The start of a new year often causes us to lose focus on our faith. When we pay excessive attention to goals and resolutions, faith is shuffled to the back seat.
We shouldn't leave our spiritual life unattended. When we're distracted by matters of the world, we can find ourselves disconnected from God. It becomes a challenge to enjoy time with Him without thinking about our to-do lists.
It's not a bad thing to set goals, but faith is more important. Some ways in which you can focus on faith this year include:
Pray While You Work
If you can't get away from household chores, there's no reason to despair. God is present in the laundry room or office as much as He is at church. Listen for His voice while fixing dinner.
Practice finding a place in your soul where you and God can meet. He will always be there, waiting to speak with you. Housework can be a form of prayer; caring for others with love is one way in which we serve the Lord.
Keep a Prayer Journal
Some people benefit from committing their prayers to paper. Once it's established as a habit, a prayer journal strengthens your faith. If you don't know where to begin, look for journaling prompts on the Internet.
Don't let a prayer journal overwhelm you. Written prayer doesn't have to be too long or wordy. A sentence straight from the heart can have more meaning than several paragraphs. Tell Him what is bothering you, make your petitions, and give thanks.
Accountability Partners
Find some trusted Christian friends who can help you focus on your spiritual life. Communal prayer is a powerful way to maintain a healthy, fruitful faith. Schedule regular prayer sessions; make an effort to encourage one another. If you're struggling with your prayer life, the wisdom of a good friend can shift your focus to God.
Whether you meet these friends over coffee or choose to have a video chat, the result is the same: You will help one another to communicate with God. With trusted friends by your side, you will be taking action to refocus your faith.
