The meaning of having faith
We’ve all heard people talk about having faith in God, but what does having faith and having faith in God really mean? Faith is the belief in something one cannot explicitly prove. It’s the belief in a higher power, the belief in an eternal, omniscient, and an omnipotent god. Having faith is having confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Faith is the result of believing in the Bible, in the Quran, and a Higher power. When we allow the reality of this belief to affect every part of our lives, it changes the way we think which changes the way we behave. This is the meaning of having faith.
Suffering
Having faith does not mean that troubles won’t come. Every one of us, sooner or later, walks through hell. The hell of hurting someone or the hell of being hurt, the hell of cancer, the hell of divorce, the hell of a loved one in trouble, the hell of addiction, or the hell of grief. The point is to make your life worthy of your suffering. I believe there is profound power in the suffering we endure if we transform it into a more meaningful life. I am not glorifying or suggesting that the lessons we learn from pain are somehow worth the cost, but the truth is that most often for most people, real change is the result of real pain. They are able to survive and get through that real pain because of having faith in God.
For me, having faith in God is essential to my life because of my suffering with a chronic illness called fibromyalgia. I also suffer from depression. As if these two weren’t enough, the addition of pregnancy and hyperemesis brought me to my knees. You see, you can never understand the pain until you live through it yourself. With fibromyalgia and depression, I have good days and I have bad days, but I can manage and function to some extent. Now, my house is like a mini-clinic where nurses visit regularly. It’s a difficult time for my family, especially my kids. They miss their happy, active, funny, chef, and mother. My husband is my hero, I don’t know how he’s dealing with my depression and doing it all. Without my faith, I don’t know who I would be or what I would do.
having faith in God
Having faith in God is crucial to my life. I believe that there is one and only God, in angels, in predestination, in the judgment day, in the holy books, and the messengers of God. This has always been my faith. My faith and having faith in God is what is helping me manage and appreciate life even in sickness. Now let me tell you that it has not been easy for me, I was angry for a while. “Why me?, Why is my God allowing this to happen?”, These are the questions I often ask myself. I finally realized that I could stay angry at my creator and reject him or I could accept that this is a test of my faith. With the first option, it’s not like I am going to get the answer to my questions by staying angry. Moreover, it will create a list of complex questions that I will have no answer for. However, if I accept it, I not only find humility in my suffering but I also find peace in getting closer to my creator and act on my faith in God.
Why is faith in God important?
My experience with pain and having faith in God helps me understand and appreciate life. Life owes us nothing and it’s with His grace that we can breathe and do anything. When in need, he sends people that would be of help your way, people you may know, and people you may not know. He has his way of doing things that just when you’re ready to give up, or when you think there is no way out, he shows you the way out or gives you hope. But you have to believe in him and trust that he knows what he’s doing.
This brings me to another key part of having faith in God, gratitude. Gratitude is intertwined with faith. I am not saying that everything becomes easier because you have faith, or that because you have faith bad things will not happen to you, but he gives you the strength to survive every single one of your suffering. Think about it, how much pain and suffering can a human heart endure before it gives up? Not much, but if you have faith in God and trust in Him, He will give you the strength to endure.
Again, having faith is not a magical solution to pain and suffering. Are there days I cry? Sure! Are there moments I wish everything was fine and I am not sick? Definitely! But I know just like everything in life, there is a start and an end and because I have faith I believe in His plan for me, even if I cannot foresee it.
To the one going through hell, who’s having their faith in God tested, know that you’re not forgotten and that your suffering has an ending. Take it one day at a time, hold tight to your faith in God, practice gratitude every day, stay positive, and never lose hope.
Do you feel like it’s becoming harder to have faith in God or feel or show gratitude? Below is a list of the benefits of practicing gratitude and how to practice it.
11 benefits of practicing gratitude?
