1. Faith is a response to your anxiety.
Anxiety is a struggle for many people. Its complex layers aren’t resolved overnight. However, a recent study found that the average person spends 3.5 hours a day using the internet on their phones. Our minds are constantly saturated with everything from current event reports to TikTok rants. We aren’t built to absorb that much pain, anxiety, division, or turmoil across the world — only God is omniscient. Colossians 3:2 reminds us to prioritize getting above it, not give all our attention to what is uncertain, but to draw our thoughts to what is certain. Anxiety grows in the unknown, and Jesus encourages us to take a breath and fill our minds with faith in what we believe is known — Jesus is in control of all things. For many, fixing our eyes on Jesus and his work gives us the perspective we need.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2
2. Faith, not facts, gets you out of bed in the morning.
We are rarely motivated by information. Something as exciting as a hot date or a compelling job interview on the calendar is uninspiring if not infused with hope for a life beyond, whether it be a budding romance or a fulfilling career. Faith for what the future holds drives us more than anything. As Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, when we catch a glimpse of Jesus’ unseen kingdom, it reorients us towards a vision in believing there is a better kingdom beyond the horizon. We hope with conviction that Jesus will deliver on his promise to restore all things to himself, and we aspire to join in the most compelling vision in history as he advances his kingdom forward. All of this is anchored in hope. In an oversaturated world of information, faith is the necessary approach to living a compelling life of purpose.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrew 11:1
3. Faith doesn’t have to be neat and tidy.
In Mark 9, a father is introduced to Jesus in a desperate circumstance. His demon-possessed son needs deliverance, and in a moment of great need, the father reaches out to Jesus to heal his son. Jesus challenges him to have faith, and the father’s response is authentic and real — “I do believe, help my unbelief.” The beautiful part of the story is in the father’s declaration and confession, Jesus delivers the son. Jesus is gracious towards our unpolished faith and meets us where we are. So instead of trying to get everything in order before coming before Jesus, invite him into the cracks, confess, “help my unbelief” as you continue to follow him.
“Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24