Summer is here for many people and almost here for the rest of us students. For those of us that are on a private campus or even a public campus where we are surrounded by an atmosphere of godliness and spirituality, it can be hard leaving that. I know for me, leaving my home where spirituality was so encouraged was difficult. Here are some ways to get the struggling Christian started on keeping close with God when it isn't surrounding us everyday and may not be easy.
1. Friends
This is an area that has been extremely important to me. Friends are probably the one thing that has kept me connected to God at times. If you find yourself struggling, hopefully you have that group of friends that you can call up or go out for coffee with and talk with about your struggle.
2. Set a theological book reading goal.
Books are another great way to keep connected to God. Additionally, always expanding your view and exposure to various works can help define your own personal walk and keep you grounded in what you know and believe. Even if it is a goal of one book all summer and you just read a chapter every now and then, this can help bridge the gap that you may feel over the summer.
3. Join a small group.
My family has participated in a group we call Family Tree where we along with several other families get together once a week, eat food, and talk and worship together. This has been an awesome experience even if i do more listening than talking to be surrounded by an uplifting environment that encourages each other and is very open about spirituality. Finding a small group of people to meet with and talk about life and spiritual things together can be really important in staying grounded.
4. Get involved in a church.
From music worship teams, to leading out with kids groups, to helping organize youth group events getting involved in a church or other religious organization can help you keep your own faith active. Through helping others and staying busy with religious events you can strengthen your own passion for God and surround yourself with that encouraging atmosphere.
5. Help others.
This goes along the same lines of the previous idea, but this is more action outside of your already known circle of people. Going out into the community can help you meet many other people in their various stages of spirituality. This can help you in both empathizing with others and their similar struggle as well as seeing your own struggle in a bit of context with others. Additionally, helping others is a great way to stay happy and passionate for God. There will continue to be many people in need around us all the time, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a project to help out or start your own to address a need that you see.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10
