Strong In Spirit

The child [John the Baptist] grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 1:80

For centuries God’s people have practiced spiritual disciplines as ways to be aware of God’s presence and to become “strong in spirit.” For you, spiritual disciplines can be concrete steps toward a stronger spiritual life. Among the many ways to become “strong in spirit” are these disciplines:

• Absorbing God’s Word

• Praying

• Fasting

• Reading Christian books

• Being planted in a life-giving local church

• Listening to biblical teaching

• Worshiping God regularly

• Being in community with other strong believers

Sound doable? The frantic pace of twenty-first-century life leaves little time for spiritual concerns. But you weren’t built to focus on the finite, temporal aspects of life while losing sight of the eternal and spiritual aspects. Your soul longs to get away from the distractions and to silence the distracting voices. So make time and space to grow “strong in spirit.” After all, your spirit is eternal. Why not make it as strong as it can be?

Lord God, I pray for more understanding of spiritual disciplines. Please give me guidance in where and how to practice them.