, questions and answers, challenges and triumphs.

When you’re struggling with your faith, don’t push away your doubts or hide them under the carpet. Face them head-on. Ask questions, seek answers, explore different perspectives.

Remember, doubt is not the opposite of faith, but a critical part of it. It’s a sign that you’re thinking, questioning, and seeking, which is a beautiful thing.

So, embrace your doubts with an open heart and mind. You might be surprised by how much they can strengthen your faith in the long run.

6) Practice mindfulness and meditation

Life gets busy. Between work, family, and social obligations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of what truly matters. That’s where mindfulness and meditation come in.

A few years back, I was going through a particularly challenging phase. I felt disconnected from my faith and found it hard to focus on anything. That’s when I decided to give mindfulness a try.

I started with just five minutes each day, focusing on my breath and letting go of distracting thoughts. It was a struggle at first, but with time, it became easier.

What I noticed was that these quiet moments of meditation helped me reconnect with my faith. They provided me with much-needed clarity and a sense of calm amidst the chaos of life.

Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools to help you stay grounded in your faith. They allow you to slow down, reflect, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection with yourself and your beliefs.

So, even if you can spare just a few minutes each day, make it a point to practice mindfulness or meditation. It could make a world of difference in your faith journey.

7) Engage with spiritual texts

Reading and engaging with spiritual texts can be a powerful way to deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith.

Whether it’s the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, or any other religious text, these books offer profound insights and teachings that can guide you in your faith journey. They provide answers to many of life’s questions and help us navigate our struggles.

When you’re struggling with your faith, delve deeper into your religious text. Read it, reflect on its teachings, and try to apply them to your life. You can also consider joining a study group or discussing the texts with others to gain different perspectives.

Remember, these texts are not just books. They are words of wisdom passed down through generations, offering guidance and solace in times of doubt.

So, make it a habit to engage with your spiritual texts regularly. It’s a habit that can enrich your faith and provide much-needed direction when you’re feeling lost.

8) Be patient with yourself

Faith isn’t a race, and there’s no finish line. It’s a personal journey that unfolds at its own pace. In times of doubt and struggle, remember to be patient with yourself.

It’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to feel confused or lost. What matters is that you’re trying, seeking, and growing.

The struggles you face today are shaping your faith for tomorrow. So, even when the path seems unclear, keep going. Trust in your journey and have patience with yourself.

After all, faith is not about perfection; it’s about progress.

Final thoughts: Faith is a journey

The path of faith is often winding, filled with moments of profound clarity and periods of unsettling doubt.

One thing that’s crucial to remember is that struggles with faith are not indicative of weakness. Rather, they symbolize a deep longing to understand, a testament to the strength of your spiritual journey.

As the renowned Christian author, Philip Yancey, once said, “Doubt is the skeleton in the closet of faith, and I know no better way to treat a skeleton than to bring it into the open and expose it for what it is: not something to hide or fear, but a hard structure on which living tissue may grow.”

So, if you’re wrestling with your faith, remember that you’re not alone. Embrace your doubts. Practice these daily habits. Be patient with yourself and trust in your journey.

Your struggles today might just be the stepping stones leading you to a deeper, more resilient faith tomorrow.