Discipline

My husband and I recently came back from a short getaway with family. We both made the decision to get in better shape and eat better while counting calories…you know…discipline.

Admittedly I’ve been half hearted about it for about 3 months. I knew it was coming and I was putting in some exercise, but I just didn’t want to deny myself. I didn’t want to give up my favorite foods. Being completely honest… I love to EAT..LOL! I love spaghetti, cheese, mashed potatoes and bread. You name the carb and I’m in.

As for exercise, I’m ok once I get started, but the longer I sit and don’t exercise, the harder it is to get back into the routine. We both have been exercising to this point, but we have lacked real, hard hitting, ‘deny yourself the snack and extra helping’ kind of discipline. ‘What it takes to get the results’ discipline.

It’s so easy and enjoyable to put off discipline until tomorrow, then the next day, then the next.

As I’ve been pushing myself hard this week on this new, very disciplined journey for physical fitness, I can’t help but think about my own spiritual discipline for great spiritual fitness. I don’t know about you, but I tend to ease up a little in my Bible reading and study when things are trending positive for me personally. I still read but lack the real commitment and discipline it takes to achieve the results I crave. I crave closeness with Jesus. I crave emptying myself and filling myself completely with Him. I crave wisdom, understanding, peace, joy…etc… I crave these things like I crave ice water after a hard work out on a hot summer day.

I also know what it takes to get there…discipline. Don’t get me wrong, God will always meet us where we are, but I also think it’s important to “seek Him with all our hearts.”

Dear heavenly Father, as I purpose to achieve physical discipline, help me to achieve spiritual discipline as well. Help me to deny me and seek You first.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29: 13