Skip to main content

Spiritual Discipline

Have you ever found yourself aimlessly perusing the internet or social media? Just the other day I was scrolling through Twitter looking at articles about Ukraine. As I read, I felt my heart beat increase. I could physically feel anxiety from what I was reading. 

It just so happened that I was doing this when I was supposed to be reading my devotional. In the morning I like to read a short devotional to get the day started. This particular day, however, I chose to see what was taking place in Ukraine. 

As I was hit with my anxious feelings, I drew back to one of my earlier writings titled “Wrong App.” However, this time I was moved differently. It made me reflect on the term spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines can be thought of as the practices we participate in that help us grow in our relationship with God. They include Bible reading, meditation and prayer, serving, worshiping together, and many others. 

Some use the term spiritual practices but I prefer spiritual disciplines. It reminds me that I have to be disciplined and intentional in my actions to do my part to build this friendship with my Jesus. Proverbs 29:17 says, "Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire."

Discipline provides guidelines. As a friend stated, it is like guard rails on a road. If we lose focus and swerve off the road, it helps to push us back to the road. When we are disciplined in our focus driving we don't need the guardrails. We stay on the road because we are focused. Our relationship with Jesus is just the same. The spiritual disciplines push us back on track.

In the case of my experience reading Twitter about Ukraine when I was supposed to be with Jesus, I have to wonder if it was less of a lack of discipline and more of a product of spiritual discipline. Let me tell you what I mean by that. We have a short attention span in the US. News hits the airwaves at a pace like we've never seen before. It seems we have a propensity to shift from one emergency to the next without much delay.  

The prominent subject of my prayers in the last couple of weeks has been peace and specifically peace in the Ukraine. Through these prayers, God had revealed to me His peace transcends a battlefield or war. While I pray for a stop of battle and the saving of lives, I am reminded my prayers are too small. His peace transcends the dire times of our lives. His peace is greater than the circumstances which may seem so bleak and may seem like there is no hope. 

Just maybe, what I thought was a stray from my spiritual discipline was God reminding me of what true peace is. Maybe it was a reminder that the salvation He seeks through His Son is more than a human life. Maybe it was a reminder to remain in prayer, but pray bigger. Maybe it was a reminder that spiritual disciplines aren’t a routine or item on a “to do” list but have purpose for His kingdom. 

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Anchor House: Week 6 Buried Treasure

When I started at Anchor House I committed to write at least one blog per week. Writing is something I enjoy and a way I get to interact with God. I can recall wanting to write about Anchor House in the days before I started, but my knowledge was limited..  To be honest I felt like I knew three things before I joined Anchor House. First,  Anchor House was a mission at Port Manatee (the Seaport, not the jail) Second, I knew it was a mission that my church, Westside Christian Church, supported with our Show Love funds.  Third, I knew God was calling me to serve Him there. However, what happened at Anchor House day to day was something of a mystery to me.   After being here for a few weeks I have learned quite a bit. I know where to look to find out when ships are coming in or departing.  I have learned that I am just tall enough to hit my head where most seafarers don’t. I have learned that flexibility is the key to serving at a seaport. One of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bold Like Stephen

I've always admired people who aren't afraid to be bold in their convictions.  It is the kind of boldness that allows them to stand out in the crowd. There is just something different about how these people view and engage the world around them.  The movie “Hacksaw Ridge” portrays a man that exemplifies what I mean by bold.  He was drafted to serve in World War II but refused to bear arms because of religious reasons. Yet, he still managed to receive the Congressional Medal of honor. Without a weapon in his hand, he saved 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite his objection to violence, he still served his country. Despite his objection to war he found a way to love his neighbor. He was bold.  When I think of bold in the Bible, I think of Stephen. Acts 6:8 says, "Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people." Stephen faced opposition to his teachings. Those that opposed his teachings couldn't ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome Children

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to Him, and placed the child among them. And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." - Matthew 18:1‭-‬5 NIV This past Sunday was simply life-giving at Westside Christian Church. The energy and excitement were palatable. My daughter couldn't wait to get to church. She was excited to worship with her friends and have fun together afterwards.   With the VBS takeover, the church was packed! Sure there were a few seats open, but there was a line of people standing in the back. It is safe to say it was "standing room only". Fitting with the story of Zacchaeus that Pastor Russ shared.   Jes...
Post a Comment
Read more