Learning to Develop Your Inner Life
Jim Ladd
Recently I have discussed the power, necessity, and discipline of developing an inner life. It is, in fact, my conviction that God made us to live from the inner life outward, rather than an outward life that feeds an inner fulfillment.
Happiness, fulfillment, and existential meaning are an inside job.
As I have continued to learn and live from this inner life space, I am learning so many things about how we work, and how to anchor ourselves in Jesus. To be rooted and established in love - God’s love - as a lifestyle and foundation of life.
And it is wonderful!
I am part of a discipleship group that is using a resource called, “The Workbook on Lessons from the Saints” by Maxie Dunnam. Day 3 of Week 2 in the workbook is about the disciplines necessary to be “alert and self-controlled” as described in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11.
Stick with me, ‘cuz this is gold.
During COVID and the cultural chaos of the past 2 years, I have had, as I’ve shared before, increased episodes of anxiety. I have learned some practices and thinking patterns that have helped immensely. Now I have found, in this workbook, a distilled list of ideas that helps clarify some ideas best. This list is from Francois Fenelon in his book, “The Seeking Heart”.
Here is the list of 8 suggestions:
When outward distractions and a wayward imagination hinder you, bring yourself back to God by an act of the will. (This practice was vital for me, which I’ve discussed in other places)
On a regular basis, stir up your deepest desires to be fully devoted to God.
When you want anything too much, stop yourself - turn away from your desires.
Seek to discover what God expects of you in every situation, and concentrate on that.
Get rid of everything that hinders you from easily turning to God.
After you complete an action, let go of it; don’t fret about what you have or haven’t done.
Think only of the tasks at hand. Don’t exhaust your mind by trying to figure out God’s will before the right time comes.
Make a habit of bringing your attention back to God on a regular basis.
Whether through these practices or others, the essential lesson here is that a simple desire to want what is right and important is useless without the kind of life practices and discipline that will produce that action.
Give some intentional effort to the top 3 or 4 on this list and see how it goes for you!