5 Ways to Strengthen Your Faith as You Age

As we age, there are many opportunities to deepen our faith. However rich our spiritual journey becomes, we may also encounter new challenges along the way. Renewing our minds continually over the years is a key part of strengthening our faith as we enter new seasons in life. No matter the season, we must embrace God’s wisdom for the journey.

Here are five ways to renew your faith over the years.

1. Check-In

Even King David said, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23). It can be easy to become complacent as we age or set in our ways. Believers never stop growing. God is continually sanctifying us. It is important to be open and honest with ourselves and to evaluate our lives. Are we living in line with Scripture? Are there areas where we need to grow? Have we developed bad habits? Ponder or journal these questions and then commit to growing in whatever areas are necessary. Ask God for His help and take tangible steps. Find scriptures or books to help you in a specific area and focus on it for a season. There is always room for renewal.

2. Dig Deeper

Christians are called to “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1). Even if you have been following the Lord and attending church your entire life, there is always more to learn. We should not be satisfied with only a basic understanding of God’s Word. Consider joining an in-depth Bible study, an online Bible college, or simply doing a word study or systematic theology at home. Grow your biblical knowledge and understanding so that you can see God’s Word in a new light. Read books of the Bible that you typically don’t focus on, or choose a doctrinal topic to dive deep into. Your faith will be strengthened as you know God more.

3. Lean In

The journey of faith was not meant to be traveled alone, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Find peers who are in a similar life stage or a mentor who is a little ahead of you and meet regularly for prayer, study, or encouragement. Read the Bible or a book together, or create a group text for weekly motivation to continue seeking wisdom. Living a life of faith alongside others can challenge us in our thinking and living. It can provide admonishment when we need it, and finding others who have experienced the same seasons as us can fuel our focus on God in changing times.

4. Review

While it is sometimes necessary to move on from the past, remembering God’s faithfulness and tracking our growth can help us as we face unique challenges in our lives. Looking back at how far we have come or how God carried us through tough seasons in the past will encourage us in our current stages. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11). Take some time to reflect on the different seasons and how God met you in each one. Use photo albums or diaries and thank God for these past seasons. Start a journal of memories and write about your faith journey. When new seasons arise, go back and read your journey of walking with God to be encouraged as you move forward.

5. Pour Out

Scripture tells us, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel” (Proverbs 1:5). We can use our knowledge and experiences to pass on wise counsel to the next generation. When we teach and encourage others, it builds up our faith and draws us closer to the Lord. Seek out a younger person to come alongside. Invite them over for a meal or out for a walk and talk about your faith together. Ask them questions and allow them to ask questions. Your church may have programs designed for mentoring or connecting with younger people. Seek these out and watch how God will grow you as you pour out for others.

As we age, our seasons of life change, and so does our faith. It grows and matures as we do. We should never think that we have arrived in our faith but continually renew our minds with the things of God. Our faith will be stronger if we keep seeking God earnestly every day of our lives.