Believe in God

Understandings of God differ for each culture and person in the world. As similar as some views may be, building a relationship with God is a quest an individual must take for oneself. This personal quest does not necessarily mean Christianity, any of the Abrahamic faiths, or any other particular religion. Believing in God simply means believing in a higher power. Here are some things to consider as you search for faith in God.

Steps

Having Faith

  1. Separate physical measurements from believing. Think of knowing God not by scientifically measurable events, but through an intangible presence in everything you do. God is Spirit, experienced somewhat intuitively, almost like experiencing love, air and gravity, or a gut feeling.
    • Knowing of God has more to do with the heart (core beliefs) than with the strictly logical mind, or head.[1] If you approach faith from this premise, then you will see that believing in God isn't all about gathering tangible facts, but reflecting on the impact He has on you and on others.
    • If you approach finding God from a nuts and bolts or scientific standpoint, you'll find that believing is not by material means but by personal analysis of Spirituality. Since God is generally viewed as a spirit and not a body,[2] He cannot be measured by hard, physical means. He can be measured by intangible things, like acknowledging: His presence, our beliefs, plus emotions and reactions.
    • Think about all the things you believe in. You may believe that the Oakland A's are the best team in the MLB, for example. But what physical evidence is this based on? Do you favor the A's because they have superior statistics and more championship rings? Chances are you favor them because of the specific impact they have on you as a baseball fan. Your appreciation for them is based on something emotional, individual, and physically immeasurable.
  2. Replace proof with trust. Having faith involves taking a leap of faith. This means deciding to trust without absolute certainty of where you'll land.[3]
    • Leaps of faith aren't just exclusive to God; chances are you take leaps of faith every day. If you've ever ordered food from a restaurant, you've taken a leap of faith. That particular restaurant may have a high customer rating and stellar health score, but chances are you haven't witnessed firsthand your food being made. You have to trust that the chefs have washed their hands and prepared your food properly.
    • Seeing isn't always believing. There are still some things science can't measure, yet people still believe in them. For example, astronomers cannot actually see black holes, since by definition they absorb the light that is necessary for us to observe them.[4] But by observing the behavior of matter and the orbits of stars around a black hole, we can predict that one is present. God is not unlike a black hole in non-viewable but knowable qualities and observable influence, that draws people to His unfathomable love and grace.
    • Think of a time a family member has been sick and gotten better. Did you ever pray or hope to something higher for their recovery? Maybe this event is like an orbiting star, and God is the black hole that is exerting his pull on all things.[5]
  3. Stop trying to control everything. Across all religions that have a concept of God, one belief is constant: God is the creator of all things.[6] Because God is the creator, only He is in full control.
    • Relinquishing control of certain aspects of your life does not mean you are completely powerless. Don't think of God as a puppeteer pulling your strings, but as a parent keeping you safe. You still mold the course of your life, but life won't always turn out the way you plan. In times like this, it's important to remember that God is there to help you.[7]
    • Knowing that you are not in control of everything should be empowering, not discouraging. Recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are founded on the premise that people are not fully in control, and that belief in a higher power restores balance by sacrificing one's ego.[8] Once we accept that we cannot control everything, we learn to accept the things we cannot control.
    • Consider the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."[9] There are certain things you can change and certain things you can't. While you may not believe in God, believe that there are higher powers that shape your life's outcome. This is a great starting place for having faith in God.

Learning about God

  1. Go to places of worship. Try attending a Jewish or Christian church service. Listen to the words that the rabbi or priest is saying and try relating it to your life.
    • Priests often deliver a speech, called a sermon, that relates every day life to beliefs in God. See if anything the priest is saying connects with you on a personal level. Though you may not know the specifics of the bible, maybe a sentiment or point the priest makes will connect with you in a big way (for example, treating your neighbor as you would treat yourself).[10]
    • Don't worry about not being Christian or Jewish. Though you may be restricted from partaking in certain practices, like receiving communion (bread wafer that symbolizes Jesus' body),[11] there are no restrictions for listening. In fact, priests are often excited when non-religious people become curious and interested in the teachings of God.
    • Church services fall on Sunday and usually last about an hour. Synagogue services fall on Saturday. It is customary for regular patrons to arrive on time and stay throughout, although it is not always mandatory for casual attendees.[12]
    • Catholic mass is usually a formal to semi-formal event. Be sure that you dress appropriately. Collared shirts, dress pants, and long dresses are acceptable attire.[12] Also remember to be respectful; no cellphone usage and no chewing gum during church services.
  2. Talk to people who believe in God. Maybe someone you know has a well-founded relationship with God. Talk to him or her about why and how faith is so strong.
    • Ask questions. "Why do you believe in God?" "What makes you so sure that God is there?" "Why should I believe in God?" These are all questions that a friend might have a unique insight to.[13] Remember to be respectful and ask questions in a curious but non-aggressive manner.
    • Talk to Your Priest About Personal Problems aren't only available during confession. If you attend mass during a weekday, chances are you will be able to talk to him before or after a service. Priests are teachers of God and will likely be happy to answer any questions you have about believing in him.
  3. Practice praying. Many religions believe that a good relationship with God starts with steady communication with him.[14] God will likely not respond verbally to your prayers, but there are other signs that show He is listening.
    • Prayer is especially important in times of need. Many people have a misconception that prayer is a vehicle for wish fulfillment. Actually, prayer is not asking God to solve all your problems for you; it is asking him to help you deal with your problems.[15]
    • You might have a tough decision ahead of you: pursue a job or continue on with your education? Try praying to God for guidance. See what choice you make and observe the outcome. Though things may not always end up how you plan, think of this as another opportunity to pray. Don't think of bad outcomes as the result of God not being present, but of him answering your prayer in a way you haven't considered yet.
    • The bible emphasizes the notion that God works in mysterious ways.[16] Think of god as a teacher, helping you learn important life lessons not by just giving you the answer, but by helping you arrive at that answer yourself. Think back to school and ask yourself, "Do teachers only tell students the answers, or do they teach them how to solve problems?" Think of events in your life as "lessons" more so than "answers."

