“Keep the Faith”

 I’ve been really thinking about this expression a lot the past week in my quiet moments. 

Which, with 3 girls, a science fair project due, a house to manage and a gingerbread man to disguise as Rudolph, those quiet moments have been very few and far between. 

But, after thinking over it a good bit, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m really just not a fan of this expression at all.

I couldn’t really put a finger on why, though, and that’s probably why the topic was taking up residency in my thoughts for several days. 

I understand that when this expression is used, it really is well-meaning. It’s said with intentions of encouraging someone who is going through a hard time to stay strong, persevere, continue to seek Christ through prayer and meditate on His word.

While all of those things are good and very necessary, especially when walking through a trial, I personally think the expression itself tends to miss the mark of its intent. 

I think it puts too much credibility in the person going through the hard thing and doesn’t give enough credit to the One who all credit is due.

Let’s be honest, I can’t even keep up with my keys or the TV remote. It’s certainly not by my own strength that I “keep the faith”.

Every morning when I wake up, I feel Christ draw me to Himself. 

In my most angry and hurt seasons of confusion, when I turn to scripture and prayer, it’s because of His Spirit inside of me  that pulls me toward those lifelines when sinking feels like the only thing I have the strength to do.

When I want to rely on my emotions to guide my actions and my words, it’s the power of the Holy Spirit inside of me that reins me in.

It certainly isn’t by my own strength.

I’m thankful for a Heavenly Father that draws me in, meets me right where I am and then gives me exactly what I need. He is the lifter of my head.

So, the next time someone tells me to “keep the faith”, I will simply encourage them with this truth: 

Dear friend, it is my faith that has kept me.