11 benefits of practicing gratitude
- Reduces symptoms of depression
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases long-term happiness
- Reduces instances of depression
- Increases life satisfaction
- Makes us more optimistic
- Makes us more resilient
- Boosts self-esteem
- Increases selflessness
- Improves and strengthens relationships
- Increases social support
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits of having faith in God and practicing gratitude, here are 17 ways to actually practice being grateful and showing gratitude in your daily life.
17 ways to practice gratitude
- Keep a gratitude journal, this is one of my favorites. It helps me to focus on the good things in my life rather than the negative ones
- Take time to appreciate nature and enjoy its beauty. It’s easier to have faith in God and feel gratitude once we start getting out in nature and noticing things we usually miss.
- Think of a lesson you can learn from a stressful situation rather than the stress itself
- Think of something or someone you are grateful for right when you wake from sleep
- Reflect on the people or things you are thankful for
- Keep a single gratitude list and add to it every day
- Think of a positive thought whenever a negative one pops up in your head
- Write a thank-you note whenever possible
- Share what you are grateful for around the dinner table
- Do a random act of kindness
- Watch motivational videos
- Thank everyone that helps you
- Spend time with loved ones
- Volunteer with an organization that interests you
- Choose love always
- Set a time to reflect on how your day went
- Tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them
Wonder how you can practice spiritual self-care? Many Facets of Life has a great article about how to start your spiritual care journey.
Do you have faith in God? What do you believe in? How do you cope with stress, pain, and suffering? How does your belief shape your life?
20 Comments
Talking about Life and God, about belief and disbelief – these are all very complex and deep, to be honest. However, this is true that there is a superpower that controls everything and is responsible for a balance. Karma is somewhat true too and what we do now, reflects in our future.
Ashh,
I agree with you, religion is a complex subject to talk about.
I too believe that there’s a higher power looking after us. You are very brave to go through the pain of Fibromyalgia. I love your positive attitude and the mature way of looking at life. Lots of love and hugs to you. Take care
Rajlakshmi,
I appreciate your kind words. It took me a while to look at life from a positive perspective, but I realized it makes things better and less stressful.
Your strength is to be admired! With all the odds stacked against you, you are able to hold onto your faith and keep going. That’s amazing! Thinking of you and sending lots of positive and healthy energy to you during your pregnancy.
Nicole
I appreciate your kind words, I must admit it’s not easy.
Stay in your faith and God will see you through. 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever.
DeShena,
You could not have said it any better, thank you.
I’m sorry you’re suffering like you are! I can only imagine how hard that must be! My faith grew stronger than ever almost 4 years ago when my mom passed away. I know a lot of people start questioning God when they suffer, but losing my mom brought me closer to God and the belief that my faith will get me through anything!
Mellissa,
I am glad your loss got you closer to God. With a positive attitude, faith and patience, yes, we can get through anything.
I believe in a higher being, and am spiritual, but I don’t buy into going to church. I don’t need hymns or groups of people praying. All I need is strength in my belief. I have a child with a physical disability and often ponder the “why did this happen” question. I don’t have an answer, I’m not sure I need one anymore, and I’m starting to feel okay with it. I hope you find peace too.
Kari,
The good thing about praying to the almighty is that a believer can call upon him anywhere anytime. I pray God keep giving you the strenght and the patience you need to keep taking care of your child.
Raina, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. I too relied heavily on my faith to get me through the tough times when suffering thru acute post-partum depression. When we have faith and trust in God/Allah, with patience, we can overcome all things. Thanks for sharing.
Beth,
Yes, when we have faith and patience,we can move a mountain. Thank you for your kind words.
What a beautiful post! God has taken me through every dark and painful moment in my lifetime. I could not have made it through most of those moments without the grace and love the Lord gives us. Healing for me comes from that one-on-one time I get to spend with the Lord and I am so thankful for the time He gives me. I sincerely appreciate your share here.
Nicole,
I don’t what I would have done without his grace and love in my life. I am happy to hear that the Lord helped you through your painful and dark moments. And I pray he continues to do so for you and everyone else. Thank you.
What an insightful post, and I love every bit of it.
April,
I am glad you love it, thanks for your comment.
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Thanks!