Embracing Spiritual Disciplines: A Pathway to Christian Growth

As I reflect on my own spiritual journey, I’ve come to realize that spiritual disciplines are not just ancient practices consigned to the distant past; they are vital tools for navigating the complexities of modern Christian living. Especially in moments of adversity, doubt, or even success, spiritual disciplines anchor us, reminding us of God’s presence and helping us align our lives with His calling. In this fast-paced world, taking time to focus on these practices can foster deeper growth, resilience, and intimacy with God.

In one of my previous health trials – a period of illness where everything seemed paused – I found the practice of spiritual disciplines especially transformative. You might be familiar with this sense of stillness, where life’s frantic pace suddenly halts, offering you an unexpected opportunity for reflection. It was during this time that I developed a new appreciation for the importance of stewardship of the soul, a concept I find deeply tied to spiritual disciplines.

Reconnecting with God Through Spiritual Disciplines

In the Christian tradition, spiritual disciplines are the practices and habits that help us reconnect with God. They include prayer, meditation on Scripture, fasting, rest, and acts of service, among others. These disciplines have provided believers with tools for personal growth, deeper faith, and, most significantly, a continual walk with Christ amidst life’s challenges.

For instance, in my entrepreneurial journey, when financial difficulties hit hard (as I wrote in Trusting God with Financial Hardship), it was the regular practice of prayer and scripture reading that helped me make sense of the business challenges I faced. These spiritual habits provided me not only with the strength to endure but the wisdom needed to navigate the storm.

What the Bible Says About Spiritual Disciplines

The Bible is rich with examples of spiritual disciplines that were an integral part of the lives of Biblical figures. For example:

• Prayer: Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), teaching us the necessity of uninterrupted communion with God.
• Fasting: Many figures, including Jesus, practiced fasting as a way to draw closer to God and seek divine guidance (Matthew 4:1-2).
• Meditation on Scripture: Psalm 1:2 encourages meditation on God’s word “day and night,” emphasizing the importance of absorbing the truths of the Bible.
• Simplicity and Rest (Sabbath): Observing rest is not only a commandment but a relational sign, pointing us to reliance on God’s provision (Exodus 20:8-11).

These examples serve as a framework, highlighting that while spiritual disciplines may vary in practice, their ultimate purpose is the same: to deepen our relationship with God.

Practical Applications of Spiritual Disciplines

It’s all well and good to know about these spiritual disciplines, but how exactly do we incorporate them into our fast-moving, distraction-filled lives? For years, I’ve wrestled with finding a consistent approach to these disciplines, often failing before finding a system that worked for me. Here are some practical ways you can start implementing these habits:

Daily Prayer and Scripture Reading

Perhaps the best place to begin deepening our walk with God is by setting aside daily time for prayer and scripture reading. In the morning, I strive to spend 15 minutes reading a passage, reflecting on its meaning, and offering a short prayer either of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, or supplication. Although 15 minutes may seem small, it lays the groundwork, allowing you to start your day focused on what truly matters.

Fasting with Purpose

Fasting is another discipline that, at first, can seem daunting, but it has the power to reorient our minds and hearts towards spiritual rather than fleshly pursuits. In my case, I find that fasting from distractions—like social media or food for one day a week—not only tunes my focus towards God but also allows me to dwell in intentional relationship-building moments, whether with God or with those around me.

Meditation on Scripture

Meditating on Scripture means more than skimming through a verse. It means allowing God’s Word to soak into every fiber of your being. To help with this, I sometimes take one verse, write it down, and revisit it throughout the day. The Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, for example, serve as an excellent source for this type of reflection.

Rest and Simplicity

In our society, busyness is often mistaken for productivity. One powerful way to practice spiritual discipline is by choosing a period of intentional rest, observing a form of Sabbath, whether on Sunday or another day. Designate time to not work, but instead to fellowship with loved ones, worship, and recharge spiritually. This practice, which I was first introduced to during a period of professional burnout, reaffirmed in me the importance of balance and the worship of God through rest.

Common Challenges and Overcoming Them

Of course, maintaining these disciplines is far from easy, and many Christians, myself included, face several challenges along the way. What do we do, for example, on days when God seems distant, when life’s demands overwhelm us, or when distractions pull us in every direction?

• Overwhelm with Time Constraints: One of the most common challenges is feeling that we don’t have time for spiritual disciplines. If this is the case for you, start small. Even committing to just 5 minutes of prayer or meditation can lead to impactful change. The key is consistency, not grand gestures.
• Periods of Spiritual Dryness: There are seasons in life when God may feel far off. During my own periods of spiritual “drought,” I found solace in reading Psalms, like Psalm 42: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Letting scripture guide us through these dry spells sooner or later will yield fresh connections with the Divine.
• Falling into Legalism: One risk with spiritual discipline is turning it into a mechanical habit, where we feel we must “check off” religious to-do lists. Remember, the goal is not legalism but deepened relationship. Focusing on why we engage in these practices – to build intimacy with God – helps guard against this danger.

Small Steps for Incorporating Spiritual Disciplines

As with any sustained change, it’s important to take small steps. Much like building muscle in the gym, spiritual disciplines require commitment over time. Here are some practical, incremental steps you can take starting today:

Little by little, as these small actions become routine, you’ll see bigger changes and growth in your relationship with Christ.

Embracing Transformation Through Discipline

Spiritual disciplines are much more than ancient practices reserved for monastics or clergy—they are vital, life-giving tools for all believers. As you embark on this journey, know that every moment spent in prayer, every verse meditated upon, and every distraction set aside opens the door to deeper relationship and transformation in Christ. The road may not be easy, but the fruits of these disciplines are immeasurable.

As I shared in Healing from Loss and Grief, my own spiritual disciplines have guided me through seasons of both joy and sorrow. They have provided me the strength to face life’s trials and the humility to recognize God’s grace at every turn. I encourage you to embark on this journey of intentional growth wholeheartedly, confident in the transformative power of walking closely with God.

What steps will you take today to incorporate spiritual disciplines into your life? I’d love to hear your experiences or challenges – comment below and share your journey.

Focus Keyphrase: Spiritual Disciplines