“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Because of the present economic uncertainties, a lot of people are unsure about their future and feel insecure about themselves. These are tough times to be living in, but not as harsh as the past. A key element in surviving turbulent times lies in how much investment we make to our faith.
Most people see faith only as connection to spiritual belief or religion, but the truth is faith is what we all live by moment to moment. We all have an unconscious belief that the sun will rise everyday and we will wake the next morning. Most of us never think too much about this. I call this “little faith.” Little faith produces small things. People of great faith change our world where as no faith leads to stagnation, despair and fear. Fear is the negative use of faith. Faith is an affirmative mental approach to reality.
So how do we strengthen our faith in hard times? I believe we need to simply look at our approach to reality. Many times in history when humanity goes off course, the Divine steps in to break our illusions and bring us back to what has real value. It is said, “too much of a good thing can be bad for you.”
What changes with success, but the level of our measuring stick. When times are good people forget what to be thank full for and who to thank for it. Start your day with gratitude and you will find, faith, hope, trust, naturally follow behind.
- Below are some ways to keep faith in hard times:
- Focus: Acknowledge the reality of your situation. Accept where you are in life right now. Don’t waste your time harping on your problems. Everyday bring your thoughts to where you would like to be. Stay focused on your goals by mentally affirming how you would like your life to be.
- Action: Faith needs work. Take physical action towards your goals every day. God helps those who help themselves. Don’t expect others to rescue you. Take steps towards your goals. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.
- Ignite passion: Especially when things are slow find something that hooks your attention, stir up your creative juices every day. Listen to positive music, read books that inspire you to keep moving forward.
- Trust: A strong companion to faith requires you to believe it’s possible. Bring forward in your mind times you have succeeded when you were afraid. Trust that whatever is going on, the greater power is doing what is best. Obstacles help us to rise to greater heights as humans and spiritual beings.
- Hope: Keep hope alive by constantly creating and keeping a purpose driven life. Life is built on purpose. Without purpose there is no desire for faith. When life seems impossible remind yourself of the people who love and loved you into existence.
Excerpt from “Secrets To Life Book” by Chris Emmanuel
Book available at Chris Emmanuel Art Gallery (Sunbreeze Hotel) and Pages Book Store
– by Chris Emmanuel, Columnist
