I’m an idealist, so I’m happiest when faith comes easily. I love seasons when prayer comes easy and obedience flows naturally. But when a storm arises, we suddenly realize that we need a deeper faith, one that is rooted, established, and unwavering. To do this, we need to be prepared before the storm clouds gather and solidify our wisdom and faith to withstand the stormy waters. It takes time, intentionality, and an open mind to all that God has in store for us.
If you’re ready to move beyond feel-good faith, here are some ways to go deeper.
Know the meaning of words and put them into practice
“Don’t just listen to the word, but don’t deceive yourself. Do what the word says. Anyone who hears the word and does not do it is like someone who looks at himself in a mirror, looks at himself, and then goes away and immediately forgets who he is. But anyone who looks intently at the perfect law that gives freedom and remains in it, who does not forget what he has heard, but does it, will be blessed in his deeds.” (James) 1:22-25)
Imagine studying the Bible as much as scrolling on your phone. You will spend hours studying God’s Word. But for some reason, we find it difficult to spend more than a few minutes in quiet devotion.
While the still small whispers of the Holy Spirit grow fainter, the latest trends and headlines demand our attention. In order to relate more deeply to God, it is important to silence the noise of the world and listen to what God is saying.
Grab your Bible, notebook, and pen and get started. Find a quiet place to pray, listen, and study. Make silence and surrender a non-negotiable habit. In time, you will begin to yearn for the true living bread that will sustain you on the road ahead.
Spiritual depth does not come about by chance. When we spend time in the Bible, even in small faithful moments, the Lord transforms us from the inside out. We take what we learn and put it into practice. We share it, proclaim it, and live as a testimony of who God is. This is a spiritual depth that goes beyond feel-good faith.
Know and obey the Father’s will
“Do not copy the actions and habits of this world, but change your thinking and let God transform you into a new person, so that you may know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 New Translation).
Imagine what would happen if, in every decision we make, big or small, we stopped and asked, “Lord, what is Your will?”
relationships will be strengthened
finances will improve
Habits will change too
peace will be ours
God’s will is always for His glory and our good, but we rarely take the time to seek it. Only in the most important matters do we stop and ask for guidance. But going deeper also includes everyday moments.
How different would we speak if we first sought God’s word of wisdom? If we prioritize God, how will we spend our time? If our greatest desire is not to satisfy the flesh but to honor the Lord, how will we use our resources?
God’s will may not always align with our comfort, preferences, or timing, but it always leads to greater holiness and dependence on God. Deeper peace is found not in controlling our lives, but in trusting in the One who already sees the beginning from the end.
The more we seek God’s will, the more we rely on it. We are freed from confusion and confusion and walk in unity with the Holy Spirit. What may seem restrictive at first will eventually transform into a free and peaceful way of life.
Know and exercise authority in Christ
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of your enemies; nothing will hurt you” (Luke 10:19 ESV).
Imagine being given the key to a safe deposit box containing everything you need in life. The authority we have in Christ is much like the keys freely given to us through His death and resurrection. However, we often doubt our authority over our enemies because we do not fully understand who we are in Jesus.
Many believers live in shallow waters, wading through lukewarm water with anxiety and depression. I have been there myself, but only when I lacked wisdom in knowing and exercising my authority in Christ.
Everything changed when I began proclaiming God’s truth over the enemy’s lies. I found peace in fear, strength in weakness, wisdom in confusion, and courage in suffering. I reneged on every negative and petty argument my enemies brought against me and stood firm on what I knew to be true.
What do you know to be true, my friend? In Christ, you have been given the authority to rise above emotions, opinions, and accusations and grow deeper in your faith than ever before. The key is in your hands. It is not in your own strength, but in the power of Christ within you. And the deeper you exercise your authority and get into speaking life and truth above all lies, the more freedom you will have to live the abundant life Jesus promised.
Know the power of the Spirit and live by the power of the Spirit
“But I say to you, walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh, for the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. For they are in conflict with each other and prevent you from doing what you would like to do” (Galatians 5:16-17 ESV).
Imagine all the fruit of the Spirit becoming yours in abundance: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
We often treat the fruit of the Spirit like a personality trait. Some of them come naturally, while others are permanently lacking. However, the fruit of the spirit is unique. It’s “fruit,” not “fruit.” Every spiritual attribute connects with other attributes and grows within us. As we abide in Jesus, the power of His Spirit transforms us from the inside out.
God is not interested in changing our behavior. God has a purpose for developing a Christ-like character within us. And that process often happens slowly through pruning, stretching, faith, and patience.
The beautiful truth is that spiritual fruit is evidence of God’s presence. Even our harsh words become kind. Our restless spirits are satisfied. Our haste becomes patience. Engaging more deeply with God means allowing Him access to every part of our lives, so that His fruit becomes increasingly visible in the way we think, speak, love, and live.
It’s easy to stay in the shallows of our faith in search of a feel-good experience and end up not being able to deepen our relationship with God. There’s nothing wrong with wishing for smooth seas, but the reality is that turbulent seasons are coming. Are you ready? Are you ready? Studying the Bible, seeking God’s will, exercising authority, and living by the Spirit prepares us for every storm that comes our way.
More resources for your faith:
Prayers to deepen and strengthen your faith
When you need big faith to face big things
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Bohdan Bevz
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and a regular contributor to LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and subscribe to her weekly post, “Disappointment Can’t Win.” She lives with her family near her favorite place on earth, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
