SIMPLIFY

YOUR

SPIRITUAL

LIFE

Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed

Donald S. Whitney

bringing truth to life

© 2003 by Donald S. Whitney

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

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NAVPRESS, BRINGING TRUTH TO LIFE, and the NAVPRESS logo are registered trademarks of NavPress. Absence of ® in connection with marks of NavPress or other parties does not indicate an absence of registration of those marks.

ISBN 1-57683-345-3

Cover design by Ray Moore

Creative Team: Nanci McAlister, Greg Clouse, Amy Spencer, Laura Spray, Pat Miller

Some of the anecdotal illustrations in this book are true to life and are included with the permission of the persons involved. All other illustrations are composites of real situations, and any resemblance to people living or dead is coincidental.

Unless otherwise identified, all Scripture quotations in this publication are taken from the New King James Version (nkjv). Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Other versions used include HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® (niv®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved; and the New American Standard Bible (nasb), © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977.

Whitney, Donald S.

Simplify your spiritual life: spiritual disciplines for the

overwhelmed / Donald S. Whitney.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 1-57683-345-3

1. Spiritual life--Christianity. 2. Simplicity--Religious

aspects--Christianity. I. Title.

BV4647.S48W49 2003

248.4--dc21

2003002394

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Simplifying and First Principles

Simplify Your Spiritual Life

Verify Before You Simplify

Know the Good News of Christian Spirituality

Rest Your Soul in “the Simplicity and Purity of Devotion to Christ”

Practice True Spirituality

Know Why You Simplify

Remember, It’s About Jesus

Take Up Your Cross Daily and Follow Jesus

Root Your Spirituality in Scripture

Embrace a Trinitarian Spirituality

Experience Congregational Spirituality

Don’t Mistake Simplicity for Heaven

Simplify Your Spiritual Life Without Misconceptions

Beware of Simplifying

Beware of Progress

Do All to the Glory of God

Simplifying and the Truth

Rely on the Authority and Guidance of Scripture

Ask Often, “What Does the Bible Say?”

Go to the Scriptures for Patience, Comfort, and Hope

Use a Bible Reading Plan

Establish Bible Reading Routines

Connect Spirit with Truth

Spontaneously Sing Psalms

Read and Meditate

Meditate on Scripture and Life

Meditate for Light and Heat

Meditate and Apply

Ask the Philippians 4:8 Questions

Ask the Joseph Hall Questions

Simplifying and Prayer

Ask, and You Will Receive Something Good

Don’t Always Pray the Same Prayer

Pray Scripture

Pray the Prayers of Others

Take a Prayer Walk

Pray Without ...

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About Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed

Are you overwhelmed by the weight of the world? Let’s face it—we live in complexity. Technology multiplies daily, and with it, our pace increases. Surrounded by driving forces, it’s no wonder our spiritual lives take a hit. But if the weight of the world is hindering your walk with the Lord, maybe now’s the time to step back and evaluate.

Life on earth was less hectic in Jesus’ time. He faced incredible challenges and suffered agonizing trials, but there was a simplicity in his relationship with his Father that we can emulate—and in that simplicity, we can realize our great fulfillment as believers. If your Bible study seems as tedious as filing your tax return, your prayer life as wearisome as trying to understand your phone bill—stop. Take a deep breath. Let author Donald Whitney show you how rewarding the simple Christian life can be.

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Table of Contents