The Role of Faith in Everyday Life
Faith is very significant to our daily lives. If we take a moment to reflect on faith from a retrospective standpoint, most of what we experience during life is done through faith. Faith provides a sense of security that allows us to approach and experience life in a less intimidating manner.
We don’t think twice about sitting down in a chair. We don’t stop to consider being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. And we don’t worry about arriving safely at our destination for work each day. We simply do.
Why Faith Matters More Than We Realize
So why is faith so important to life? Faith is important to life because faith determines who we are and how we view ourselves (our existence), and our values, hopes, and dreams. Faith can provide the calm before the storm and serve as an anchor in a storm.
The common understanding of faith is that it is used to “win.” However, faith is not about winning versus losing. Instead, faith is about that internal resolve of knowing you are in the hands of God, regardless of the outcome.
Faith Beyond Outcomes
Faith doesn’t depend on a win; rather, faith gives you peace regardless of the outcome. Faith is built on our personal experiences, both positive and negative.
Faith Formed Through Life Experiences
The late Dr. Robert Schuller, a well-known Pastor and Motivational Speaker, once stated, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” Dr. Schuller’s statement seems to imply that faith is built into the structure of our life experiences, and our life experiences are built into our faith.
As such, faith is similar to building blocks which continue to grow and develop.
Faith and Human Well-Being
In addition to faith being an integral part of our everyday life, faith is also a critical component of our humanity. Looking at faith from a psychological, mental, and emotional health perspective, according to Psychology Today:
“Faith is an expression of hope for something better. More than a wish, it is closer to a belief, but not quite. A belief is rooted in the mind. Faith is rooted in the heart. … Without faith in ourselves, we would be devaluing ourselves, and without faith in others, we would be unable to live as free individuals. This is the water that quenches parched souls.”
A Biblical Perspective on Faith
Looking at faith from a biblical standpoint, the Bible agrees that faith is a vital element of our existence. According to a quote by Ellen G. White, “The great moral powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love.”
This would indicate that faith serves as a gauge of how we navigate life’s uncertainties. As Forrest Gump once stated, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
When Faith Is Tested
How often do we say things like, “Maybe if I had prayed more,” “Maybe if I had believed more,” then this wouldn’t have occurred? We bargain with God for a different outcome. Where is faith when we don’t receive the outcome we wanted?
This isn’t to say we’ve lost our faith, but rather, faith is like grief in that it comes in waves. Consequently, it is inevitable that we will all encounter challenges that will test our faith in some form. It is not that our faith has failed us; it is that life’s unpredictability has failed us.