Of course, getting enough rest, a proper diet, regular exercise and keeping a balanced life between work and family are always important. But, I believe the Bible gives Christians, from a spiritual point, three more basic disciplines. First, there is prayer. Consider the words of Peter, “ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6–‐7). Instead of worrying over our problems, turn those problems over to God. Let Him be in your corner to not only comfort you, but to relieve your anxiety and stress. Paul mentions to us to, “ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–‐7). This is such a wonderful and comforting promise in that, as we pray, our minds are protected by a peace that goes beyond our ability to understand. In our life, we ought to be praying often.
Second, meditating on the Word of God can call to your remembrance all the promises that God has given man throughout the years. In addition, Paul said, “. . . brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). The way to protect ourselves from the world is to focus on God’s Word, the Bible. For, His word is magnified above His name (Psalm 138:2). It is His special revelation (Psalm 19) and we are told how to obey it (Acts 15:7–‐11) because it instructs, corrects, rebukes, and teaches us (2 Timothy 3:16–‐17). Therefore, if we want to be sanctified or set apart from the world and dedicated to the Lord, we will reflect deeply and at great length, the Bible. We ought to be reflecting on the comforting words of Jesus, such as in Matthew 11:28–‐30, “ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus offers a comfort that only He can offer. That of knowing our sins are forgiven and how comforting it is to know that the eternal glory of Heaven awaits the faithful child of God at the end of the world. However, without reading the Bible, we would not know any of this. So, read your Bible.
(To Be Continued – Part 3)