4 Ways to Grow in Faith as a Young Latter-day Saint
· Southern Virginia University
Between classes, homework, work, family responsibilities, and spending time with friends, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Many young Latter-day Saints want to grow in faith but aren't always sure what that looks like in the middle of a busy day.
The good news is that growing in faith isn't about adding more pressure to your schedule or trying to be perfect. It's about consistently turning your heart toward God through small, intentional choices that strengthen your testimony over time. As your relationship with Him grows, you'll find greater peace and purpose, no matter what season of life you're in.
Whether you're in high school preparing for college or beginning your college journey, this blog offers practical, doctrine-centered ways to deepen your faith. We'll explore what it means to grow spiritually, the role of spiritual disciplines, and everyday habits that can help you draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
What Does Growing In Faith Even Mean?
Growing in faith means much more than simply believing more strongly. Faith is something we actively develop as we come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through trust, obedience, and daily discipleship.
The LDS definition of faith centers on acting upon our belief in Jesus Christ. As we pray, study the scriptures, serve others, and keep our covenants, our faith becomes stronger through experience.
The Book of Mormon beautifully illustrates this principle in Alma's teaching about planting and nourishing a seed. Faith begins small, but it flourishes when we care for it with patience and diligence:
"But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life." (Alma 32:41)
Just as a tree needs water and sunlight to thrive, our spiritual growth depends on consistently nourishing our relationship with God. Small acts of faith repeated over time often have the greatest impact.
What Is a Spiritual Discipline?
A spiritual discipline is a regular, intentional practice that helps you draw closer to God. Spiritual disciplines aren't meant to earn God's love. Instead, they create opportunities for us to hear His voice and become more like Jesus Christ.
Scripture study, prayer, fasting, worship, and service are all examples of spiritual disciplines that encourage lasting faith. While each practice may seem simple on its own, together they help build a strong spiritual foundation that can sustain you through life's challenges.
4 Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship with God
If you've ever asked yourself, "How can you grow in faith?" or "How do I strengthen my relationship with God?", the answer often begins with small, consistent habits like these:
1. Immerse Yourself in Scripture and Doctrines
One of the greatest gifts Heavenly Father has given us is scripture. Rather than reading simply to finish a chapter, approach your study with questions. What does the Lord want to teach you today? How can these truths apply to your current circumstances? Even a few focused minutes each day can become meaningful moments of connecting with God.
If you're looking for encouraging scriptures to strengthen your faith, consider starting with these passages from the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Bible:
- Alma 32:21 — "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things..."
- Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 — "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you..."
- Romans 10:17 — "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
2. Focus On Spiritual Disciplines
Scripture study is only one part of a healthy spiritual life. Other spiritual disciplines help strengthen our relationship with Heavenly Father as we consistently choose to live the gospel.
Some meaningful spiritual practices include:
- Daily personal and family prayer
- Fasting with purpose
- Paying an honest tithing
- Attending church each Sunday
- Worshipping in the temple when possible
- Recording spiritual impressions in a journal
- Looking for opportunities to serve others
These practices aren't about checking boxes. They're about creating space for the Holy Ghost to teach, comfort, and guide you.
3. Connect with God Through Prayer
Prayer is much more than asking Heavenly Father for help during your nighttime routine. It's an ongoing relationship built on trust, gratitude, and listening as much as speaking.
Sometimes we focus so much on what we want to say that we forget to pause and listen for God’s voice. After you pray, take a few quiet moments to reflect. Answers may come through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, words from family members and trusted leaders, or unexpected opportunities throughout your day.
One simple habit that many people find meaningful is keeping a prayer journal. As you record prayers, impressions, and answers, you'll begin to notice how often Heavenly Father is working in your life—even in ways you didn't recognize at first.
4. Pursue Spiritual Activities With Other Latter-Day Saints
Faith does not flourish in isolation. Throughout the scriptures, the Lord gathers His people into communities where they can strengthen and encourage one another.
Participating in spiritual activities with other believers can help you stay grounded as you navigate school, work, and other responsibilities. Whether it's attending your ward each Sunday, participating in seminary or institute, joining Family Home Evening activities, serving your community, or simply spending time with faithful friends, these experiences remind you that you're not alone in your discipleship.
Being surrounded by people who share your desire to follow Jesus Christ also makes it easier to maintain the spiritual disciplines you've been developing. They encourage you when life becomes challenging, celebrate your successes, and remind you to keep your focus on the Savior.
Examples of Faith in Everyday Life
As you develop these spiritual habits, you'll begin to notice that faith isn't reserved for Sundays or special spiritual experiences. Instead, it becomes part of the way you approach everyday life. These examples of faith in everyday life show how even ordinary moments can become opportunities to draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Focusing on God’s Truths
Life is full of unexpected challenges. You may face difficult classes, uncertainty about your future, relationship struggles, or moments when your faith feels tested. During these seasons, returning to God's truth can provide peace and perspective.
As you continue studying the scriptures and practicing the spiritual disciplines you've developed, you'll become more familiar with the promises Heavenly Father has made to His children. Those promises don't eliminate every hardship, but they remind us that we never face life's challenges alone.
Finding Christ in Ordinary Things
Sometimes we expect spiritual growth to come through dramatic experiences, but more often it develops through quiet, everyday moments.
You might recognize an answer to prayer during a conversation with a trusted friend. A morning walk could become an opportunity to reflect on the Savior's influence in your life. A scripture you've read many times may suddenly speak to a challenge you're facing today. Even acts of kindness from family members, roommates, or classmates can remind you of God's love and His presence in your life.
Faith-Filled Relationships
The people you spend time with have a profound influence on your spiritual journey. Friends who share your values and mentors who point you toward Jesus Christ can help you stay focused on what matters most.
This doesn't mean surrounding yourself only with people who believe exactly as you do. Some of the most meaningful friendships are built with people from different backgrounds who share a commitment to kindness, integrity, and serving others. At the same time, having faithful friends who understand your beliefs can provide encouragement when life becomes busy or challenging.
Continue Your Spiritual Growth After You Leave Home
For many young adults, leaving home is one of life's biggest transitions. College brings exciting opportunities, but it also introduces new responsibilities, new friendships, and new routines. It's natural to wonder how you'll continue growing in faith while balancing academics, work, and campus life.
At Southern Virginia University, students are encouraged to continue seeking learning "by study and by faith." The university strives to create an environment where intellectual discovery and spiritual development work together, helping students prepare for meaningful careers while strengthening their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Students who want to continue connecting with God throughout college can take advantage of opportunities that naturally support their spiritual lives, including:
- Daily campus devotionals and forums that encourage gospel-centered learning.
- Religion courses that help students deepen their understanding of the restored gospel alongside their academic studies.
- A vibrant Young Single Adult Stake that provides opportunities for worship, service, and meaningful friendships.
- A close-knit campus community where faith, leadership, and service are woven into everyday life.
College is about preparing for much more than a career. It's an opportunity to become the person Heavenly Father created you to be. As you continue seeking truth, serving others, and drawing closer to Jesus Christ, your faith can become a lasting foundation that influences every aspect of your life.
If you're looking for a university where you can continue to grow academically, personally, and spiritually, Southern Virginia University invites you to learn more about its Christ-centered community and resources for returned missionaries.
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