In this series, we’re focusing on the LIVE WELL 6. These are 6 areas of self care that I believe will help you live your life well and stay focused on what matters most. Today, let’s talk about the first in our LIVE WELL line up – Live Well Faithfully.
In this post, I’m going to share some tips about how you can cultivate your relationship with Jesus.
(this post contains affiliate links. see disclosure here)
1. Create a space for quiet time
Whether it’s the kitchen table, the desk in your office, by the sofa, or a spot in your closet, create a space with all of your study and devo supplies. Make your quiet time with God a special time where you’re comfortable and surrounded by the things you love.
2. Choose a book in the Bible to read/study
At the beginning of the year, I started reading the Bible chronologically. I haven’t kept up with it as well as I planned but I am still reading more of the Bible than I have in past years. What I discovered over the past few years is that my knowledge of the Bible has been pretty spotty when it comes to knowing where things are or the order of events or who wrote what. I determined that really need be better about reading long passages and whole books( that’s why I decided to start The Bible Study Project & CLUB 119). Choosing a book to spend time in for awhile is a really great discipline & practice to work on and it’s good for your biblical literacy. So if there’s a book in the Bible you’ve always wanted to read, go for it!
3. Make a list of spiritual growth books
I’m reader and I’m a lister so of course, I believe in doing this! There are sooooooo many great books out there to help strengthen your spiritual muscles and grow and nurture your faith. You can check out some of my recs in this list.
4. Memorize scripture
This is so important for our spiritual self care. We need to be tucking away scripture into our hearts and minds so that we can have them at the ready when we need them most. So get out your index cards and pens and make memory verse cards to keep around your house, car, and workspace and start hiding those verses in your heart.
5. Spend time in stillness and prayer.
We live in such a fast paced world and I don’t know about you but I feel like I’ve lost touch with the ability to just be still and do nothing. But not only do our brains need a break, but our spirits need a break to just connect with our Heavenly Father. So schedule some time daily when you can disconnect with all the busyness and technology and spend it in quietness and prayer. You’ll be so thankful you did!
6. Bring a notebook or journal to church with you
Even if the sermon is interesting, sometimes I have a hard time staying awake in church. One way I combat nodding off in church is remaining an active listener by taking notes during the service. I write down scripture that’s read, song lyrics, prayer requests and sermon notes. This not only keeps me focused, but also gives me important information to review during the week, especially during my quiet time. If you’re not already in the habit of bringing a journal or notebook to church with you, you should!
7. Start a prayer journal, Bible study journal, or scripture journal (or all three!)
Having a space to track your spiritual growth is so important. I don’t say that just because I’m a nerd and I love journals and notebooks and pens (even though I absolutely am!) but because having a record of how your relationship with God grows over time is such a great testament to who God is and His hand in your life. If you’re not sure where to start, I highly recommend the Growth Gook from Growth Roots Co.. It’s a great all-in-one option if you want to journal your Bible study, prayers, lists, goals, and scripture writing all in one place.
Some other options for Bible study include –
- Well Watered Woman Give Me Jesus Journal
- The Story of Redemption Journals – Black Leatherette
- The Story of Redemption Journals – Linen
Scripture Writing journals
My favorite prayer journal
8. Unfollow accounts that feed your temptations or cause your to feel jealous or discontented
We have so much access to so much information and it’s so important to create boundaries around what we consume on a daily basis. What you engage with on social media can directly effect your spiritual growth. Here are some suggestions to help you create healthy boundaries –
- Unfollow any accounts that feed your temptations, anything you struggle to give up or anything you tend to abuse. Remember that just because your friends, family, or co workers follow certain accounts doesn’t mean you should. This applies to your Christian friends too. Certain things might not be issues or triggers for someone else but they may be a stumbling block, and therefore, not healthy for you.
- Unfollow accounts that make you feel jealous or discontented. Jealousy and discontentment are heart issues that you need to take to God in prayer and maybe discuss with a trusted mentor. However, following people who stir those feelings in you isn’t healthy. You may need to unfollow accounts for a time or permanently. It doesn’t mean those people or accounts are bad, they just aren’t right for you and that’s okay.
9. Don’t get on social media until you’ve prayed first
I know, it’s super easy to roll over in the morning, reach for your phones and immediately check your favorite social media app. Get in the habit of resisting that urge and develop the habit of praying first. And I don’t just mean a quick, “Thank you, Lord, for waking me up in the morning,” prayer. I mean something of some significance. If you don’t have time to pray right when you wake up, then stay off social. If social media isn’t your go-to then maybe it’s news. Instead, of these things, play your favorite worship music or listen to Bible. Un-train yourself to turn to social media the first thing in the morning and instead, pick something that is going to help you focus on Jesus first thing in the morning.
How do you practice spiritual self care in your life? I would love to know how you live well faithfully!
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