(Newswire.net — June 23, 2016) — The Easter season is overflowing with joy and excitement. After all of the celebrations, services and egg hunts are finished, it is common to fall into a bit of a spiritual lull as summer rolls around. However, the warm weather and shining sun actually make the perfect backdrop to a revitalized relationship with God. Keep reading for some ideas about how you can brighten up your spiritual life this summer.
Listen up
There is something about good music that resonates deep within the soul. Finding Christian musicians whose work you connect with can be instrumental to improving your spiritual life—pun intended. Whether you prefer the ballads of Francesca Battistelli or the drumbeats of Jonah 33, the ever-growing Christian music industry has something for everyone.
If you enjoy listening to podcasts in the car or around the house, consider downloading a few by Christian leaders. You can find sermons and lectures on topics ranging from family life to Biblical study. Listening to Christian podcasts when you are stuck in traffic or doing chores is one way you can turn a boring obligation into an opportunity for growth.
Read all About It
Take your summer reading in a new direction by browsing the work of Christian authors. No matter what your genre preferences are, you should be able to find a novel or nonfiction book you enjoy that explicitly or subtly incorporates Christian themes. C.S. Lewis, one of the most prolific Christian authors of recent times, wrote everything from children’s allegories to science fiction to philosophical arguments. Some modern bestselling Christian works include The Shack, God’s Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty and Bonhoeffer. Studying Christian literature can give you fresh perspectives about your cherished faith.
Seek Fellowship and Education
Another way that you can deepen your faith is to learn more about it in the companionship of like-minded people. Ministry networks like The Way International provide people with the opportunity to study God’s Word in-depth. Absorbing the knowledge of Biblical experts and discussing these lessons with other Christians can help you flesh out issues that you previously did not fully understand. Whether you seek fellowship online or find resources in your community, you are sure to be able to find a network that awakens your intellectual side.
Watch and Learn
Finding good, clean entertainment can be a struggle if you do not know where to look. Luckily, there are a number of Christian movies available to watch during those summer storms. Recent releases like Risen and Miracles from Heaven provide theatergoers with both entertainment and food for thought. There are also many Christian movies available to stream on Netflix or borrow from Redbox. Watching them with friends and family brings you closer to your loved ones and opens the floor for fascinating discussions.
Lend a Hand
Jesus wants us to help those in need, and summer is a great time to lend a hand. If you are feeling adventurous, you might consider going on an overseas mission trip. Helping people in destitute conditions will not only remind you of your blessings, but it is also the right thing to do. You do not have to travel far to help others, though. Try volunteering at your church’s Vacation Bible School, or sign up to work at the soup kitchen once a week. You could even make a point of doing one good deed a day.
Schedule Time with God
It is important to be active with your faith, but being active has to start with your personal relationship with Jesus. Summer can get hectic, so schedule 15 to 30 minutes with Him each day. This might consist of reading your Bible, writing in a prayer journal or simply talking to Him about your day. You might feel awkward at first, but keep at it. It will not be long before you see the benefits of incorporating habitual prayer and worship into your daily life.
Share the News
Spreading God’s Word can be scary—which is exactly why you should do it! Summer is a time for socialization, so make a commitment to seize any faith-sharing opportunities that arise. You do not have to go around trying to convert everyone you know. Sharing the good news can be as simple as inviting friends to church or introducing them to Christian authors, musicians or films that hold special meaning for you. It is important to share your love of Christ with others and let them see the good that He does in your life.
Warm up Your Relationship with Christ
Was that a bit overwhelming? No worries! You do not have to do all of these things to make waves in your spiritual life. Try picking one activity that feels natural to you and another that is beyond your comfort zone. That way you can do something you know you will enjoy while trying something new, too. Finding different ways to grow closer to God is a great practice to incorporate into your summer plans. So decide what strategies you want to adopt, and then get started!