But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
(James 1:4)

           Have you ever found it difficult to maintain a daily quiet time with the Lord?  Do you ever experience your mind wandering during your prayer time?  Perhaps you start out on January 1st and determine resolutely to be disciplined to maintain your spiritual walk with the Lord, only to miss a day, then two, and your journey becomes a frustration to you because it isn’t perfect any longer.
         The daily walk with Jesus Christ requires discipline and practice.  Athletes, artists, dancers, hobbyists, and musicians practice their skills and abilities over and over until they become a part of them – like breathing.  I remember being assigned a 26-page piece of classical music. When I began it seemed an impossible task; however, if I broke it into smaller sections, working on it one segment at a time, it was not so overwhelming.  At times I would come into a troublesome three or four measures and if I would practice it over and over, it would become a part of me and I could play it in my sleep.
        Our spiritual life is really no different.  When we apply discipline to it, we find that it can be a very manageable task.  Ultimately we will not find it to be a task; it becomes a part of us, something that we love to do, and an activity we can’t live without.  Start with small, reachable, attainable goals.  This may seem ridiculous, but read one verse and think about it instead of trying to read a whole chapter or book.  Try praying for one minute instead of sixty.  I think you get the point.  Practice this over and over; remember you are on this spiritual journey for the long haul.  Remember also that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him  (Hebrews 11:6).  He will bless your effort and give joy in the journey!

Robert Hayes
Program Director

Writer for “Real Victory for Real Life” 
365 Devotional Thoughts in the Spirit of America’s Keswick
VOLUME 2
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