Psalm 119: 5-8 – Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
Normally I am not here to tell you what to do, but in this case I think I will. Pick up your Bible. You cannot grow spiritually if you aren’t spending time with Jesus. That’s the simple truth of it. My experience is that I want to grow spiritually and sometimes I find myself sitting around waiting for it to happen. The thing is my growth requires participation.
Here are some things I was personally doing that I bet you have never done but I’ll share them with you anyway:
- I was choosing Netflix over quiet time.
- I was choosing to listen to a video on Facebook over quiet time.
- I let myself spend a ton of time reading negative news headlines instead of spending that time in prayer.
- I pick up a book on my bedstand, while my Bible sits dusty.
Spiritual growth is a choice.
Here are some simple, practical ways you can start to make the choice to grow spiritually.
- Prioritize. Think about the choices you are making. Making a list might be helpful. Track the time you are spending on certain things. What would happen if you put Bible time at the top of the list and put everything else second?
- Try Something New. If you are having a hard time with the Bible translation you are reading, switch it up. Maybe you need an audio version of the Bible for this season of your life. Supplement your reading with some Bible study videos or online sermons. There are so many options available at your fingertips!
- Don’t give up. Starting a new routine isn’t easy. Keep at it. Build consistency. You might be tired some days, show up anyway. You might not ‘feel it’ some days, show up anyway. Just show up.
God isn’t going to demand your growth, but he is waiting for you. God is so patient with us. We may wander but still he waits. He never goes anywhere. What a comfort that is in a world full of instability that God is always stable, always there, always waiting for us to return. The choice is yours.
If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few resources:
- Start in the gospels. Starting in John is a great way to start.
- I’ve personally also done She Reads Truth / He Reads Truth Bible studies. They arrive right on your doorstep if you subscribe.
- Download the First15 Devotional podcast for a great way to start the day.
I want to encourage you to soak in God’s truth daily. It will transform your heart and mind. God is ready to meet you right where you are.
