How to Build Spiritual Discipline (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 (NKJV)
My son has completed one whole Ironman event and two half Ironman events. He’s also run several marathons, biked countless miles, and swam through early morning oceans. But here’s what always amazed me: while preparing for these events, sometimes even a year in advance, there were days he simply didn’t want to train. He didn’t want to get up at 4 a.m. to swim, cycle 20 miles, or run 15 miles before the sun rose. Yet he did it anyway. And three hours later, he would call me—energized, joyful, and ready to take on the world. On race day, all that discipline paid off. He stood at the starting line confident, not because it was easy, but because he had trained faithfully.
Spiritual growth is much like that. We may not always feel like praying, reading Scripture, or worshiping. Just as training builds endurance for a race, discipline builds strength in our walk with God. It is not our feelings that shape us most, but our commitment.
Building Habits That Last
Spiritual discipline is not about rigid rules or lifeless rituals. It is about creating rhythms that keep our hearts connected to God, even when our emotions fluctuate. Just like training strengthens the body, discipline strengthens the soul. It makes room for God to work in us consistently, shaping us into people who reflect His love and truth in every season of life.
One of the most important lessons in building spiritual discipline is remembering that motivation comes and goes, but commitment sustains us. When Joshua prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land, God’s command was not about feelings—it was about obedience. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). This verse was spoken at a time of great transition. Israel faced challenges, uncertainty, and battles ahead. Strength and courage would not come from excitement but from faith rooted in God’s presence.
So how do we practice this in our daily lives? The first step is creating a sustainable routine. Small, steady actions matter more than bursts of passion. Instead of trying to read the entire Bible in one month, start with a chapter a day. Instead of committing to an hour of prayer, begin with ten focused minutes. These small choices compound into considerable growth over time.
Staying Faithful in the Dry Seasons
The second step is overcoming motivation slumps. Everyone faces days when prayer feels empty or when the Bible seems difficult to understand. In those moments, lean into habit. Think of it like brushing your teeth—you may not feel excited about it, but you know it’s vital for your health. The same applies to your soul. Keep showing up. Over time, the dry moments become fertile ground where God plants seeds of endurance. Paul wrote to the Galatians, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV). Paul was encouraging believers who felt tired and discouraged. His message was clear: persistence in faith brings a harvest, even when progress feels invisible.
Accountability is another key to building discipline. God designed us for community. When we walk alone, it’s easier to give up. But when we share our commitments with a trusted friend, join a small group, or study Scripture with others, we find strength together. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NASB) says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” This wisdom, spoken centuries ago, still speaks today. We need each other to stay the course.
Over time, spiritual discipline transforms our lives. What once felt like routine becomes a relationship. What once felt like duty becomes delight. We begin to recognize God’s voice more clearly. We find peace in His presence even in ordinary moments. And when trials come, we discover that our faith is not fragile—it is rooted in a steady walk with God.
Your Next Faith Step
If you feel unmotivated today, take heart. You don’t need to rely on feelings to grow closer to God. Start small. Be consistent. Invite others to walk with you. And trust that every step you take, even the ones that feel hard, are shaping you into the person God created you to be.
This week, choose one simple habit to strengthen your walk with God. Maybe it’s reading a Psalm every morning, praying before bed, or finding a friend to share your journey. Write it down and commit to practicing it daily. Small steps will lead you closer to Him.
For more encouragement, tools, and spiritual resources, subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com.
Interactive Exercise: Scripture Fill-in-the-Blank Challenge
Test your memory and strengthen your discipline by completing this quick verse:
“Let us not grow weary while doing ______, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose ______.”
(Galatians 6:9 NKJV)
Answer: good … heart
Now write this verse on a sticky note or card and place it where you’ll see it every day this week. Let it remind you that perseverance produces a harvest.
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
There are countless books on Christian living, but few carry the clarity and practicality of Donald S. Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. This timeless guide is more than a “how-to” manual; it’s a roadmap for anyone who longs to draw nearer to God through consistent, meaningful practices. Whitney unpacks the power of prayer, Bible reading, worship, fasting, journaling, and more—showing that these disciplines are not lifeless routines, but pathways into deeper fellowship with Christ.
Much like the Ironman training story shared in our recent article, Whitney emphasizes that spiritual growth doesn’t depend on fleeting motivation but on steady commitment. Just as an athlete trains daily for endurance, so believers are called to build habits that strengthen the soul. The beauty of this book lies in its encouragement: these practices are not about earning God’s love but enjoying His presence more fully.
If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent in your walk with God, this book will inspire you to start small, stay faithful, and watch your relationship with Him flourish.
Take the next step in your journey—order your copy of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life today, and don’t forget to subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com for ongoing encouragement and spiritual growth tools.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that discipline, not feelings, draws me closer to You each day. Give me strength to remain faithful in prayer, in reading Your Word, and in seeking Your presence even when I feel weary or distracted. Help me to find joy in consistency and courage in obedience, knowing You are with me in every season. May my daily walk with You grow into a deep, unshakable relationship that transforms my life for Your glory.