Lately, I’ve felt an undeniable pull to strengthen my faith—to go deeper than I have before and truly understand the why behind it all. I want to grow into a better version of myself, and I believe this journey is key to that transformation. Beyond that, life’s brevity has been on my mind. I can’t shake the conviction that our time on earth isn’t all there is—that there is something greater waiting for us beyond this fleeting existence.
I became a Christian during a Young Life retreat in high school, a moment that profoundly shaped me. But if I’m honest, my relationship with God since then has been a rollercoaster—mostly off-track. Over the past several months, though, I’ve felt a growing desire to rebuild that connection. Strangely enough, it started with a TV series, The Chosen. It was deeply impactful and sparked a desire to explore my faith more intentionally.
I’ve begun taking small but meaningful steps to reconnect: Exploring the Bible through an app, reading books on faith, having candid conversations with others, and learning how to pray.
What I’m realizing is this: God has always been there. Patiently waiting for me to seek Him out. I’m currently reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, and it’s been eye-opening. One takeaway that resonates deeply is that prayer doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s simply a conversation with God. And making Him a priority in my daily life isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. All He wants is for us to know Him and strive to reflect His love.
I’ve been trying to carve out time each day for these conversations, though I’m not always successful. When I do it consistently, I notice a shift: my mental health improves, and the weight of negativity, cynicism, and stress seems to lighten. It’s a journey, one I’m still figuring out, but it makes a difference.
More and more, I’m realizing that faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about finding peace in the uncertainty and trusting in something bigger than myself. It’s a process of learning, growing, and prioritizing what truly matters.
But how do I make it a priority? On hard days, it actually feels natural—when I’m struggling, my first thoughts are to God, seeking guidance and comfort through prayer. On the good days, though, I slip. I’m grateful for those moments of ease and joy, but I want to be more intentional about expressing that gratitude, articulating my thanks for the blessings God has brought into my life.
The author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World emphasizes setting aside daily time for prayer, journaling, or Bible study. For me, it’s about figuring out when that time fits best into my day—and committing to it.
I’m not someone who sets New Year’s resolutions or rigid goals; they’ve never worked for me. I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment. But prayer feels different. It’s not a goal—it’s a lifeline, something I need for my personal health and my heart.
What about you? How do you make your faith a priority? What practices or routines have worked for you? I’d love to hear your suggestions as I continue navigating this journey.