Being Active in the Community

  1. Volunteer. Try giving to others less fortunate than you by helping out at a soup kitchen or food drive.
    • Believing in a higher power means shifting the emphasis off of yourself. Helping others is a great opportunity to look at your life from a different perspective.
    • Interacting with others who are less fortunate often helps you appreciate things you take for granted in your life. Basic things like having shelter, eating food, or being able to sleep soundly are luxuries that some don't have. These are all things that may help you believe God is looking out for you.
    • Notice how people who have been deprived of certain things can still thrive. Tony Melendez, a man born without arms, recently played the guitar for Pope John Paul II using his feet.[17] Being thankful for the things you have shifts attention from all the things that are missing in your life. Focus on the positive; optimism is a stepping stone to believing in something greater than yourself.
  2. Do good deeds. Try extending your charitable acts to everyday life. Volunteering is both unselfish and generous, but don't overlook the little things.
    • When Peter talked about the healing of the paralysed man (Acts 3:2-8) He described it as a good deed (Acts 4:9) True believers in God can also heal the sick like Peter did
    • Simply holding open the door for someone can brighten that person's day. Little things like smiling, giving up your seat to the elderly on public transportation, or just saying "thank you" can bring you closer to God. Don't underestimate the effect a good deed can have on your belief in a higher power.[18]
    • Think of times when someone, maybe even a complete stranger, has done something good to you. Maybe you dropped your cell phone and someone picked it up and stopped you to return it. Did you ever pause to think about that person's actions? Maybe that person was an answer to a prayer: "Please God, just help me get through today."
    • Have you ever helped someone and been told, "God bless you"? Try letting those words truly sink in and marinate. What if a good deed is really God telling you that He hears and sees us and allows your intents and purposes to express His love?

Tips

  • If things seem desperate, keep at it. You have a purpose and God knows it!
  • If loved ones die, and you ask "Why?"... "Why did they die?"... "Why was I left alone?": do not give up asking. A reason will be shown to you in time. Until then, remember to "...walk by faith and not by sight" -- until God determines you are ready to hear the answer -- just trust God.
  • This article applies only to a conventional, personal God and presupposes God's existence is necessary and purposeful. Though different faiths profess different views of God, they transcend our ideas of any being, whether male, female, both or neither: God is greater than this...
  • The belief you have formed through faith, and in a Higher Power than you, does not just happen. You do not wake up one morning, brush your teeth, and say, "today I am going to believe in God. Today I am going to have faith". Something has to happen for you to need and to seek out that faith.
  • Go to a website that tells you more about your need of God, and begin a new life with God today.
  • Do not give up your faith, because some challenge comes along. When it knocks you down to your knees, look upward and pray. God had a reason for allowing free will and choice. We are not robots nor programmed by instincts or unalterable drives as animals. When you seek Him early you'll find Him. A door will be opened. When God closes one door; he opens another one...
  • When you find faith, hold on to it tightly; do not allow it to slip away; do not stop believing. One day you may understand the essence of knowing, I have a purpose in life, and if you are still seeking you can find greater purpose, perhaps even when you least expect it.
  • Have faith. Do not become weary in well doing nor fall back. Believe, and you will never be alone. You do not have to believe or join any particular religion to have faith in God.
  • Everything in life, every path you take, you have taken for a reason, if you are following God's will. Write it down, and follow the path. Then one day, read that Book, and track that path you took. Understand how the first path led to an old way, a straight path.
  • Many say that "seeing is believing", but is that so with God? If you say "I'm a Christian." -- but you don't believe in an actual God, examine the meaning of Christianity, and realize that your relationship with God is found by seeking Him wholeheartedly and accepting Him through faith. Jesus said. "If you've seen me, you've seen the Father."

  • Learn about personal testimonies from people whose lives were saved or transformed by their faith in God.

Warnings

  • People will disagree with you many times, don't make a big deal out of it. Respect other people's religions, they believe differently than you do. That's for each person to decide. That's okay.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://ssje.org/ssje/2013/04/07/what-it-means-to-have-faith-in-god-br-david-vryhof/
  2. ↑ http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204:24
  3. ↑ http://powertochange.com/experience/spiritual-growth/risk/
  4. ↑ http://www.space.com/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html
  5. ↑ http://www.preachitteachit.org/articles-blogs/piti-blog/post/archive/2010/november/article/if-it-cant-be-measured-it-doesnt-exist-can-god-be-measured/
  6. ↑ http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-06-26/news/0306260340_1_three-faiths-abrahamic-creator-god
  7. ↑ http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A9&version=ESV
  8. ↑ http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/the-twelve-steps
  9. ↑ http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/famous_prayers/god_grant_me_the_serenity.html
  10. ↑ http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A12&version=ESV
  11. ↑ http://www.catholic.com/tracts/who-can-receive-communion
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 http://www.zionsvillecatholic.com/index.cfm?load=page&page=392
  13. ↑ http://bustedhalo.com/summer-school/summer-school-2013-june-5
  14. ↑ http://www.gotquestions.org/daily-prayer.html
  15. ↑ http://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume36/GOT036105.html
  16. ↑ http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom+11:33
  17. ↑ http://articles.latimes.com/keyword/tony-melendez
  18. ↑ https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/serve-god-by-serving-others?lang=eng
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