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Spiritual Disciplines and Your Mental Health
Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us to grow closer to God. These disciplines describe “habits of the heart” that can help us to become more like Jesus.
There are many different spiritual disciplines, but some of the most common include:
- Bible study: Reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible is a foundational spiritual discipline. It helps us to learn about God’s character, His will, and His plan for our lives.
- Prayer: Talking to God is another essential spiritual discipline. It allows us to express our love for God, to seek His guidance, and to receive His comfort.
- Fasting: Giving up food or other things we enjoy can help us focus on God and grow our self-control.
- Solitude: Spending time alone with God can help us to listen to His voice and to connect with Him on a deeper level. A great resource that describes the benefits of silence and solitude is the book: Unhurried Life by Alan Fadling.
- Service: Helping others is a way to show our love for God and our neighbor. It can also help us to grow in humility and compassion.
- Fellowship: Spending time with other believers can help us to encourage each other, learn from each other, and grow in our faith.
Spiritual disciplines can help our mental health in several ways. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Reduced stress: Spiritual disciplines can help us to reduce stress by helping us to be at peace. (John 14:27; Rom 15:13) They can also help us develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.
- Improved mood: Spiritual disciplines may help to improve mood by increasing feelings of joy, gratitude, and hope. They can allow us to manage difficult emotions healthily. (Psalm 16:11)
- Enhanced resilience: Spiritual disciplines may help to enhance resilience by teaching us how to cope with challenges and setbacks. They can allow us to develop a biblical outlook on life. (Isaiah 41:10; Rom 8:28)
- Improved relationships: Spiritual disciplines can help to improve relationships by teaching us how to communicate more effectively and to show compassion and love for others. (John 13: 34-35)
4 Tips for Practicing Spiritual Disciplines
- Start small. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with one or two disciplines and gradually add more.
2. Be consistent. The key to spiritual growth is consistency. Please commit to practicing the disciplines regularly, even when you don’t feel like it.
3. Find a community. Find a local church who are is interested in practicing spiritual disciplines. A community can provide you with support and accountability.
4. Be patient. Spiritual growth takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing the disciplines and trust that God is working in you.
It is important to note that spiritual disciplines are not a substitute for professional mental health care. However, they can be a valuable addition to any treatment plan. If you are struggling with your mental health, it is essential to talk to a therapist or counselor. They can help you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
If you want to learn more about spiritual disciplines and how they can help your mental health, many resources are available. You can talk to your pastor or ministry leader. Our favorite book on the subject is Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney.
