In a world that is inundated with the clanging noise of daily life, it can be easy to overlook the most important aspect of our being: our spirit. In the midst of the chaos, investing in our spiritual formation and well-being often takes a backseat. However, just as we invest in wisdom and in our physical health, nurturing our spirit is equally important.

The concept of spiritual disciplines is core to Christianity, and has been since the beginning. We must create and maintain practices and habits that cultivate our relationship with God, and help us to become more and more like Christ. Digging through the pages of the Bible, we can find several such practices, and three are worth mentioning specifically.

However, our spiritual formation is of such critical importance that I find it necessary to identify and inspect many more disciplines and practices. For some time, I have been working through many of these disciplines in a series of posts entitled “Establishing Spiritual Disciplines.” Many of these are found in Scripture, and several more come from the rich traditions to be found studying the history of Christianity. All of these can be assets in our desire for spiritual formation.

Prayer

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul prioritizes prayer, and informs us that God wants to hear from us. In fact, cultivating the habit of prayer leads to peace, even in the midst of chaotic life circumstances and the craziness that takes place on a daily basis.

Meditation

Psalm 1:2-3 provides an excellent illustration of the benefits of meditating on God’s Word: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” To engage in the practice of meditating on God’s truths found in Scripture is like a tree that is planted near a steady supply of life-giving water. A tree like that flourishes. When we maintain a steady flow of God’s Word in our minds and thoughts, we too will flourish spiritually.

As a child, my mother found some wall plaque with my name on it. Under it was this passage, reminding me to be like that tree, seeking the continuous inflow of God’s truth into my life. I still have that plaque, and it still reminds me to meditate.

Fasting

This is a discipline that many neglect, and in doing so, they miss out on a rich and meaningful spiritual experience. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches, “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” What Jesus is saying here is that fasting is an opportunity to set aside the immediate pleasures of life, such as food, and deliberately seek a deeper spiritual nourishment that comes from a deeper connection with God. Fasting opens the door to a richer relationship that helps us grow spiritually.

There are more… Many more. Some can be found in the pages of Scripture, while others are simple habits that we can incorporate to help us make the most of these disciplines. One such habit that can help you make the most of all three of these spiritual practices is the habit of journaling. When you build this habit into your life and spiritual routine, you can document your prayers and reflections, helping you see the growth taking place in your life and see the answers to your prayers as God moves. You can list reasons to be thankful for what God is doing. You can jot down reminders of things that God points out to you in his Word. And you can keep track of insights that may come while focusing on God instead of merely physical things, through fasting. Writing these things offers a tangible way to process emotions, track your spiritual growth, and cultivate a sense of mindfulness.

Investing in our spiritual health through spiritual disciplines such as these is a necessity as we seek to navigate life with wisdom and endurance, and with wisdom and faith. Such practices can be transformational as Jesus uses them to conform us more and more into someone who looks like him in every facet of our being.

Question: How do you invest in your spiritual growth? What habits have you found helpful? You can leave a comment by clicking here.