The Discipline Dance

One thing I am noticing about the pandemic is that it has not only caused us to slow down physically, but it has allowed us to take up new hobbies or learn a new skill.

Recently, my husband John and I started taking dance lessons. In complete transparency, when we first began, it was not good, and God bless those who look eloquent and graceful on their first try. However, over time and with practice, we began to improve. And shortly after that, our instructor even noticed!

What I have learned throughout our class is that each dance is simply the same six steps.

Along the way, the music may change, causing your steps to speed up. And in contrast, there may be a different maneuver, allowing the speed of your steps to slow.

You can travel, you can do a pass, you can do a complete turn, you can do a half-turn, but when it comes down to the bare bones, it is always the same six steps.

Tempo Change of the World

With so much going on politically, socially, and personally, it feels like I can hardly catch my breath before something else comes along.

Do you feel it?

For me, it feels like a very specific and unique pull on my spirit where I find difficulties praying, studying His word, and ushering in an overall capacity to seek the Lord. It is a battle!

Earlier this year, the Lord told me, “Trina, don’t be moved by what you see; go by what you know.”

Go by who I AM.

Go by what My word says.

And since that holy moment, I realized that if we are going to get through any and everything, we must be diligent about practicing spiritual disciplines.

Six Steps of Discipline

While disciplines are not laws, they are tangible things we have been shown through the life of Christ that ushers us into His presence.

With so many unknowns – such as wildfires, real persecution of our brothers and sisters, and evolving COVID variants, we must be consistent in connecting with God. Otherwise, we may find ourselves discouraged, lost, and disengaged with the work of heaven.

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, AMP:

“But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.”

So as we consider the spiritual training we have been called to, let’s look at six spiritual practices I believe can help you stay connected.

1. Prayer
   Prayer is simply communicating with God. While He knows our every thought, as we participate in prayer, we leave space to communicate how He created us to. Through prayer, we can petition for those we love, ask God to meet our needs, and express our honest thoughts in a way that builds trust and a relationship with Him.

2. Bible Study
   God is so good that He has given us His holy word. Through studying the Bible, we can learn and reinforce what we have already learned about who God is. His word is full of the testimony of His faithfulness and love for us. Not only that, as we study the scriptures, the Father’s heart for us is also revealed in over 7,000 promises to us.

3. Worship
   Through worship, we can focus on God rather than our difficulties. As we engage in praise and worship, our hearts become aligned with the truth of who God is and remind us that nothing is bigger than the Sovereign One on the throne!

4. Fasting
   Fasting is simply surrendering something that has taken precedence over your life. While fasting is commonly associated with food, it can also be connected with giving up social media, TV, or coffee. Giving up a self-made earthly provision and exchanging it for prayer, studying God’s word or meditation allows us to replace it with something greater. Pay attention to what He speaks to you!

5. Meditation
   Meditation is a great way to plant the word of God within your heart. It is the careful, intentional consideration of who God is, who you are in Him, and the faithfulness He has shown since before the beginning of creation.

6. Sabbath
   When God created the world, He also created rest. Rest is needed to recharge our bodies and minds, and it connects us with the heart of the Father. For it is through rest in Him that our identities are also made known and secure!

These disciplines are like the six steps I learned in dance class. And while some seasons are meant for specific disciplines, they are still there to keep us connected.

If you find that you can’t find the words to pray, then meditate on the scriptures.

If you find that your thoughts are all over the place, then ask Holy Spirit to reveal how you can connect by fasting.

Give yourself grace. Remember that by using these six steps, you can connect with a good God. And as the world or your life changes tempo, just adjust your disciplines.

Which discipline will you implement in the season you’re in?