Daily Christian Journey

Just a few years ago, I found myself scrolling through Facebook and pausing on a post from an old church friend. She wrote, “I feel so distant from God lately. Virtual church just isn’t the same, and I’m struggling.” The comments were flooded with people echoing her feelings. I resonated deeply.

During the pandemic, I realized my own discipleship had been running on fumes. Without the weekly in-person fellowship and routine, my faith felt shallow and shaky. That difficult season was a wake-up call – not only for me, but for many in the Christian community.

Fast forward to today, and a conversation is buzzing in churches and online groups about discipleship and spiritual depth in the post-COVID world. It’s a hot topic on social media and a trending subject in Christian living 2025. Why? Because the pandemic exposed cracks in the foundation of our faith lives. We saw that merely going through the motions on Sunday wasn’t enough to sustain us through a global crisis. Now believers young and old – from Gen Z faith communities to longtime church members – are hungry for a more robust faith that can weather life’s storms.

Shallow Faith Exposed by the Pandemic

When COVID-19 hit, churches closed their doors and moved services online. Overnight, our comfy routines were upended. Many of us realized that our spiritual lives were heavily tied to being in a building once a week. Without the physical community and structured gatherings, some felt their faith foundation start to crumble.

Bible reading plans fell by the wayside, replaced by Netflix binges. Times that used to be for prayer were instead spent doomscrolling through news feeds. It was easier than we’d like to admit for our Christian life to go on autopilot when no one was physically around to keep us accountable.

This season revealed an uncomfortable truth: shallow discipleship had become all too common. Sure, we enjoyed inspiring sermons and worship music. But when cut off from the church environment, many realized we hadn’t learned to feed ourselves spiritually.

Think of the parable of the house built on sand – the storm hit, and suddenly some spiritual houses were on shaky ground. Even church leaders noticed that a lot of folks who seemed active pre-pandemic struggled spiritually in isolation. The pandemic acted like a stress test for faith, and in many cases, we barely passed.

On the flip side, that hard experience birthed a new resolve. Leaders began emphasizing deeper spiritual formation once they saw the shallowness exposed. Pastors started talking less about programs and more about personal discipleship – encouraging daily Bible reading, prayer, and mentoring relationships. In countless Zoom calls and eventual in-person gatherings, the message was clear: it’s time to grow deep roots, not just wide attendance. The realization that we need a faith able to stand strong in tough times has sparked a post-COVID movement towards authentic, resilient discipleship.

A Hunger for Deeper Spiritual Formation

Now in 2025, there’s a palpable hunger among Christians for greater spiritual depth. Theological literacy has been declining for years – many believers (especially younger ones) simply weren’t taught the basics of the Bible or core doctrines beyond Sunday school stories. After the upheaval of 2020-2021, people are openly admitting, “I need to understand my faith better. I want to know what I believe and why.” There’s a growing recognition that feel-good faith isn’t enough; we need a biblical worldview to navigate an increasingly chaotic world.

I’ve seen this hunger firsthand in my small group. After we resumed meeting, even the quiet members started asking big questions: How do I know God’s will? Why does God allow suffering? What does the Bible really say about hope? These aren’t just abstract theological questions – they’re coming from a place of genuine desire to connect what the Bible teaches to the realities we’re living.

Christians are craving solid food instead of milk. They want sermons that teach Scripture deeply, not just skim the surface. They are looking for mentors to guide them. They’re also seeking out books and podcasts that stretch their understanding, along with practical tools to grow in faith daily.

One significant trend is that many believers have returned to spiritual disciplines with fresh enthusiasm. We’re dusting off the Bibles that sat on shelves, digging into devotionals, and actually praying more than just before meals. Apps and online plans for Bible reading have surged, but so has old-fashioned journaling and quiet time. This isn’t about legalism; it’s a response to that inner longing for closeness with God and stability in our souls.

Even Gen Z Christians – often labeled as the digital generation – are seeking depth beyond the flashy online sermons. This generation values authenticity. They’ve seen enough chaos and superficiality in the world, and they’re saying, “Give us something real.”

