One thing the last few months has taught me is that major change can come quickly and with little warning. I have been through a lot of change before this – and I am sure you have too. But this one has made me consider how can I best prepare for unwanted change, spiritually. So, here are four steps to enrich your spiritual resources.
We have lived in several places that are the home to “active weather” seasons.
Focusing on both what our needs would be at the time of the storm and for a short while after we planned and prepared. We had a way to gather, and we had a safe place to shelter. Supplies were placed in water-resistant containers. Everyone knew where they were – they were readily accessible.
We were ready. There was no need to panic when the storms arrived.
Because that strategy worked, I want to develop a strategy to enrich my spiritual resources. So, I will be ready!
Here are some other starting places to deal with change in case you missed them.
Step One: Seeking and Following to Enrich Your Spiritual Resources
I wanted to go deeper. Psalm 119 was a treasure trove of ideas. Here’s what verse 10 says:
“ I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.”
Psalm 119:10 (NIV)
The Amplified translation adds: [inquiring of You and longing for You]
I admit, that sometimes, I don’t read my Bible or worship God with that intensity. At times my mind is distracted. At others, I am sad to say my attitude is lukewarm.
But, when I do approach my worship and study time engaged with my whole heart, expecting and longing to hear from God, I leave the time transformed.
I want to follow His commands.
My mindset is changed, and I do feel closer to God. I want to follow His commands.
So I am going to try to seek Him with renewed intensity – every single time. Knowing that not only am I changed for that day, but I am also enriching my spiritual resources.
Step 2: Hiding God’s Word in My Heart
” I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
While I really find writing Bible Verses on index cards, and in my phone, I think verse 11 goes beyond just jotting down God’s word.
It means treasuring it. And then storing the truths deep inside me. Where I can retrieve them and use them in my life.
No access to phones or cards needed.
Since I am using the truths in my life – applying them – I will be much more likely to remember them.
And my life will be changed (for the better). Perhaps changing others as they notice.
Step 3: Slowing Down and Meditating on God
(Photo: Emma Harper on Unsplash)
” I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.”
Psalm 119:15 (NIV)
No more hurrying through quiet time. When I spend time in God’s word with my eye on the clock, I leave empty.
But meditating on God’s precepts – His law, and considering His ways makes me think of considering, pondering, and valuing the words throughout the day.
Like slowly turning a jewel over and enjoying its color, how the light bounces off it, and how it feels.
Thinking about God’s ways; how He acts, speaks, and thinks, will draw me closer to Him. Without a doubt!
And I will learn more about what pleases Him. Leading to more change in my life.
I sometimes find change a little scary. How about you?
But, this is a change that I anticipate with pleasure.
Step 4: Delighting in His Word to Enrich Your Spiritual Resources
“I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.”
Psalm 119:16 (NIV)
Delight! I think about smiling and enjoying the company of a close friend. Watching a child make a new discovery.
I remember people and events that delight me. So this verse resonates with me.
If I delight in God’s Word, I will not forget or neglect it. I will be much more likely to follow it too.
And, just like spending time enjoying the company of a friend deepens our relationship with them, my relationship with God will grow richer.
But How Much Time Will This Take?
But How Much Time Will This Take?
You may feel strapped for time. I do too.
But, as I look through each step I believe that my time spent with my Bible in the morning will just be more focused and intense. Not more time intensive.
Meditating on God’s Word and hiding it in my heart is something that I will do throughout the day.
Will these 4 steps enrich my spiritual resources? Yes!
My understanding of God’s ways, and precepts will deepen. I will be able to integrate them into my life.
They will be stored – right inside me – for easy access when I need them next. Especially in the next storm of life.
Let me know what you think in the comments below. Are these strategies realistic for you?