When I don’t feel like pursuing God, I remember my conviction in my faith and I rely on working my self-discipline.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

If I am honest, I don’t always feel like praying. I don’t always feel like reading my Bible or going to church. There have been a lot of times when I don’t feel like pursuing God. And that’s ok. But what is not ok is to let our feelings dictate our actions, or prevent growth in our relationship with God.

Imagine if an Olympic athlete didn’t go to their training because they didn’t feel like it. Do you think their Olympic dreams would ever be realized? Do you think they would acquire the skills, the strength, and the stamina to win? Of course not! It’s the same thing with your spiritual relationship with Jesus. You won’t always feel motivated to spend time with him or learn from him, but that’s where your discipline comes in place.

How can you be more disciplined with God?

There are practical things you can do to become more disciplined in your faith journey. No single action or activity solidifies it, but instead, a daily pursuit of a relationship with Jesus. Keep in mind, discipline might mean creating time in your day for him by eliminating something else.

Commit yourself to getting up 10-15 minutes earlier every day and spend some time reading your Bible. If you don’t know what to read, find a devotional or Bible reading guide to start a plan. Set alarms in different moments of your day to pause to talk to God and reflect on what he’s doing in your life right now. Plan your time with Jesus in advance. Maybe go to the beach by yourself and do some journaling.

Take a moment right now to be in the presence of Jesus. Put some worship music on and just spend time with him. Ask him to search your heart and reveal to you how you can be more disciplined, in order to draw closer to him.

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Pray in community during 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.