4. Jesus is an indispensable help to me in practicing spiritual disciplines.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.) 

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT PRACTICING SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES, WHAT ROLE DOES JESUS PLAY?

ARE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES SOMETHING YOU PRIMARILY DO FOR JESUS, OR WITH JESUS? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

HOW MIGHT THE SPIRIT HELP YOU DO WHAT YOU CANNOT DO ON YOUR OWN?

Often, we know the right thing to do, but we struggle to make it happen. Change experts tell us that having someone to help, hold us accountable, encourage, and support us in our failures is helpful if not even essential for us to experience transformation in our life patterns. Counselors, coaches, trainers, spiritual directors, mentors, and sponsors can help us succeed in accomplishing what we desire.

In our spiritual life, we have someone to help us who surpasses any human support role. Yes, that Person is Jesus. It may seem Sunday-school-simple but there is so much available to us in the Presence of Jesus that has the power to completely reframe our experience with spiritual disciplines. Jesus made it clear to His followers that He would continue to be available to them, through His Spirit, for any need they might have. Jesus used the word “friend” to describe to His disciples how He wanted them to see Him.

Jesus is not just a “higher power”; He makes Himself available to us as an affirming, supporting, guiding, grace-proving and loving companion. He tells us that His Spirit will help us do what we cannot do on our own. He even takes some of the responsibility for our growth: “He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6, NIV). He describes His Spirit as a counselor, and advocate who represents Jesus to us in our spirit. As the Voice inside our soul, can you imagine Jesus saying:

“Hey…why don’t you try this?”

“Let me show you how your life could be better.”

“Don’t give up, I’m right with you, you can do it!”

“Don’t be afraid, I’m proud of your efforts.”

“Don’t worry about failing, I’m happy that you are trying, I have plenty of time, I’ll stay

with you till you succeed.”

“Wow, I’m so impressed with your desire to grow. That’s more important to Me than

your effort and progress.”

This is not to suggest that we have no role or agency in our disciplines. We do, but we are not alone in our struggles and the loving presence of Jesus changes how we experience spiritual disciplines and helps us accomplish what we desire.