For some, work hours have really increased in this time. For others, there is no work at all. Whether you have less time or more time, it is essential to build spiritual habits into your daily life.
John 15:4 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
Jesus calls his disciples to abide in Him. The picture he paints is a branch attached to a vine, receiving its very life and ability to produce fruit from that vine. Similarly, we do not have life or spiritual fruit apart from abiding, dwelling, and resting in Jesus Christ.
The word abide means to remain in and not to depart from. Jesus is calling us to continually be drawing on his strength and not our own. Jesus is calling us to dwell with Him and to spend time with Him.
This blog post in about spiritual habits and our need for them during our current trial. But don’t miss the point here: All spiritual habits are simply meant to help us abide in Christ. That is their purpose.
Now that we’ve covered the why, how about the what? What habits bring us into deeper communion with Jesus?
First off, the study of God’s Word and prayer. These are the primary ways we communicate with God! He speaks to us through His Word. We read it and respond to Him with our prayers. It’s how we have conversations with God.
But there are also other habits that can help us abide in Jesus: Praying with our friends and family together. Taking regular walks in a beautiful area that show us God’s glory in nature. Singing and “jamming out” to worship music that honors God. Setting aside time daily where you don’t check your phone or news so you can have some solitude with Him. Setting aside a time for fasting and prayer.
The two habits I believe are most necessary are the first two. But whatever habits you may choose, it is important to build spiritual habits into your current schedule so that you are intentional about spending time with God.
One thing I’ve realized about most people is that if something isn’t on the calendar, it's not going to happen. I think this certainly can apply to our spiritual habits. Think of ways to build these habits into whatever your daily schedule is right now. These things will bring you greater joy and love for God.
This post is not meant to discourage you if spiritual habits have been lacking in your current schedule. Rather, it is meant to encourage you to have joyful fellowship with the God of all creation who wants you to know Him!
I love David’s reflection in Psalm 8:3-4: “When I look at your heavens, the word of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
The God of all creation is mindful of you and cares for you! That is amazing! He invites you into relationship with Him. Be intentional to spend time, grow, and invest in your relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Pastor Brenton