In youth groups and college ministries, they’re drawn to honest, deep conversations about faith and doubt. They want to grapple with Scripture, form a coherent biblical worldview, and live it out.

In fact, research shows that only a small fraction of young adults today have a biblical worldview. That’s alarming to church leaders, but it also highlights a huge opportunity if we come alongside this generation with patient, authentic discipleship. The hunger is there; it’s on us to feed it.

Building a Robust Faith in 2025

So how do we build a robust, unshakeable faith that goes beyond Sunday hype? Whether you’re a new believer or a church veteran, the answer is the same: intentional daily practices and authentic community. Robust faith isn’t formed by accident; it develops through consistent, meaningful time with God and others. Here are a few practical steps to deepen your spiritual life:

• Establish a daily devotional rhythm: Make time every day to connect with God, even if it’s just 15 minutes to start. This could be in the morning with a cup of coffee and your Bible, or during a lunch break, or before bed. Read a passage of Scripture and reflect on it. You could use a devotional guide or read through a book of the Bible slowly. The key is consistency – showing up regularly to hear from God. Over time, these daily encounters accumulate and strengthen your faith, much like daily exercise builds muscle.
• Prioritize prayer (and make it honest): Post-COVID, many of us learned to pray with raw honesty. When everything was uncertain, we cried out to God from the heart. Keep that habit alive. Talk to God daily – not with fancy words, but genuinely. Include a mix of gratitude, confession, and asking for help for yourself and others. Some people find it helpful to keep a prayer journal, noting down prayers and how God answers over time. And remember, prayer is a two-way conversation: spend a few moments in silence, listening for His still, small voice or letting Scripture speak to you.
• Immerse yourself in Scripture: Don’t just read the Bible devotionally, study it. Pick a book of the Bible and really dive in. Use a study Bible or commentary if you can. Learn the context, observe what it says about God, and apply it to your life. Additionally, try memorizing verses that speak to you (we’ll look at some great verses for tough times in the next section). Scripture memory may sound old-school, but having God’s Word stored in your heart is invaluable—especially when you face trials and need truth to cling to. When anxiety or temptation hits, a verse can come to mind like a ray of light guiding you.
• Engage in authentic community: We weren’t meant to do this journey alone. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s how much we need each other. So get connected with fellow believers who also desire growth. Join a small group or Bible study where you can share openly and learn together. If your church has home groups, try one out. And if meeting in person is difficult, consider an online small group or even a regular FaceTime/Zoom prayer meeting with friends. Authentic community is where we can encourage each other, challenge each other, and lovingly keep each other on track. As Proverbs says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
• Serve and mentor others: It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to grow spiritually is to pour into someone else. When you actively disciple or help another person in their faith – perhaps a younger believer or a friend who needs encouragement – it pushes you to go deeper yourself. You don’t have to have all the answers; you just have to be one step ahead and willing to walk with them. Serving in church or the community, whether it’s leading a small group, teaching kids, or simply bringing a meal to someone in need, also stretches your faith. It shifts focus from inward to outward, which is where faith really comes alive.
• Balance tech and faith: In this digital age, our phones and devices can either be distractions or tools for growth. Use technology to support your spiritual life (like listening to Bible podcasts on your commute, or using a prayer app that reminds you to pray throughout the day). But also know when to unplug. Don’t let endless scrolling on Instagram or TikTok crowd out your quiet moments with God. A healthy balance means maybe setting aside certain times of day as “no-phone zones” so you can pray or reflect without interruption. Ask yourself regularly, “Is my tech use pulling me closer to God or farther away?” – and adjust accordingly.

By implementing these practices, you’re essentially tilling the soil of your heart so that faith can take root deeply. It’s like training for a marathon: you build spiritual endurance bit by bit. Then, when tough times come (and they will), you won’t be easily uprooted. Instead of panic, your reflex will be to pray. Instead of despair, your reflex will be to recall God’s promises. Speaking of God’s promises, one powerful habit for building robust faith is Scripture memorization. Let’s look at some key verses that can fortify you in times of trouble.

