10 Ways to Strengthen Your Spirit
In our last blog post, Heidi talked about resolutions and remembering. Since the pandemic we’ve noticed that our faith community is slowly re-membering or coming back together. There are some new faces and some that have decided to re-member in another part of the larger body of Christ.
Wherever we are, we absolutely need to remember that each one of us is part of the body of Christ. Scripture tells us that when one part of the body suffers the whole of it suffers (1 Corinthians 12:26) Since we are members of one body, how do we strengthen and care for the part that we’re most responsible for?
I divided this list into three main parts; individually, with someone, and with a group. Let’s talk about the group first.
Re-Membering with a Group:
1. Find a community of faith. Hebrews 10:25 says “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” With-ness helps us gather strength. We can lend our strength to others and borrow when we have none.
2. Conferences and retreats give us a boost with great teaching, corporate worship and focused learning. Awesome Kidmin Conference is coming soon. You can get your tickets HERE!
3. Join a Bible study/prayer group and dig into the Word. Many local churches have groups or you can find one online.
Re-Membering with a Buddy:
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash
4. One of our ReFuel sessions this year was on the value of contemplative exercises with Andrea Toews. Finding and building a relationship with a Spiritual Director will give your soul room to breathe. This list may help you get started with finding one near you.
5. Find a friend on a Bible app like YouVersion and do a plan together. Discuss what you’re learning.
6. Get together with a friend or two and pray together, hold one another accountable and encourage one another
Re-Membering on your own:
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
7. Get your creative side interacting with the scripture that you’re reading. My daughter writes poetry to express her thoughts. I have a friend who does beautiful creative journaling with stickers and drawings. Check out The Inspire Shop for inspiration. Whatever medium you choose, let the Spirit and the Word flow through you into the arts. That piece will remind you of the lessons learned and the journey traveled.
8. A personal retreat where you turn off the distractions and allow the silence to linger will restore your soul and allow the hurting places to heal. Click HERE for a link to one place near Winnipeg that offers a space for a personal retreat.
9. Time in prayer, not just the list, but the lingering, listening prayer where you allow the Spirit to speak to you will keep you tethered to the Father’s heart. THIS BOOK may be helpful to you if listening prayer is a new concept to you.
10. Get prepared. Study the word with the idea that you’re going to share what you’re learning with someone. Check out the Greek and Hebrew meanings of words, listen to a podcast on the subject, read a book that explores the topic you’re interested in.
I could add quite a few more to this list but I think I’ll leave that up to you, hoping that the ideas above are a springboard that gives you a boost into strengthening your spirit so that as you re-member, you’ll remember where your strength comes from.
Psalm 121 “I lift my eyes up to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.