4 Ways to Strengthen Your Spirituality

As we are heading into the final chapter of this year I thought I would write a series of posts on our Spirituality.  I always take this time to do what I call a Spiritual Inventory of my life.  I invite you to do the same thing.  

Spirituality is not a static thing. We tend to think that because we’re doing the same things, practicing personal spirituality daily, our inner lives will reflect back growth and maturity consistently. The truth of the matter is, spirituality doesn’t work this way. We’re constantly changing as we grow and adapt to life situations around us. So it should make sense, what worked before, doesn’t necessarily work for you in the life you’re living now.

In short, your spirituality might sometimes flag or seem obsolete, even though you’re still practicing your faith exactly as you always have. How do you strengthen your spirituality in those moments?

Drop the Façade

When you’re living two lives, one involving a self you show to the public and the other, private version of yourself, you suppress your spirit and hurt your soul. How do you become more authentic? You start by becoming more accepting of yourself. When you feel comfortable with who you are, it becomes easier to share that person with others. Even so, it might feel scary or even impractical to open up with those around you. In these situations, it might be helpful to join a small group or try counseling. Here you can be vulnerable in a place where you know you won’t be judged. 

Learn Who You Are

Ask questions, journal, meditate, explore who you really are. Take time getting to know you. You’ll be surprised at what you learn.  God created you and He wants you to be you.  He thought enough of you to design you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139).  Ask God to reveal to you your inner being and align it with His desires for you.

Forgive

The problem with resentment is it hurts you, and not the person you’re angry at. All those negative thoughts and feelings will stunt your spiritual growth and leave you feeling hurt and wounded inside. Remember Forgiveness is the key to spiritual growth (Matthew 6:14, 15). Be careful when you say, “I just can’t forgive them for that.  The only way to open yourself up to a positive change is to let go of those emotions through consciously choosing to forgive those who have hurt you.

Create a Roadmap

Decide how you want to live your life spiritually. What does spiritual practice look like for you? How will you connect spiritually with others within your community? How do you want to practice alone? By making a conscious decision what your spiritual life should be, you’ll find it easier to stay on the spiritual path.

By continually checking in with yourself and asking the hard questions to determine just where you are spiritually, you will learn to adapt and change your responses to those changes to maintain a stronger spiritual self. Practicing these techniques is what makes this happen. You need never despair when things feel distant and ‘off.’ You’ll find the path again. When you do, your spirituality will be stronger than ever.

How do you strengthen your Spiritual Growth?