Most of you know I have cystic fibrosis, a genetic, terminal disease that results in an overproduction of thick, sticky mucus. This mucus affects most of my body’s organs and systems, including the lungs. As a result, I spend anywhere from 2-4 hours a day doing respiratory treatments that help clear my lungs and prevent infection. When I am exhausted, I usually skip one of these therapies. In the first few hours, I feel fine. However, by hour 12 after not doing a treatment, my chest is heavy, my energy is drained, and I am short of breath. You see, my therapies are not just for when symptoms flare up — they are to prevent them from flaring up in the first place.
Our daily times of solitude with Jesus work the same way. We might feel okay in the moment, but without that regular, daily “spiritual therapy” — praise & thankfulness; real, vulnerable prayer; and intentional Scripture reading — our soul starts to clog up with stress, fear, lies, and pressures of the day (or previous day). Whether in the morning or at night, what does a daily “spiritual treatment” look like?
Praise & Thankfulness – Re-Center Your Soul
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” (Psalm 100.4)
It can begin with putting on worship music — either in headphones or out loud. Say who God is, what He’s done, and what He’s worthy of. Worship resets our focus from life’s demands to the Spirit’s provision. Check out our Spotify Worship playlist by clicking the following link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5U2jVayGGegWajsNP2whPc?si=772ddeba984544ed&nd=1&dlsi=ee8867b2f4094adb
Pray – Ask, Listen, & Journal
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5.18)
Talk to Jesus like He’s in the room — because He is. Ask Him, “What’s the most important thing I need to do today?” Write it down. Then, list at least 3 things you’re thankful for from the previous day (or if your time of solitude is at night, from the current day). Gratitude shifts perspective and invites peace.
Read – Meditate on The Scriptures
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119.105)
Don’t just read for information — read for transformation. Linger in a passage. Highlight, question, and let the Holy Spirit speak into your day.
This week, begin to identify the symptoms that come about in your life and mind when you skip a “spiritual treatment”. Ask yourself: What symptoms show up in my mind, relationships, or life when I skip a daily time of solitude with Jesus?
Whether it’s 30 minutes or 3 hours, your time of solitude with Jesus is your daily therapy — it’s not a luxury; it’s how you breathe in the fresh air of the Holy Spirit.
God bless —
Nathan
