Losing faith…
I have heard this phrase spoken in a few different contexts as of late and it made me think a bit – actually a bit more than a bit.
I’ve noted as I
commute to work and run necessary errands that there are more and more
individuals and even families on corners holding signs in desperation –
“looking for human kindness”, “Any bit helps”, “Lost everything please help”,
“silence is compliance”, “I used to be someone”, “Blah, blah, blah… is anyone
reading, does anyone care”. Homelessness
is seen on city streets everywhere.
We are years
into a world pandemic in which viral infection spreads causing more than
illness – separation, isolation, fear, anxiety, death, mourning, loss.
We live in an
ever increasing culture of contempt - divisive politicians, policies,
platforms, theories, media with hate, anger, and confusion.
We function in
the environments of intellectual intolerance –slanted perspectives or bias in
which some seek to silence others, to shout down the other, listening only with
intent to reply unable to use critical thinking or openly allow discussion of
elemental concepts and truths.
We are daily exposed to violence – open vandalism, destruction, defacement, assault, murder, and war.
One scientific journal has called attention to society’s growing empathy deficit. People are losing faith… in government, in each other, in simple humanity.
Losing faith… to become disillusioned, embittered or doubtful; to give up; to lose hope; to stop believing.
If I was to truly
be honest, I’d have to admit to noticing that perhaps I’ve been losing
faith. Symptoms may be evident in the
form of frustration, the ever-growing noise of my thoughts, cynicism,
disconnect, and growing isolation.
Once again, I must stand still.
There’s a quote
that has
been brought to my attention …
“If you look at the world you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest”. – Corrie ten Boom
If there was any one person in a moment of time caught in the chaos of violence, hatred, anger, confusion, isolation, fear, death, loss – someone who had every reason to find herself losing faith – it may have been Corrie ten Boom.
And yet
she rested in Faith… complete trust and confidence, reliance, dependence, optimism,
hope and conviction.
Perhaps
through adjusting where I am looking when the world overwhelms – I can
experience less of ‘losing faith’ and more of “keep the faith’.
Keep the
Faith – remain optimistic especially in the face of adversity or challenge.
Keep the
faith! - an exclamation/statement of
encouragement or solidarity.
Keep the
faith – to carry on, continue the good work.
Is it just
that easy…? ‘Keep the faith’?
We are told that “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) and “we should walk by faith, not be sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Somehow for me at times it isn’t that easy to just willingly to give up any semblance of control in life that I think I may have. I’m especially encouraged at this point in recalling "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). When I feel as if I'm 'losing faith', knowing even the smallest bit I have in keeping is an unmeasurable source of strength and power.
It
provides comfort; overcomes stress and anxiety; provides strength; leads to a
more fulfilled life and gives purpose. A
Faith witnessed can encourage others and begin a new cycle of the prior list of
benefits for others.
As I ‘keep the faith’ and look beyond circumstance I am reminded that the greatest gift faith brings is salvation – an eternal perspective. ”But we are not like those who turn their backs on God and seal their fate. We have faith that assures our salvation” (Hebrews 10:39). For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
So friend, does this world get you feeling like you're 'losing faith'? Where are you looking? You can leave the shadow of 'distressed, depressed' and be "at rest" even if you 'have a little faith'. I pray that you 'Keep the Faith'. And "May the God of HOPE fill you with ALL JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit"(Romans 15:13).
