What is Faith?

What is faith?

For as much as we talk about it in Christian circles, you would think we would all have a clear definition. The challenge is that the Bible only once gives us something close to a direct definition of faith, and even then, faith is largely described by how it acts.

Hebrews 11:1 says:

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Rather than simply explaining faith in abstract terms, God, through His Word, defines faith through examples. Faith is actively living in response to the belief that God is good, His promises are sure, His way is right, and His forgiveness is real.

Faith is more than a word. It is a way of life.

Tozer speaks of faith in a simple way: placing our gaze upon God. This is not so much a literal act of looking as it is an inward turning toward God and His ways. It is choosing to make God the focus of our lives and allowing everything else to fall into place after that.

Faith is not a one-time action. We speak of being saved and placing our faith in Jesus, but faith is also the continual act of fixing our gaze on God.

The beauty of faith is that it does not require anything extra. No special tools, locations, or expenses are required. The rich and the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the old and the young can all turn their gaze and attention toward God.

Do you have faith?

Do you have assurance in the things of God?

Do you trust His promises and lean into His mercies?

Do you live out this faith by turning your gaze toward your gracious God?

Do you live with God as the focus, or is He on the periphery?

“O Lord, I have heard a good word inviting me to look away to Thee and be satisfied. My heart longs to respond, but sin has clouded my vision till I see Thee but dimly. Be pleased to cleanse me in Thine own precious blood, and make me inwardly pure, so that I may with unveiled eyes gaze upon Thee all the days of my earthly pilgrimage. Then shall I be prepared to behold Thee in full splendor in the day when Thou shalt appear to be glorified in Thy saints and admired in all them that believe. Amen.”