10 Scriptures to Memorize for Tough Times

When life gets hard – whether it’s another pandemic, personal loss, or just the daily stresses of modern life – having God’s Word hidden in your heart is like having an anchor in a storm. Here are 10 powerful Bible verses (with summaries) that will strengthen you when you face trials. Consider memorizing these or writing them down where you can see them daily:

1. Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (God’s presence is with you, so take courage even in uncertain times.)
2. Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Even in the darkest valley, God’s guidance and comfort never leave you.)
3. Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (God personally strengthens you and holds you up. You’re never battling hardships alone.)
4. John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jesus openly warns us that we’ll face difficulties, but He’s bigger than any trouble. His victory gives us hope and peace.)
5. Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Even when bad things happen, God can turn them around for a greater good and purpose in your life.)
6. Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Instead of stewing in worry, pray about everything. God promises a supernatural peace to calm your heart and mind.)
7. James 1:2-3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (Trials aren’t pointless — they can actually strengthen our character and faith. It’s not that we enjoy trials, but we can find joy in the growth that comes from them.)
8. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” (When you feel weak and at the end of your rope, remember God’s grace is enough. Our weakness is an opportunity for His power to shine.)
9. 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (God doesn’t want you weighed down by worries. He’s a loving Father inviting you to hand over your anxieties to Him.)
10. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (In uncertain times, take comfort that God has a plan and a hopeful future for you, even if you can’t see it yet.)

Pick one or two of these verses at a time and commit them to memory, and meditate on them. For example, when anxiety hits, recall Philippians 4:6-7 and let it remind you to pray and trust. When you feel alone, remember Joshua 1:9 or Isaiah 41:10 and be assured of God’s presence. Over time, you’ll find these scriptures coming to mind exactly when you need them – the Holy Spirit loves to remind us of God’s Word we’ve stored up.

How to Disciple Others in 2025

Growing deeper in your own faith is crucial, but it doesn’t end with you. Jesus calls us not only to be disciples, but to make disciples. In a post-COVID era, discipling others might look a bit different, yet it’s more important than ever. Think about people in your life – maybe a friend from church, a newer believer, or even your own children or younger relatives – who could use support and guidance in their walk with Christ. How can you and I step up to mentor and encourage them? Here are some practical ways to disciple others in 2025:

• Start with genuine relationships: Discipleship isn’t a program, it’s a relationship. Reach out to that person you want to pour into. Have coffee together, or set up a weekly video chat if they live far. Get to know them, listen to their story, and share yours. People open up and grow when they feel seen and loved, not like they’re checking a religious box.
• Be an example worth following: None of us are perfect, but we can strive to live in a way that others can imitate. If you’re guiding someone in faith, your lifestyle will speak louder than your words. Let them see you living out what you preach – whether it’s how you treat people, how you handle stress, or how you prioritize God in daily life. Share your own struggles and how you work through them with God’s help; this kind of authenticity is encouraging and instructive.
• Use tech and tools to stay connected: In 2025, discipling someone might mean sending a quick encouraging text with a Bible verse, or doing a YouVersion Bible reading plan “with friends” online. Leverage technology to keep the connection strong through the week. Maybe create a WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger group where you and a few friends share prayer requests or what you’re learning. Technology is not the enemy – it can be a great asset for discipleship if used intentionally. Just make sure to complement online connection with face-to-face time when possible, since nothing replaces real-life interaction.
• Encourage questions and seek answers together: We mentioned earlier that many people (especially younger Christians like Gen Z) have big, challenging questions about faith. If you’re discipling someone, don’t shut down their doubts or questions. Welcome them! Say, “That’s a great question, let’s explore it together.” If you don’t know the answer, that’s okay – you can research together, ask a pastor, or find a good book on the topic. This approach shows humility and teaches them how to find wisdom rather than just spoon-feeding answers. Over time, this builds their confidence in handling Scripture and understanding God’s truth.
• Focus on the foundations: Because so many Christians today lack biblical literacy, make sure to cover the basics with whoever you’re discipling. Go through foundational Scriptures, the Gospel message, key doctrines like grace, forgiveness, identity in Christ, and what a biblical worldview looks like in everyday life. It might feel too basic, but you’d be surprised how even lifelong churchgoers benefit from revisiting core truths. In fact, discipling others in these basics will reinforce them in your own heart too.
• Empower them to disciple others: The end goal of discipleship is replication – a disciple who can make disciples. As you invest in someone, begin to challenge them to invest in another person when they’re ready. If you lead a small group, perhaps give a member a chance to facilitate a session. If you’re mentoring one-on-one, encourage them to mentor someone else in an area they’re passionate about (it could be as simple as an older teen helping a younger one). This not only multiplies the impact, but it solidifies what they’ve learned. We truly grasp things best when we teach them to others.

