Biblical Answer

A Life of Spiritual Discipline

When every door seems to be slammed shut, it can be overwhelming and disheartening. It's as if the world is closing in on us, and we feel like we're running out of options. But the Bible teaches us that there's more to life than just going through doors. In fact, Jesus says, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to" (Luke 13:24). This narrow door is not just a physical door, but a spiritual one. It represents a life of spiritual discipline, where we deliberately choose to shut ourselves away from the world and its temptations, and instead, seek a deeper relationship with God.

Shutting the Door to Temptation

So, how do we keep going when every door seems to be slammed shut? The answer lies in shutting the door to temptation. Many believers believe they must open the door marked Temptation and walk through it. But Jesus says, "Shut your door" (Matthew 6:6). Having a secret stillness before God means deliberately shutting the door on the world's distractions and temptations, and instead, seeking a deeper relationship with Him. This requires discipline and self-control, but it's essential for spiritual growth and maturity. When we shut the door to temptation, we create a space for God to work in our lives, and we begin to experience the peace and joy that comes from a life of spiritual discipline.

The Importance of Regular Prayer

Regular prayer is essential for maintaining a life of spiritual discipline. Jesus taught us to pray regularly, saying, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Rather, when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen" (Matthew 6:5-6). Having a regular place and time to pray helps us to shut the door to the world and focus on our relationship with God. It's a way of saying, "I'm not going to let the world dictate my priorities; I'm going to prioritize my relationship with God." When we do this, we begin to experience the power and guidance of God in our lives, and we're better equipped to face the challenges that come our way.