The Joy of Spiritual Discipline

Photo image courtesy Nancy C, Williams

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)

Discipline. Such a daunting word.

For me, it conjures up images of limiting my ice cream intake. Of working out at the gym and walking 10,000 steps daily. Of adhering to a healthy diet. In striving for excellence in my marriage, work, and money management. For keeping my home and workplace neat. In caring for loved ones. And, answering all emails promptly. Ha.

For spiritual discipline, I have similar aspirations to seek God’s presence and do His kingdom work. To read my Bible in a year, teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, head up a writing ministry, work in a food pantry. To stay away from unwholesome things. To keep a dedicated prayer life and journal.

Realistically, though, there just aren’t enough waking hours. I haven’t even started my day, and the demands on me are already overwhelming. I need a doughnut. And some chocolate ice cream.

My main problem? I fail to remember the true joy of spiritual discipline.

Every morning that I carve out time for Bible reading, I start my day refreshed. Every prayer text sent adds peace to my soul. Every choir practice means sweet singing and fellowship. Every refusal to be self-indulgent or angry makes me happier. But, I often forget about the results when I face these tasks.

Friend, there are huge joys when we dedicate our lives to Jesus. The word discipline comes from the Latin word discipulus, which means “disciple, learner, or follower.” When we act like disciples, we engage in disciplines that teach us about the joy of following Christ.

I’ve found it’s mostly a matter of priorities. When I remember that the blessing of prayer is greater than the amusement-park-fun of social media, it’s easy to spend a few minutes talking with God. When I balance my church work with professional work and home life, it increases my happiness in all of them. When I make healthy choices for food, exercise, and sleep to thank God for the body He’s provided, I can rejoice in every decision.

Joy is the strongest incentive for any form of discipline. Joy helps us avoid the easy way out and challenges us to reach for the prizes God offers instead. Nehemiah in Scripture encouraged his people to grasp the enjoyment they had earned through hard work—reminding them that the Lord’s joy had given them the necessary strength to rebuild the stone walls around Jerusalem.

We’re not going to get everything right. But each moment we give to our Lord is an opportunity to seize His happiness, grace, and fulfillment.

I hope you find the joy of Christ this week in His presence. He’ll walk with you every step of the journey and bestow His great gifts upon you. Then, when you and I eventually gather His wedding feast in heaven, I’m hopeful we’ll share some chocolate ice cream together!

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are some of the spiritual disciplines that have brought you joy?

2. How can you remind yourself of the rewards that come with pursuing God’s will?

3. Which spiritual disciplines do you wish to cultivate for Jesus in the coming days?