Today I wanted to talk about my faith journey, my peaks and valleys, and how to have stronger faith. Faith can be a very hard topic to write a blog about, but I hope that I can just help one person reading this. According to Google, there are over 4,000 different religions. So I think it is safe to say that our beliefs might fluctuate and look different. I want to speak to the individuals who might be longing for more in their faith journey. Have you ever been around people who love the Lord so much, that they just radiate happiness? You love being around them because they truly walk out what the Lord has called them to. Well, I am here telling you today that the faith you have always longed for, is attainable.

I grew up attending church every Sunday, and I have always loved the Lord so much. I can remember being 7 years old and raising my hands at church. Christ has always been a big part of the person I am today. It wasn’t until I went to college that my perspective on church and my faith changed. I didn’t have someone telling me we were going to church on Sunday. I had the opportunity to figure out what my faith meant to me. I can remember a point in college, I was having way too much fun on the weekends, and just not making church a priority. Now, I am not saying you can’t have fun on a Saturday night and go to church on Sunday morning. Because I do that all the time. It all boils down to what is important in my life, and I needed to be more intentional with my relationship with God.

I want you to know that God himself longs to have an intimate relationship with you. Do you realize, that even when you might not think about him during your day, you are always on his mind? He hand-knitted you in your mother’s womb. He knows the number of hairs on your head. He truly loves and adores you. God is waiting for you to run back into his arms again. God is also so proud of the person you are and will become. Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”

Something that amazes me is when I reflect on certain seasons of my life, and see how he worked in those times. I can see how I am a stronger human now, because of my past. If you are thinking, “Justice, faith scares me. The Christian faith has all these rules, and I don’t think I believe in all of them. I want to be close to God but I don’t know how to be.” Well, let me start by saying it is completely okay to question your faith, dig deeper into the word and teach yourself. 

I also acknowledge that a lot of people have different beliefs and views in their faith, that is OKAY. God did not intend for people to think the bible is a list of rules. The bible is a guide for a beautiful and fruitful life. There are many different interpretations in the bible, and that is why I do not believe, “if you do this, you’re bad and going to hell.” God loves every human, bug, dog, whatever it is. He loves you. Everyone’s relationship with God is evolving as we grow, meet new people, and experience different life circumstances. One thing always remains the same, is God’s love.

So, if you are longing to deepen your relationship with God or just wanting to explore for the first time what that relationship might look like for you, below I share a few suggestions.

• Make time for Him

This was the biggest game-changer when I felt the closest to God. Being intentional about the time you spend with him. Whether it’s time in prayer, doing a devotional, or spending time in his word, it’s all about connecting with him. There are wonderful bible apps that are extremely helpful. Your relationship with God is no different from a relationship with a friend. If you are not spending quality time together talking and getting to know one another…it’s not going to be the quality relationship you long for. Like any relationship, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This will be the best investment of your time…I promise you!

• Express Gratitude

This might sound silly. But try and talk to God during the day like a friend. A lot of time people don’t know what to say to God or feel like they have to be formal when they pray. Sometimes I am like, “Holy cow God, today is a beautiful day outside, and you’re so freaking amazing.” No joke, I was on Broadway last Saturday, and I began to look around at everyone enjoying the live music. Watched as so many people just smiled and danced. I thanked God for the blessing of music and that it brought joy to so many. Praise him in the most random moments. 

• Surround yourself with like-minded people

This might be one of the most important things you can do. It will be so challenging to live out your faith journey if you don’t surround yourself with other people who have the same goal. You must have people in your life who encourage, challenge, and make you better every day. I realize this isn’t always easy or doesn’t happen overnight. I challenge you to start asking God to put people in your life that he wants to have in your circle. I promise you if you are open to this, you will see him at work. Always remember, we grow like the company we keep!

• Be a light

Everything God has put in you is exactly what the world and the people around you need. Be the light.

My encouragement for you is to set your timer for 2-3 minutes. Just talk to God. Share something about your day with him. Whether it’s you stubbed your toe today, or you are looking for new friends. The next time you are alone driving in your car, rather than turn on the radio, spend that quiet time talking with God. In the morning, instead of grabbing your phone to scroll through social media, spend that time talking to God about your upcoming day. Make time for Him. 

I have been wanting to write a blog about faith for quite some time, but I felt like I would say the wrong things, or even that I didn’t have anything worthwhile to share. Let me break it to you, I don’t have everything figured out. What I do know is that God is in the middle of it all and he loves me no matter what. I am living, sinning, learning, and trying to become better every single day. Let’s do this together, friends. 

Please leave a comment if you wanna talk or have any questions, and hopefully, I can help you in any way I can. (or just leave a comment if you think I should talk about a certain topic)