Spiritual disciplines are daily habits that develop us spiritually. They help us grow and strengthen our faith like sharpened tools to serve our spiritual walk with Jesus.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8
In our Christian walk, it can sometimes become easy for life to simply take over, and we forget the spiritual practices that provide stability and structure to our Christian faith.
Psalm 32 is a Psalm of David, providing contemplation that connects our mind and spirit with five powerful spiritual practices: forgiveness, prayer, guidance, trust, and worship. Each of these helps our faith through practical actions we can do daily.
Forgiveness
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (v 1-2)
Forgiveness is for giving. We give to ourselves and others through forgiveness - an intentional and voluntary process that helps us change our attitudes and feelings toward an offence in our personal life. I’ve personally found this to be one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines, as forgiveness allows me to live light by not carrying baggage, and it also keeps me humble to forgive others as well.
Prayer
“Everyone who is godly shall pray to You.” (v 6)
Prayer is the digestive system of the soul. It connects us to God and is a two-way communication for uploads and downloads. We can share our concerns, needs, and problems with God to seek Him for clarity, direction and solutions in our daily time with Him.
Guidance
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (v 8)
By seeking God through His Word, we open ourselves to His instruction and teaching to guide us in the way we should go. Daily Bible reading is an ideal way to connect with the character, heart, and nature of God, maturing our understanding of Him.
Trust
“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.” (v 10)
Trusting God gives us permission to let go and let God. One of the most liberating things to know is that God has a plan, purpose and future for each one of us. When we trust in God, we give up the right to the driving seat in our life and let God take the wheel.
Worship
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (v 11)
Worship is about declaring praise to God and allowing His Holy Spirit to be a catalyst for revelation and transformation in our lives. The aspect of worshipping corporately as a church family is significant because when we worship together there is a spirit of solidarity and unity before God. Living a holy and pleasing life to God is our spiritual act of worship.
When we persevere and pursue forgiveness, prayer, guidance, trust, and worship we get the daily opportunity to focus ourselves on God. I believe that no one has ever grown spiritually without applying themselves to spiritual disciplines. Discipline: The one thing necessary to achieve goals worth having, and you can’t achieve your goals without discipline.
Blessings,
Justin St. Vincent
Justin St. Vincent served as Chairman on the Board of Promise Keepers and has also written devotionals for Promise Keepers Study Guides, God’s Awesome Power and Your Influence. He is an author and is President of NZ Christian Writers. He combines his passions for broadcasting, business, and Christian faith, at his work with Rhema Media where he is responsible for Business Development & Strategic Partnerships.