In this dark world, things often feel overwhelming and bleak, and maintaining faith can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. News headlines are filled with negativity, war, and unspeakable tragedies. On top of that, personal struggles can weigh heavily on our hearts, and the pressure to conform can be intense. It can make us feel like giving up, but we should never do that. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) encourages us, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” This truth reassures us that even in the midst of chaos, we can find strength and hope in our faith in Jesus Christ. He will never leave or forsake us, and that promise can serve as our guiding light through the darkest moments. By holding on to this assurance, we can continue to move forward, knowing that our perseverance will bear fruit in due time.

Let’s face it: sometimes encouraging ourselves in God’s Word can feel like it won’t ease the pain we’re experiencing right now. It’s easy to think that things are too far gone for redemption, and we’re just too tired to hope. But do you think our feelings surprise God? Not at all! He knew there would be days when we’d struggle to see the light. This is precisely why He reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

God’s grace isn’t a bunch of fluff; it’s the very strength that sustains us in our weakest moments. When we feel like we can’t carry on, that’s when His power shines the brightest. It’s in those times of vulnerability that we can experience His grace in a profound way. Instead of pushing through on our own, we can lean into His strength, knowing that it’s perfectly okay to be weak. God meets us right where we are, offering us the hope and help we desperately need.

Stay Rooted in Scripture

Resolving in our minds not to let our emotions take the driver’s seat is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. We must remember that the enemy wants nothing more than to separate us from our faith in God. The best way to prevent this from happening is by keeping ourselves rooted in Scripture; it’s our source of strength. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) tells us, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” The Bible serves as our guiding light through the darkness, illuminating our path as we move forward.

When we turn to God’s Word, we’re not just reading; we’re engaging in a transformative experience. The Scriptures remind us of God’s unwavering presence and incomparable love and power. His Word grounds us, helping us to discern truth from lies and guiding us to make decisions that align with His Will. In a world filled with uncertainty, God’s Word remains a steadfast anchor, leading us towards greater hope and faith.

Keep on Praying

Jesus Christ said in Luke 11:9-10 (NLT), “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” These Words of our Master Jesus serve as a powerful reminder that our efforts are not in vain. It might not always feel this way, but we can be assured that each time we earnestly pray, we open ourselves to possibilities and blessings in Christ. Without prayer, these may be beyond our reach, but as we remain encouraged and continue to seek God, we bring ourselves closer to opportunities that can change our lives.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) reminds us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” Prayer is our direct line to God, and it’s a space where we can lay down our worries and receive His peace.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a game-changer in maintaining faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) tells us, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Worry and anxiety can blind us from all the wonderful blessings we have in our lives—blessings we often take for granted.

Choosing gratitude is a powerful way to shift our emotional landscape. Instead of allowing worry and anxiety to dominate our thoughts, we can let gratitude take the lead. When we cultivate an attitude of thankfulness, we start to notice God’s hand at work in our lives, even in the smallest details. It’s in the little things—like a child’s smile or a kind word from a friend—where we often see God’s goodness shining through.

Make a habit of reflecting on what you’re grateful to God for. This simple practice can dramatically shift your focus from darkness to the light of God’s goodness. As you make gratitude a habit, you’ll find that it not only strengthens your faith but also deepens your relationship with God, reminding you that even in tough times, there’s always something to be thankful for.

Maintaining faith in a dark world is not always easy, but with the right practices, we can stay strong and steadfast. With spiritual practices that nourish us like rooting ourselves in Scripture, engaging in prayer, and practicing gratitude, we can enjoy God’s peace and remain anchored in His promises. He is with us every step of the way. Even in the darkest of times, He is faithful to lead us toward the light, where we will fine the joy of knowing He will always love us and wrap us in His tender care.■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Maintaining Faith in a Dark World”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.