How do you build your faith when you feel that life has stretched you too thin?
It’s 8 a.m. and you collapse into your office chair. The day has barely begun and already you’re exhausted.
You’ve been up since 5 a.m.—showering, prepping lunches, and navigating the morning rush to get the kids to school. You swung by the grocery store on the way back, and now you face a mountain of work deadlines before the evening cycle: school pick-up, homework, laundry, dinner, after-school activities, and the final blur of bedtime routines.
How you wish you could just crawl back into bed! You long to spend quiet time in prayer and Scripture, but right now, you barely have time to go to the bathroom.
Can you relate? I know I certainly can.
How to Build Faith When Life Is Hectic
I’ve walked through various seasons — from the exhausting but precious years of baby colic and toddler tantrums, to the more recent chapter of moving overseas with my husband, three children, and the family cat. This last transition has required not only navigating life in a foreign country—learning a new language and culture—but also experiencing the loss of a comfortable life while anchoring my own family through their own adaptation.
In all this, I’ve learned that my relationship with God isn’t an “optional extra”—something I only invest in when life is routine. Instead, it is the anchor that keeps me from drifting. He is the One who provides hope when I’m discouraged, strength when I’m weak, and peace when I’m wracked with anxiety.
But the question remains: How do we actually build faith when life is hectic? How do we seek God when the house is in upheaval, deadlines are looming, a loved one is in the hospital, or a virus is sweeping through the family? What do we do when the only silence we find is the 30 seconds we spend hiding in the bathroom?
Here are the 4 strategies that have sustained me:
- Listen to Scripture: Audio Bibles like YouVersion are a great way to feed on God’s Word while doing routine tasks like driving, washing dishes, or feeding the baby. Start with a short Psalm or a Gospel story and if an interruption strikes, don’t give up. Simply hit “rewind” and ask God to speak to you.
- Reclaim Micro-Moments: Even when life seems like a runaway train, there are tiny pockets of time you can reclaim as “Jesus moments.” Whether it’s a quick shower, a walk to the printer, or grabbing a drink from the fridge, use that time to pivot your heart. Instead of rehearsing your “to-do” list, try a simple prayer: “Jesus, thank you for loving me,” or “You are my Provider.” It’s not about deep reflection; it’s about a momentary shift in attention.
- Limit “Attention Sucks”: When stress levels rise, protect your time and attention carefully. This might mean stepping back from things that seem relaxing but actually drain you (like scrolling social media) or pausing high-energy commitments (like volunteering for the parents’ association). Remember your primary calling is to God and the family He has entrusted to you.
- Lean on a Trusted Community: Jesus’ disciples were never meant to walk alone. In hard seasons, share your struggles with fellow disciples who can pray for you, and ideally, those nearby who can offer a helping hand.
Two Final Encouragements
First, God is always faithful. He is always ready to lift you and strengthen you. He doesn’t need anything from you, yet He deeply desires to be with you. In the midst of the chaos, don’t neglect the One who offers living water to the thirsty and true rest to the weary.
Second, God can handle your mess. He isn’t intimidated by your struggles or your waning faith. You don’t need to pretend you have it all together; just come as you are and let yourself be loved. He isn’t waiting for you to check off a box before you approach Him. Remember how the Father welcomed his Prodigal Son? You may feel distant right now, but His arms are already open wide to welcome you home.
