Strengthening Your Spiritual Immune System
As we navigate the challenges of this life, it's crucial to cultivate a strong spiritual immune system that shields us from the negative influences that seek to compromise our faith. Just as our physical bodies require care and attention, our spiritual well-being demands intentional nurturing as well. Let's explore some practical steps rooted in the word of God, to strengthen our spiritual immune system:
1. Armor Yourself with Prayer
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul speaks of putting on the armor of God. Start your day with prayer, surrendering your concerns, worries, and fears to the Lord. Seek His guidance, protection, and strength, and let prayer be the shield that guards your heart and mind.
2. Immerse Yourself in Scripture
The Bible is our manual for life, providing wisdom, comfort, and guidance. It’s important to read and meditate on God's Word regularly, allowing the message of Christ to fill us completely (Colossians 3:16). Consider creating a daily scripture routine to fortify your mind and spirit against the attack of the enemy. The word of God is alive and sharper than a two edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)
3. Cultivate a Grateful Heart
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negativity. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to give thanks in all circumstances. Practice gratitude by reflecting on God's blessings, both big and small. A heart filled with thanksgiving is less susceptible to the poisons of discontentment and despair.
4. Guard Your Thoughts
In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to focus on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Filter your thoughts through this biblical lens. Replace negative thoughts with God's promises and affirmations of faith. Be careful what you consume through your eyes and ears also. God says we are to renew our minds to His word and not to conform to the patterns of this world. (Romans 12:2)
5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Proverbs 27:17 teaches us that iron sharpens iron. Choose your companions wisely and surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and uplift you in your faith journey. Community is a vital aspect of our spiritual immune system. We are to love and serve one another with the talents and gifts that He’s given us all. People need people. That’s God’s design.
6. Regularly Attend Church Services
Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to neglect meeting together. Attending church services provides spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and accountability. It's a powerful way to stay connected to the body of Christ and strengthen your faith. We were made for community.
7. Engage in Acts of Service
Jesus himself set the example of selfless service (Mark 10:45). Engaging in acts of kindness and service redirects our focus from self-centered concerns to the needs of others. This fosters a spirit of love, compassion, and humility. Jesus tells us in the scriptures that we are to love God and love others well through acts of service.
8. Forgive and You Will be Forgiven
It is often said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Unforgiveness rots us from the inside out. No matter how hard it is, you have to choose to forgive if you want to experience flourishing in your soul. Hebrews 12:14-15 warns us to make every effort to live in peace with everyone. Unforgiveness can give the enemy a foothold that can derail you from the plan of God for your life. Let the Holy Spirit help you with the feelings of it all while you make the decision to forgive and trust God instead.
9. Remember to Laugh
Proverbs 17:22 says “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Sometimes we just need to learn to laugh in the midst of adversity. When everything seems to be going wrong, when one day blends into the next and it’s all but gray…stir your heart with the things yet to come that God has promised you. We have the assurance of the cross and our salvation. You can laugh at the enemy for trying to steel your joy. You can enjoy a good comedy with your family. You can volunteer at church to help with the preschoolers, they always say the funniest stuff. A good belly laugh can quickly change your mood and help you get back on track. Most of what we worry about never happens the way we think anyway. Trust God and learn to cast your cares on Him for His word says, HE LOVES US with an everlasting love.
Dear friends, as we embark on this journey to fortify our spiritual immune system, let us remember that God is our ultimate source of strength and protection. By intentionally incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can cultivate a resilience that anchors us in the unwavering truth of His love.
May you be blessed and strengthened in your faith journey.
In His grace,
Amy L. E. Brekke
