To deal with unique internal concerns and find peace, you might employ a variety of distinct spiritual practices. The greater journey toward spiritual development that we start when we follow Jesus, however, is not a goal in and of itself; it is a means to an end. Here are three actions you can take starting right now to build your spiritual life.

1. Seek time in God’s Word

Our heavenly father is where we find peace, not in ourselves. Reading His Word is one of the key ways we can learn about our heavenly parent. We study the Word to better comprehend His precepts, but we also use it to serve as a constant reminder of His truth. We must frequently remind ourselves of God’s teachings in order to keep our minds focused on reality because we are easily diverted. God also speaks to us through the Word. Whitney Hopler explains how God may speak with us through certain words or concepts while we read the Bible.

2.  Seek Community

The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, it has been said countless times. That the Christian life is a team sport rather than an individual one is also true. We cannot live a healthy spiritual life on our own; there are times when we must be with God. Each of us needs to be a part of an established Christian fellowship that challenges us to advance, calls our attention to God’s truth when we’ve lost it, and offers a secure environment in which we can share our burdens. Your Christian community may consist of one or two reliable individuals or a small group. The most important requirement is having trustworthy neighbors.

You shouldn’t have to live in a community of Christians who are constantly trying to motivate you. Sometimes we need people who will listen to our story, sit with us in a difficult situation, and say, “I am here for you now.” We occasionally require people who can relate their traumatic experiences and serve as a constant reminder that being a Christian doesn’t include acting as though everything is going perfectly.