As an idealistic person, I’m happiest when faith comes easily. I love seasons when prayer is effortless, and obedience flows naturally. But when storms arise, I’m suddenly aware that deeper faith is needed, rooted, established, and firm. This requires preparation before the storm clouds gather, an anchoring of wisdom and trust to withstand rough waters. It involves time, intentionality, and a heart posture of receiving all that God has for us.
If you’re ready to move beyond feel-good faith, here are a few ways to go deeper.
Knowing and Doing What the Word Says
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (James 1:22-25)
Imagine studying the Bible as much as we scroll on our phones. Hours upon hours would be spent learning the Word of God. Yet, for some reason, we find it difficult to carve out more than a few minutes in quiet devotion.
The latest trends and headlines demand our attention while the still small whisper of the Holy Spirit grows faint. In going deeper with God, it’s important to quiet the noise of the world and tune in to what He is saying.
Start with your Bible, a notebook, and a pen. Find a quiet place to pray, listen, and study. Make it a non-negotiable habit of stillness and surrender. Before long, you’ll begin to crave True and Living Bread, sustenance for the road ahead.
Spiritual depth doesn’t happen accidentally. When we spend time in the Scriptures, even in small faithful moments, the Lord transforms us from the inside out. We take what we’ve learned and put it into practice. We share it, declare it, and live it as a testimony to who God is. This is Spiritual depth that goes beyond feel-good faith.
Knowing and Obeying the Will of the Father
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)
Imagine what could happen if, in every decision, big or small, we stopped to ask, “Lord, what is your will?”
Relationships would be strengthened
Finances would improve
Habits would change
Peace would be ours
The will of God is always for His glory and our good, yet we rarely take time to seek it. Only in the most important matters do we stop to ask for direction. But going deeper includes everyday moments as well.
How differently would we speak if we first sought God’s words of wisdom? How differently would we spend our time if we made Him a priority? How would we use our resources if our greatest desire was to honor the Lord rather than gratify our flesh?
God’s will may not always align with our comfort, preference, or timing, but it will always lead toward greater holiness and dependence on Him. Deeper peace is found not in controlling our lives, but in trusting the One who already sees the beginning from the end.
The more we seek His will, the more reliant we’ll become. We’ll walk in unity with the Holy Spirit, freed from indecision and confusion. What might feel restrictive at first will become a freeing and peaceful way to live.
Knowing and Exercising Authority in Christ
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” (Luke 10:19 ESV)
Imagine being handed a key to a safe deposit box containing everything you need for life. The authority we have in Christ is much like that key, freely given to us through His death and resurrection. Yet, we often doubt our authority over the enemy because we do not fully understand who we are in Jesus.
Many believers live in the shallows, wading through tepid waters, anxious and depressed. I’ve been there myself, but only when I lacked wisdom in knowing and exercising my authority in Christ.
Once I began declaring God’s truth over the enemy’s lies, everything changed. I found peace in anxiety, strength in weakness, wisdom in confusion, and courage in suffering. I broke the agreement with all the negative, petty arguments the enemy brought against me, and stood firm in what I know to be true.
What do you know to be true, my friend? You have the authority in Christ to rise above emotions, opinions, and accusations and go deeper in your faith than ever before. The key is in your hands, not because of your own power, but because of the power of Christ in you. And the deeper you go in exercising your authority, speaking life and truth over every lie, the more freedom you have to live the abundant life Jesus promised.
Knowing and Living by the Power of the Spirit
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:16-17 ESV)
Imagine every fruit of the Spirit being yours in abundance: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Too often, we treat the fruit of the Spirit like personality traits. Some of them come naturally, while others are in permanent lack. But the fruit of the spirit is singular; it’s not “fruits” but “fruit.” Every Spiritual attribute is connected to the others and grows within us. As we abide in Jesus, the power of His Spirit changes us from the inside out.
God is not interested in modifying our behavior; He is purposeful in developing Christlike character within us. And that process often happens slowly, through pruning, stretching, conviction, and perseverance.
The beautiful truth is that spiritual fruit is evidence of God’s presence at work. Our harsh words become gentle. Our restless spirit becomes content. Our hastiness becomes patience. Going deeper with God means allowing Him access to every part of our lives so that His fruit becomes increasingly visible in the way we think, speak, love, and live.
It’s easy to stay in the shallow end of faith, seeking after feel-good experiences that keep us from going deeper with God. And while there’s nothing wrong with desiring smooth waters, the truth is, turbulent seasons will arise. Will we be prepared? Will we be ready? Learning the Scriptures, seeking God’s will, exercising authority, and living by the Spirit equip us for every storm that comes.
More Resources for Your Faith:
A Prayer to Deepen and Strengthen Your Faith
When You Need Big Faith to Face Big Things
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Bohdan Bevz
