Why Spiritual Disciplines Matter in Tough Times

 

By: Sarah Geringer

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Proverbs 14:22 NIV

Lately I've been going through tough times. Emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It feels like I've had battles to face on a daily basis for months on end.

During the lowest points in these tough times, I felt like giving up. My heart seemed to retreat in self-protection after so much trauma last year. I had no emotional reserves from which to draw, and though my brain stayed engaged, my heart was in a cave.

I talked to my counselor this week about this issue. He said there's nothing wrong with withdrawing my heart for a set period of time to heal and recover. But he encouraged me to keep practicing the spiritual disciplines no matter how my heart feels to keep my brain engaged and my heart on track.

He spoke a warning over me: If I stop practicing the spiritual disciplines, the devil wins. There's nothing the enemy wants more than to defeat me so I don't feel motivated to minister to others. My counselor said we can't let the devil win, so we fight back by staying engaged in the rhythms of faith.

Why spiritual disciplines matter in tough times.
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The focus verse for today's devotion tells us that evil people go astray. This often happens on a slow downward slide, one choice at a time. But those of us who plan for good by following spiritual disciplines will find love and faithfulness from God.

So, I'm continuing to practice the spiritual disciplines each day no no matter how I feel. The tough times aren't over, and my heart isn't fully recovered. But I'm still engaged in the rhythms of faith, and I know this is making a difference.

These are the spiritual disciplines I'm practicing:

- daily devotions

- reading and meditating on God's Word

- praising and thanking God

- praying for others every day

- singing worship songs

- attending weekly in-person worship services 

- volunteering as a Stephen Minister and connecting with other SM's in our small group meetings

- giving through auto payments

- ministering through writing, one of my spiritual gifts

I share this list to inspire you, not to draw attention to me. I pray that if you aren't yet engaging in these spiritual disciplines, or have stopped them due to tough times, you'll pick them back up. May these rhythms of faith help you stay faithful and connected to God through your loving actions even when you are going through tough times.

Read more about the value of spiritual disciplines in THIS POST.

 

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Reflection question

Which spiritual discipline will you start practicing this week to help you stay connected with God, especially if you are going through tough times?

 

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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