How To Build The Foundation Of Authentic Faith

You’ve probably come across the dramatic image of a lighthouse standing strong with towering waves crashing down on it. Despite the ferocity of the waves, the lighthouse remains unshaken, its foundation solid. Here’s a question to consider: Is your spiritual life and faith in God able to withstand such a beating?

Just like that lighthouse, our faith needs to be anchored firmly in Christ to withstand the storms of life. How can we ensure our faith remains unshakeable, even through our darkest moments? Here are some principles that can help us build the foundation of authentic faith in Christ.

1. Remain Devoted to Christ Alone

To build a firm foundation in Christ, we must first prioritise our devotion to Him. This means recognising that when it comes to our spiritual life, Christ has no equal. We must choose to be wholly committed to Him and Him alone. This devotion isn’t just about attending church services or participating in religious activities; it’s about cultivating a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus.

Developing concrete habits can help sustain this devotion. Worship is a powerful way to keep our hearts aligned with God, whether through singing, playing an instrument, or meditating on His goodness. Journaling allows us to reflect on our spiritual journey, capturing prayers, reflections, and lessons learned along the way. This practice helps us see our growth and maintain a focus on God. Bible study is crucial for understanding God’s word and applying it to our lives. Regularly reading and reflecting on Scripture deepens our knowledge of God and strengthens our faith.

Remaining devoted involves integrating Christ into every aspect of our lives. It’s about making daily decisions that reflect our commitment to Him, whether we’re at work, with family, or alone in our thoughts. This steadfast commitment is the bedrock of authentic faith. It’s saying, “Jesus, You are my everything, and no one else can take Your place in my heart.”

2. Trust in the Lord to Provide

Releasing our finances and provision to God can be incredibly difficult. We’ve been brought up in a worldview that glorifies self-strength and self-sufficiency. The idea of relinquishing control goes against everything we’ve been taught. How do we start to trust God with something as significant as our financial security?

First, we need to acknowledge that this is a gradual process. One practical way to begin is by starting small. Begin with small acts of faith, such as setting aside a modest portion of your income to give to someone in need or to support your church. As you see God’s provision in these small steps, your faith will grow. Additionally, take time to remember past provisions. Reflect on how God has provided for you in the past, and keep a journal of answered prayers and provisions. This practice will remind you of His faithfulness and encourage you to trust Him more.

When we trust in the Lord, it gives birth to confidence. This confidence is not in our own abilities but in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. The truth is that the closer we draw ourselves to Him, the more we will find ourselves trusting Him. This trust isn’t just a passive belief but an active confidence that God will meet our needs and guide our steps.

3. Worship the Lord in Songs and Praise

One of the most difficult things to do whenever we encounter the various tides of difficult circumstances, which at times, at least from our vantage point, seem to both overwhelm and overturn our faith, is to worship Him. Worship in times of trouble feels counterintuitive, but it is a powerful act of faith and trust.

Worshipping the Lord during trials is about shifting our focus from our problems to God’s greatness. It’s acknowledging that despite the chaos around us, He remains sovereign and good. Each test and trial we face should not only be met with, but also end with us adoring Him increasingly. Worship helps us to reframe our perspective, reminding us that God is bigger than any storm we face.

Worship transforms our hearts and minds, lifting our eyes above our circumstances and onto the One who holds all things in His hands. It is in these moments of adoration that we find peace, strength, and reassurance. By choosing to worship, we affirm our trust in God’s plan and His ability to carry us through any challenge.

4. Actively Engage with Your Faith

To cultivate authenticity, we must actively engage with our faith. This means not only studying the Bible and the teachings of Jesus but also striving to apply these principles in our lives. Authentic faith is not passive; it requires intentional action and reflection. It’s about letting the teachings of Christ shape our daily actions and decisions.

When we learn about the importance of forgiveness, we should strive to forgive those who have wronged us, even when it’s difficult. When we read about Jesus’ compassion for the poor and needy, we should look for ways to help those in need around us. Each principle we study should translate into tangible actions that reflect our faith.

How we respond to adversity is a true test of authentic faith. When faced with challenges, do we trust God and remain steadfast, or do we falter? Actively engaging with our faith means turning to God in times of trouble, seeking His guidance, and maintaining our trust in His plan. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, which strengthens our foundation in Christ and enables us to live out our faith genuinely in every aspect of our lives.

5. Embrace Vulnerability

Authenticity also demands vulnerability—acknowledging our doubts, struggles, and questions. It’s easy to present a facade of unwavering faith, but true authenticity involves being honest about the areas where we falter. Rather than hiding these aspects of our spiritual journey, we can bring them before God in prayer, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Admitting our weaknesses and uncertainties to God is the first step towards building a more authentic faith.

Bringing our doubts and struggles to God in prayer allows us to experience His comfort and direction. It’s through these honest conversations with God that we find clarity and strength. Vulnerability in prayer helps us develop a deeper relationship with Him, as we are no longer holding back parts of ourselves. We begin to see that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Sharing these experiences with a trusted community can also provide support and encouragement. When we open up about our spiritual challenges, we often find that others have faced similar issues. This shared vulnerability fosters a sense of belonging and reminds us that we are not alone in our quest for a genuine faith. Being part of a supportive community helps us grow together, encouraging one another and holding each other accountable as we navigate our spiritual journeys.

Conclusion

Just like the lighthouse standing strong amidst the crashing waves, our faith needs a solid foundation to withstand life’s inevitable storms. Through devotion to Christ alone, trusting in His provision, worshipping Him in all circumstances, actively engaging with our faith, and embracing vulnerability, we can build this unshakeable foundation.

Imagine your life as that lighthouse. With Christ as your foundation, you can stand firm against the fiercest challenges. But remember, a lighthouse doesn’t shine for itself; it serves as a beacon for others. In the same way, our authentic faith should not only sustain us but also illuminate the way for others.

Here’s a takeaway: Authentic faith isn’t just about how we withstand our own storms, but how we shine through them, providing hope and guidance to those around us. Our faith becomes a testament to God’s power and love, a beacon that draws others towards His light. So, as you cultivate a strong foundation in Christ, let your faith shine brightly, inspiring and encouraging those around you to seek the same unshakeable foundation.