Hey God, it’s me again. I know I have been pushing you away for a while. I have been trying too hard to do it all on my own. I've been struggling through on human strength and I’m barely getting by. Your promises tell me that you are always with me and you will never forsake me, but I have to tell you I have a hard time trusting in that.

I don’t have much trust for anyone or anything because it has been proven to me over and over that promises are meant to be broken. I have been promised things far too many times to count and I have been let down even more. I know your promises are different. I know the humans I have chosen to put my trust in before are sinful, imperfect beings because it’s in our nature. It’s not their fault.

Life is hard without trust. It can be nearly impossible because you can’t be more than acquaintances with someone if you don’t trust them and that is what leads me to where I am today, in the lonely state I’m in. I have tried to make it a point in my life to put my relationship with you over others, but these days I can’t even put my trust in you and to be honest, I don’t know why. It could be the broken past. It may be the missteps I have taken. It may be that I don’t feel that I’m worthy.

I know your promises are different because you’ve shown me your perfect grace before, but to me, it’s still a struggle. I know your truths and I try my best to make it a priority to seek you instead of worldly things, but I’m an imperfect being as well. I have fallen short countless times and have contributed a lot to the state I’m in.

Reflecting upon my past, I can see the work you’ve done in me and through me and I know the importance of rebuilding a relationship with you and allowing you to light my path like you have done so many times before, but I know as a person that often fails, I need to make a plan.

This is for you those of you who are struggling in your faith. Follow these steps with me.

Step One: Pray. It kind of seems self-explanatory that the first step to a relationship with God is to talk to him, but if you have ever struggled with your faith, you will understand why I listed this as the first step because sometimes we just don’t know what to say or how to start. Treat it as if you were talking to a good friend and let it flow from there.

Step Two: Reflect upon his promises and open up your Bible. Struggling with finding a place to start? I personally have found the most comfort in Romans, specifically Romans 8. I also like 2 Corinthians, but there are numerous encouraging and relatable Psalms. While you read through your Bible, wherever you decide to start, be mindful of the words and find comfort in them.

Romans 8:18 (NIV)

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

We all hurt at times, but sometimes when we are really down it seems as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel. This verse is a comfort in those times. Yes, right now you could be suffering and feel like you are at your lowest point, but there is more for you and it is glorious because God is with us.

Step Three: As you read through the Bible keep a prayer journal, note things from areas you can improve in, and pray about them. As you get more comfortable in prayer you will find it easier and easier to talk to God about everything.

Step Four: Find someone who can hold you accountable for taking these steps toward deepening your faith. Find someone who is willing to be there for you and be an encouragement for you in the tough times because following God isn’t as always as it may seem.

Step Five: This is the step that I have found the hardest in the past. Open up to God. Give him your heart and trust him with all your mind, soul, and strength and lay your worries down. Give them to God and ask for his light and guidance to see you through.

I hope and pray that you can find strength in his promises.

Verb (Trust): Belief in the truth, ability or strength of.