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Book Review: Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed by Donald S. Whitney

We are always trying to get alone to connect with God and spend time in His Word. The problem is we have too much to do, everyone wants something from us, or we are just too tired. I think I have the solution, but you’ll need to get this book called, Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed, by Donald S. Whitney, to find your solution.

Hold on, before you think I’m adding more to your plate. You see, I’m endorsing this book because it will equip and encourage you to use spiritual disciplines to grow in Christ and commune with God. When I find a book like that, well I’ve got to share it.

Simplify Your Spiritual Life: Spiritual Disciplines for the Overwhelmed by Donald S. Whitney presents many disciplines that can fit into your life without you feeling overwhelmed or flustered. Each brief chapter contains a rich wealth of knowledge that leads you to realizing “the goal of both our exposure to and absorption of scripture should be our application of scripture.” Don Whitney’s statement reminds me that if we don’t study, read, hear God’s Word (exposure), AND meditate on, practice the spiritual disciplines, speak God’s Word (Absorption) then we won’t be able to do, put into practice, live a righteous life according to God’s Word (Application). Scripture is clear that we are to be hearers and doers of God’s Word (James 1:22-25). How can you share or do what you don’t know? 

This book contains a collection of different disciplines to practice. That’s the fun part. You get to experiment in a way that is not “too much”. Have you ever heard your child or a youngster say, “your doing too much?” Well, this isn’t. 

Are you thinking, “Lyvita, practicing isn’t fun and besides reading another book takes time?” 

If so, I’d respond, “Oh really? How much TV watching do you do? Or social media swiping? Better yet, how much time do you spend communing with God, that doesn’t involve quick one-way conversations?” 

Then you might say, “OK, Ok, ok but…” 

And I’d say, “Take this challenge: Get the book, select a chapter that seems to stand out, read it, practice it, and then email me what happened.” 

If you don’t like the challenge, then listen to my podcast, Hanging Out With Jesus Podcast, episode #16. It contains my interview with Don Whitney. We discuss different disciplines you will find in his book. Hopefully, that will get you to purchase the book and practice. 

Also before I forget, he provides information on who, what, why, where, when, and how on each of the disciplines presented. If it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, there’s more, read on, because there is one that will. 

As always, continue to intentionally and daily hang out with Jesus, just because… Shalom!

For more books I’ve read follow me on Goodreads.com. Click the podcast link now and listen to Hanging Out With Jesus Podcast with our special guest, Dr. Donald Whitney, titled, “Let’s Intake Scripture, Daily”