Storm Warning: Calm Before the Storm — Thursday
Matthew 7:24-27
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (NIV)
Back in the fall, I impulsively signed up to run a half marathon in April 2024. Was I a runner? No. Had I ever run a mile before? I strongly doubt it. But for some reason, I was enamored with the idea of running. I had heard of the elusive “runner’s high” and was determined to push through and start training.
When I ran my first mile, I thought I was going to perish (shout out to coach Toria Howard for not letting me stop). But as the months went on and I kept running, I found my muscles and my lungs getting stronger and stronger. With every run, I was able to run faster, go farther, and push harder than the one before. However, my training has been a bit more sporadic in the winter months. Now, every time I go on a run, I find myself struggling to go the same distances at the same pace I was in the fall. The discipline of training for a half marathon isn’t always pleasant, but as I push myself to run daily (consider this public accountability for that), I know that my desire to run a half marathon, combined with the discipline of training, will eventually lead to a place of delight. Even when I don’t have the desire to run, the discipline will keep me going!
In the same way that training for a half marathon requires desire and discipline, our relationship with Jesus requires desire and discipline. We may desire to be close with Jesus, but if we aren’t disciplined about spending time with Him daily (reading Scripture, praying, listening to Him, being challenged and encouraged by community, etc.), it’s harder to know Him more. But on the days when we don’t feel that strong desire (and we all have those days), sticking to these disciplines allows us to still draw near to Him as He draws near to us. Together, both desire and discipline lead us to greater intimacy with Jesus and allow us to truly delight in Him. He is our firm foundation and is worth knowing.
Thursday’s Reflection
What do your daily spiritual disciplines look like? Ask the Lord to give you the desire to know Him and the discipline to meet with Him every day. If you miss some days or struggle with it in general, ask Him to help you extend the same grace to yourself as He extends to you, which will fend off discouragement and help you keep pursuing closeness with Him.