In a world that grows increasingly complex, noisy, and filled with distractions, many believers find themselves spiritually exhausted, overwhelmed, or even questioning their faith. I don’t know about you, but I have once questioned my faith. Not doubting if God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit are real, tangible, or exist – I have experienced them, so I know. But doubted if I had any faith; until my faith was tested.

The truth is that our faith will continue to be tested because we’re supposed to grow from one level of glory (or faith) to another.

Your faith will be tested

Someone once said that “you have to take tests/exams to be promoted to the next class.” Right? So it is with our faith. And sorry to hear, if you fail, you’ll have to repeat the class/test.

Statistics was a prerequisite for a core class I had to take in grad school. I had to take the class a few times before being allowed to enrol in the core class. Unfortunately, I was always short of the required passing grade. This was notwithstanding that I loved Statistics during my undergraduate studies and passed with an “A!” Again, so it is with our faith.

Exercise your Faith

I once heard the audible voice (some said that it was God’s, while others said that it was the Holy Spirit because He’s our helper) once told me: “Exercise your faith.” I don’t know if I’ve shared that before. But I was so glad that I heard that voice and it gave me the courage and assurance to do just that at a place where it was all dark and full of unbelief.

If I haven’t previously shared, I’ll have to later – to encourage someone.

Going back to the Basics of Faith

The pressures of modern life, theological debates, and the endless pursuit of new revelations can sometimes make faith feel more like a burden than a source of strength. When this happens, the best thing we can do is go back to the basics of faith—returning to the simple yet profound truths that first anchored us in our relationship with God.

1. What Is Faith?

At its core, faith is trust in God. Hebrews 11:1 defines it beautifully:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is believing in God’s character and promises, even when we don’t see immediate results. It is the foundation of our relationship with Him and the key to living a victorious Christian life.

2. Returning to the Word of God

One of the greatest dangers in our spiritual walk is neglecting God’s Word. The Bible is not just a religious text; it is our daily bread (Matthew 4:4), our guide in a confusing world (Psalm 119:105), and the weapon against doubt and fear (Ephesians 6:17).

Going back to the basics means:

• Reading the Word with fresh eyes and an open heart.
• Meditating on scripture, allowing it to shape our thinking.
• Trusting God’s promises instead of relying on human reasoning.

3. The Power of Simple, Sincere Prayer

Over time, prayer can become ritualistic, rushed, or even neglected. But prayer is simply communication with God. Returning to the basics means praying with sincerity, not just formality.

• Jesus taught us to pray simply (Matthew 6:9-13).
• God hears even the shortest, most honest prayers (Luke 18:13-14).
• The key is consistency—praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Rather than overcomplicating prayer with formulas, we should focus on talking to God as a loving Father.

4. Living by Faith, Not Feelings

Many people struggle because they depend on emotions to validate their faith. But faith is not a feeling; it’s a decision. There will be days when we don’t feel God’s presence or when doubts creep in, but that doesn’t change who He is.

• Abraham believed even when there was no physical evidence (Romans 4:20-21).
• The righteous live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
• Faith requires action—trusting and obeying God despite uncertainty.

5. The Importance of Fellowship

Going back to the basics also means reconnecting with fellow believers. Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation. When we distance ourselves from the body of Christ, we become vulnerable to spiritual attacks, doubt, and discouragement.

• Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).
• We should not forsake gathering together (Hebrews 10:25).
• Encouragement from others strengthens our faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

6. Returning to a Heart of Worship

Worship is more than singing songs — it is a lifestyle of surrender and reverence for God. True worship shifts our focus from ourselves to Him.

• Worship reminds us of God’s greatness (Psalm 95:6).
• It brings peace and joy in difficult times (Acts 16:25).
• God seeks true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

Going back to the basics of faith means worshiping God not just in church, but in our daily lives — through obedience, gratitude, and devotion.

7. Trusting God Like a Child

Jesus said, “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Childlike faith means:

• Trusting God without overanalyzing everything.
• Believing that He is good, even when life is hard.
• Resting in His love rather than striving to earn His favor.

The essence of faith is simple: God is who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve felt spiritually distant, weighed down, or overwhelmed, the answer is not in complex theology or new revelations — it’s in returning to the fundamentals of faith. Read the Word. Pray sincerely. Trust God without overcomplicating it. Stay connected to other believers. Worship with a pure heart.

The beauty of faith is in its simplicity. When we return to the basics, we rediscover the joy, peace, and strength that come from walking closely with God.

Are you ready to go back to the basics of faith?