Over the years, I have tried various spiritual disciplines and habits to grow spiritually. And I have realized that besides my core habits of Bible reading, praying, and gathering with the saints, they are five other habits that have significantly contributed to my spiritual growth.
Some I have done for a couple of years, others I started last year, and all I will continue this year. I invite you to join me in practicing the following five excellent practices to grow in your faith.
1. Scripture memorization
Memorizing Scripture is one of the most crucial and beneficial habits all Christians should develop. Hiding God’s Word in our heart makes us meditate on it constantly, fight against sin, grow spiritually, and speak life-giving words to others. As Chuck Swindoll said, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking than memorizing Scripture.” If you have never practiced Scripture memorizing, why not start this year? By memorizing as little as three verses a week, you could have a whole epistle memorized by the end of the year! Check out my intro guide with several tips and resources if you don’t know where to start.
2. Biblical Meditation
Biblical meditation is a lost art today, but it has been a long-standing practice among past seasoned believers. It is not only an essential spiritual discipline but also a duty; the Bible commends and commands us to meditate on God’s Word. Contrary to popular belief, biblical meditation has nothing to do with pagan new age mysticism. It is pondering deeply on God’s Word. Puritan Thomas Watson defined it as “the soul’s retiring of itself, that by serious and solemn thinking upon God, the heart is raised up to heavenly affections.” If you want to grow spiritually, make biblical meditation a habit. Don’t know where to start? Check out God’s Battle Plan for the Mind by David Saxton, Meditation by Thomas Watson, and Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation by Robert J. Morgan.
3. Scripture Writing
Scripture writing is simply writing out entire books of the Bible by hand. Research has shown that students who write their notes by hand remember much more than those who only hear or read. Writing out the words of God has the same effect on us; it helps us slow down, absorb God’s Word more, and remember it long term. Scripture writing also has a biblical precedent. God commanded the kings of Israel to “write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them” – Deuteronomy 17:18-19. Are you interested in starting? Check out the Journibles series from Reformation Heritage Books.
4. Journaling
Journaling is a wonderful discipline that can significantly enrich your life. God wants us always to remember all He does for us. Psalm 103:2 says, “bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” One way we can effectively do that is by keeping a journal. A journal can keep records of God’s good deeds in our lives, acts of providence, and answered prayers. You can also use it to record what God is teaching you, insights from Scripture, life memories, essential thoughts, and ideas. Plus, it is a great keepsake to pass on to future generations. If you want to journal, try this five-year journal by Levenger. It only has five lines a day, making it great for beginners. And after a while, you get to review entries from past years as you write new ones.
5. Reading good books
Reading books is one of the most excellent ways of using time. Books can entertain, encourage, and teach us new things. Most importantly, books are critical in helping us know more about God. Many believers have pondered deeply on the truths of God and shared their thoughts in books. And it is a blessing and privilege to learn from those who have gone before us. Charles Spurgeon says it best, “Give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read.” Don’t know where to start? Check out my book reviews for good recommendations.
The best way to continue to grow is to keep building small, consistent habits. We don’t grow by making massive changes in our lives. We grow by repeatedly practicing small actions that, over time, add up to big changes in our lives.
Darryl Dash
I hope you will consider starting some or all these habits and that they will help you grow in godliness. I have more thoughts to share about these potentially life-changing habits and plan on writing more about each of them soon.
Recommended Reading
- Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney
- 8 Habits for Growth – Darryl Dash
- The Discipline of Grace – Jerry Bridges
I started the 5 new habits this year, just by chance you mention them. I am praying for you and Canada. I too find myself feeling angry at the world and must pray for forgiveness and a new Heart.God Bless You, and thank you for the uplifting words.
Mark Phillips
Texas
Thank you for your prayers and kind words; it is highly appreciated!