Discipling others in 2025 also means being sensitive to the times we’re in. The pandemic taught us life is unpredictable; your mentee might go through sudden job loss, health scares, or just emotional burnout from world events. Be ready to adapt – maybe your Bible study plan pauses to address a crisis through prayer and encouragement. That flexibility and care will show them what Christ’s love looks like in action.

Above all, keep Christ at the center of any discipling relationship. Our goal isn’t to clone ourselves or just pass on head knowledge, but to help others follow Jesus more closely. Pray for the person you’re discipling regularly, and pray with them too. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations and show you what they need. It’s God who changes hearts; we’re just partnering with Him.

Discipleship can be messy and slow at times, but remember Jesus’ example – He invested in 12 very ordinary people, up close and personal, and that small group changed the world. Who knows how God might use your investment in someone’s life for His kingdom in the years to come?

A More Reflective, Devotional Life Post-COVID

In a world eager to rush “back to normal,” we have an opportunity to forge a new normal – one where our faith is deeper, our churches are more relational, and our lives preach as loud as our words. The post-COVID Christian life might actually look a bit simpler: less about big events and more about daily devotion; less entertainment, more engagement with God; less shallow, more spiritually deep.

I find myself more reflective these days. I often journal about where I saw God at work each week or what He’s teaching me in Scripture. This kind of devotional reflection keeps my heart soft. You might try it too. Set aside a few minutes to reflect on your day. Where did you sense God’s presence? When did you feel far from Him? What can you learn from that? Such practices help us not just go through life, but grow through life.

It’s also important to acknowledge that building spiritual depth is an ongoing journey. We will still have ups and downs. I still have weeks where I feel spiritually “dry” or distracted. The difference now is I know I’m not alone – I have God’s Word in my heart, a community of believers to reach out to, and the experience of God sustaining me through previous valleys. God’s faithfulness in the past gives me hope for the future.

As we all continue adjusting to life after the pandemic, let’s not lose the lessons we learned in the hard times. Let’s resist falling back into comfortable, shallow religion. Instead, let’s pursue the kind of discipleship that transforms us from the inside out – the kind that can face a crisis with unshakeable peace, and walk through a storm with steadfast hope.

My challenge to you (and to myself) is this: take one step this week to deepen your spiritual walk. Maybe it’s memorizing one of those verses listed above. Maybe it’s messaging a friend to start that devotional you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s volunteering to help at church or inviting a younger believer to coffee. Pray about it, and do it.

Remember that post someone shared on Facebook – feeling distant from God? Many people feel that way, but we don’t have to stay there. We can draw near to God, and He promises to draw near to us. The time is now to seek Him like never before. A deeper, more vibrant faith is possible, even in these uncertain times. As we pursue it, we’ll not only find stability and joy for ourselves, but we’ll become a light that guides others in a world that desperately needs hope and truth.

Let’s build those strong roots, one day at a time. And who knows – the spiritual depth we cultivate now might just spark the revival and renewal the church has been praying for.