7 Daily Practices to Deepen Your Faith in God

Introduction

As Christians, we often hear the call to "trust in the Lord with all your heart." This directive from Proverbs 3:5-6 isn't just a suggestion; it's a pathway to a life of peace, purpose, and divine guidance. Here are seven daily practices to help you lean on God's understanding rather than your own:

1. Relinquish Self-Reliance

   We live in a society where self-reliance is celebrated, but the Bible teaches us otherwise:

   "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).

   This means letting go of our own plans and trusting in God's wisdom, which is far beyond our comprehension:

   "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" (Romans 11:33).

   Each day, we must consciously surrender our expectations to God.

2. Seek God in Prayer

   Prayer is not just about asking for things; it's an acknowledgment of our dependence on God:

   "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:6).

   Through prayer, we admit that God's ways are higher than ours, and we entrust our lives to Him:

   "Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice" (Psalm 55:17).

3. Flee from Temptation

   The world is full of distractions that can pull us away from God. John warns us about these:

   "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:16).

   To truly trust in God, we must:

   "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22).

4. Prioritize God in Your Life

   It's easy to put ourselves first, especially when it comes to our resources. However, the Bible instructs us to:

   "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10).

   Giving to God first shows our trust in His provision.

5. Examine Yourself by Scripture

   Our hearts can deceive us, but God's Word is an unfailing mirror:

   "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9).

   Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture helps us see ourselves as God sees us:

   "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

6. Heed the Holy Spirit

   Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our guide:

   "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26).

   By listening to the Holy Spirit, we ensure we're walking in truth:

   "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us" (2 Timothy 1:14).

7. Find Rest in God's Love

   Life's challenges might make us question God's care, but:

   "Because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in" (Proverbs 3:12).

   Understanding this, we can see trials as God's loving discipline, not as punishment or neglect.

Conclusion

Trusting in God requires daily commitment and a heart open to His guidance. By following these steps, we not only grow in faith but also experience the peace and joy that come from a life surrendered to God's will. Remember, Jesus assures us:

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).