Discipline
A couple days ago I found myself perusing my bookshelf, trying to decide what to read next. My eyes came across a book I had gotten at a book giveaway at church a few years ago. The book is called Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes. Truthfully I think I always viewed it as a self-help book that I didn’t need because I was under the impression that my life was in order. But this time was different. This time, I knew I needed to hear what the book had to say.
Recently
Right now, my life may seem disciplined on the surface. I plan a daily schedule of tasks that will keep my days productive. On this schedule are things such as job applications, working out, reading textbooks, making dinner for my family, and home projects. However, my spiritual life is currently far from disciplined. If I’m being completely honest, my prayer life is close to nonexistent and I’ve scarcely opened my Bible in weeks. And it began to show. I was growing increasingly uptight about job applications; I became short tempered with loved ones; and I felt like my life lacked purpose no matter how many “meaningful” things I tried to jam pack into my schedule.
A Phone Conversation With a Friend
Yesterday I had a phone conversation with a dear friend from the Midwest. Since we are both in a transition period between graduation and a job, she asked me what I was doing with my free time. So I told her all about my daily schedule of things to keep me productive. When I asked her what she was doing with her time off, her answer humbled me greatly. She said that she was filling the majority of her days with reading Scripture and in prayer and earnestly seeking the Lord’s heart. This friend of mine has been a believer for less than a year! Praise Jesus that she is so disciplined in pursuing God and that the discipline she puts forth is a direct byproduct of her love for the Lord.
However, her answer got me thinking about how little discipline I actually possess. My friend truly understands that God needs to come as her first priority. She told me that she was actually removing things from her life that were not necessarily bad things, but that weren’t overtly God-centered so that she could better discern His voice and His heart. How amazing and inspiring is that?! The way she is choosing to spend her time is a call to action for me to reorient the focus and priorities of my day to day life.
Currently
The book talks about how lasting spiritual discipline comes from a deep love for the Lord. I used to think that it was a bit ridiculous to ask God that He would give me a desire to pursue Him. I thought that after all He had done for me and continues to do, that I shouldn’t have to ask that. However, I have learned that it is perfectly okay to ask God to help me desire Him. He is always faithful in answering. My prayer is that I will become more disciplined in my walk with the Lord. Even if it feels like a chore staring out, I hope that eventually it will turn into the highlight of my day as I fall deeper in love with the heart of God.
The book I’m reading includes a quote from renowned theologian John Wesley that has been my prayer these last couple days:
“Oh God, fill my soul with so entire a love of Thee that I may love nothing but for Thy sake and in subordination to Thy will. Give me the grace to study Thy knowledge daily that the more I know Thee, the more I may love Thee.”
Blessings on your home and table, ~Natalie
Check out last week’s Food, Faith, and Friday post about curiosity!
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