Freedom in Christ is found from a place of delight rather than duty.
Though practices and disciplines are good and necessary to grow in Christ, a to-do list will diminish the intimacy that derives from simply being with Jesus.
Spending time with Jesus is less about forming a routine and more about finding rhythm—a steady, consistent beat for our hearts to follow.
Here are some of my favorite ways to meet authentically and intimately with the Father. These practices not only keep me grounded yet growing, they also keep my heart soft, my mind clear, and my soul tended to.
Journaling Daily
I’ve not always been the best at keeping a journal, though I’m great at picking one out—something super cute that will inspire me to pick up daily and craft words with meaning and substance. Words written to my Heavenly Father. Words of prayer. But somewhere along the way, my habit takes a halt and that beautiful journal lands on a shelf with all the others. As a follower of Christ, I know how important it is to be intentional in my time with God and journaling is a wonderful way to help me focus. I’ve recently rediscovered my joy for journaling and hope if any of this rings true for you, these 3 ways will be an encouragement.
Settle in– Try and find a quiet, comfortable spot that is free from distraction where you can get centered and be intentional with your writing. This may not always be a possibility—keep in mind, it’s not so much about finding a perfect place but being in a mindful state.
Open up– I often hear of people not journaling because they don’t know what to journal. I hear you, and I want to encourage you that journaling is simply opening up to your Heavenly Father. It doesn’t have to be an eloquent essay, but rather a simple prayer, a cry for help, a thankful request, or a few verses to encourage.
Get creative– Bringing some color to those pages can make a big difference. Adding artwork and using colored pens has brought my words to life and rejuvenated my joy in journaling. Don’t be afraid to add encouraging post-it notes, a printed out devo from your fav blog, or pictures. It’s your journal so let it be you!
Meditation
Guided spiritual meditation is a compelling technique to calm the mind and connect with God. Below are a few of my favorite apps/podcasts to listen to. Typically, I’ll listen to one of the three first thing in the morning before I start my day. This practice is one of rest and readiness preparing me for the day. Feeling grounded and guided, I’m better able to stay in sync with the spirit, rather than rushing ahead.
Encounter: A daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations to help you encounter the divine presence of God throughout your day.
SoulSpace: A meditation app anchored to truth, love and peace.
Hope: Mindfulness & Prayer: Peace of mind for every day.
My One Word
Every new year, rather than making a list of resolutions, I choose a word to use as a lens to see how God is shaping me. Mike Ashcraft, the pastor of my church, wrote a book titled, My One Word which has radically transformed my life. Choosing a word to focus on is a powerful tool for growth and change. Listed below are words I’ve selected over the past years. A few are linked to posts found on my Instagram page if you’d like to read more about what I learned and experienced through the word.
Slow, Perseverance, Courage, Pursue, Rest, Complete, Consistent, Cultivate, Patience, and for this year, Remain.
Studying God’s Word
Reading, meditating and studying God’s word has transformed my life in mighty ways. Scripture is alive and active and can help us to determine and understand God’s direction and will for our lives. Here are a few ways that have helped me learn and grow from reading the bible.
Pray before you begin. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth in a way for you to understand both the original context that is was written and in your life today.
Keep a journal close. As I’m reading, I find it super helpful to take notes, jot down questions and thoughts, and write out a prayer. Try to make a habit of keeping a journal with you as you study.
Read around the passage. When studying God’s word, I find that reading the paragraph (or chapter) before or after the particular passage helps to bring clarity and enlightenment to what the author is referring to.
Switch up versions. Whichever version of the bible you prefer to read is completely up to you. I personally enjoy reading the New International Version (NIV), but find it helpful to read from several different versions also. The Message (MSG) may be one of my favorites to read when I want to get a full picture of what is going on in the story.
Start with the gospels. No matter if you are someone seeking God, a new believer, or have been walking with the Lord for years, reading the first four books in the New Testament is a great place to begin with or return to. Mark, Matthew, Luke and John are four books written by the disciples that are a testimony to the life of Jesus and His ministry here on earth. The gospels reveal the person of Jesus and aid in our becoming more and more like Him.
Prayer Walks
Prayer walks are a time to step into creation, breath fresh air, feel warmth from the sun, and talk to God. To make this practice intentional, I start with worship, thanking God for the day He has made. I have my favorite Worship playlist ready to go, and spend the first half of the walk listening to music, allowing the words to flood my soul.
When the music has stopped, I spend time in prayer, finding rhythm for my words with every step taken. I’m constantly looking around, admiring all God has made, praying and praising.
The remainder of the walk is quiet so I can hear all that God has for me. A good reminder for the soul: prayer is time talking to God, but also (if not more so) about listening.
Here are some worship songs from my playlist:
Haven of Rest by KALEE (feat. Carlos Rising)
Whole Heart by Hillsong UNITED
All Hail King Jesus by Bethel Music Worship
Promises by Maverick City Music
Seasons by Hillsong Worship
Everlasting Light by Mosaic MSC
Never Knew by KALEE
Personalize Scripture
He will take care of you ______________________.
God’s word is filled with promises meant for you and me. A wonderful practice to make these promises and truths personal is by placing your name into the scripture (as seen above).
Here are a few passages I’ve personalized that have given me strength, hope, and confidence time and time again.
9 Have I not commanded you [Mandy]? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you [Mandy] go.” Joshua 1:9
14 The Lord will fight for you [Mandy]; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
8 I will instruct you [Mandy] and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you [Mandy]. Psalm 32:8
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you [Mandy]. 1 Peter 5:7
13 But now in Christ Jesus you [Mandy] who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you [Mandy]; he will never leave you nor forsake you [Mandy].” Deuteronomy 31:6
“I have loved you [Mandy] with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3