Libby is an 84-year old lady who remains agile for her age. A widow who raised four children out of her public school teaching income, she had her share of hardships and heartaches in her lifetime. Whenever asked about her secret to longevity, strength, and positive disposition, she would answer that it would be her “prayer life.”
Time and again, our spiritual discipline not only provides us blessings and nourishment for the soul. Science has proven that spiritual disciplines come with physical benefits that we will reap in our lifetime. In the case of Libby, her daily prayer meditation on the Holy Rosary helps manage her stress, increases her focus, and boosts her memory (read the American Psychological Association article on the empirically supported benefits of mindfulness here https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner).
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Other practical benefits of surrendering our life to Christ and staying spiritually disciplined, is having less anxiety and stress as we are grateful of everything we have and we are afforded the default protection from the natural consequences of sins. We do not get in conflict with the law, we do not abuse our mind and body to earn money to buy things we do not need. We also do not get into trouble with others because we are also not greedy for power and recognition because we know what truly matters.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
Reading books, especially The Bible, and memorizing scripture also helps in improving mental health, and reducing cognitive decline. Living out the Bible’s lessons, meantime allows us to be active and generous of our time, talent and treasure — all of which have positive physical effects on our bodily systems. In reality, having a generous heart will even result in decreased clutter and more peace in our respective homes because we no longer hold on to material things we no longer need.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Of course, being in a community of faith in itself is yet another blessing. Time and again, having an active social life even at old age, helps combat loneliness, and even delays cognitive decline. When we are part of a church, we get to worship the Lord alongside others, study His words with fellow believers, and get to interact with them. We will also have an outlet for our talents and other skills.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16
Living a life of worship and following Jesus may not be easy, but it is the best thing we can do for ourselves and for our families. We get into the right track, we get to live an abundant life, and we live rested instead of frantic lives because we know who is our true source of joy and living.
We may not lead perfect lives, we may not be immune from problems, and we may still encounter mean people but we have the peace that transcends circumstances, and joy that is not tied to a place or a situation. We have security that does not rely on a bank account or hedged on a curriculum vitae, but rather it is firmly planted in the hands of the one true King who loves us and is able to bless and protect us beyond our imagination.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Acts 4:42-44 and Psalm 116:1-7 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you started reaping the practical benefits of growing your spiritual life?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being the Perfect Savior who not only frees our soul, but also allows us to physically and mentally thrive. Give us the race to continue following you till our old age, and help us help others get to know you too. Amen.