Faith is an action verb

If you look up the word "faith" in any dictionary, the definition centers around belief, but it's always defined as a noun. After hearing Rita Springer's song  I Have to Believe, I think we're missing something in those definitions. She emphasizes that faith is an action we must take. Over and over again, she declares, "I have to. . . ." She portrays faith as a series of compelling actions--believe, worship, declare, deny, stand, grab, sing. 

When I thought of my faith as a noun, as a belief in God and His word, I didn't have much of it. It wasn't until I began to actively believe God could, and would, move mountains that I noticed I had more faith in Him to accomplish His work in my life. This song reminds me that I need to actively practice faith. 

I have to believe

That He sees my darkness

I have to believe

He knows my pain

I have to lift up

My hands to worship

Worship His name

I have to declare

That He is my refuge

I have to deny

That I am alone

I have to lift up

My eyes to the mountain

It's where my help comes from

Oh yeah

He said that He's forever faithful

He said that He's forever true

He said that He can move mountains

If He can move mountains

He can move my mountain

He can move your mountain, too

Oh, I have to stand tall

When the wind blows me over

I have to stand strong

When I'm weak and afraid

I have to grab hold

Ahold of the garments

The garments of praise

I know, I know, I know

Cause He said that He's forever faithful

And He said that He's forever true

He said that He can move mountains

If He can move mountains

He can move my mountain

He can move your mountain, too

I have to sing praise

When the hour is midnight

He unlocks these chains

That bind up my soul

My sin and my shame

He has forgiven and made me whole

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Cause He said that He's forever faithful

And He said that He's forever true

He said that He can move mountains

He said that He can move mountains

He said that He can move mountains

If He can move mountains

He can move my mountain

He can move your mountain, too

I have to believe

I have to believe

He's got everything under control

I have to believe

Lord, I believe

Help my unbelief

I have to believe in You

I have to believe