In our fast-paced, often broken and complex world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the daily grind of life. As a full-time student and full-time employee, I’ve often found myself restless, caught in the endless cycling trivialities and responsibilities that seem to dominate my days. Amidst this chaos, I’ve come to realize the importance of finding balance and meaning in the everyday. It’s in these moments of struggle that I’ve found comfort in reflecting on Jesus’ life and teachings.

Jesus, the ultimate tinkerer, understands our struggles intimately. As a carpenter, He was skilled with tools, creating and repairing with a craftsman’s precision and care. This picture of Jesus as a master carpenter has resonated with me deeply, reminding me that just as He worked with tools to shape wood, He offers us spiritual tools to build, repair, and create our lives. These tools are not just for crafting physical objects but for shaping our hearts and minds, guiding us toward a life of true worship and devotion.

Practical Tools from My Spiritual Life

To support our spiritual growth, we need a solid framework of habits, much like a carpenter needs a sturdy workbench to craft and refine their work. Here are three practical tools that I have used in my spiritual rhythms that may help you too:

  1. Lectio 365 App: This free daily devotional app has been a life-saver for me. Each day, the app provides a new devotional session that combines scripture readings with reflective thoughts, prayers, and meditative moments. I often listen to it during my commute, which transforms what could be a stressful part of my day into a time of spiritual refreshment and growth.
  2. ESV Study Bible: While digital tools offer convenience and accessibility, there is something irreplaceable about the tactile experience of a physical Bible. The act of flipping through the pages of my ESV Study Bible, annotating the margins, and revisiting highlighted passages adds a personal and contemplative dimension to my study. As Psalm 1:2-3 describes, those who delight in and meditate on the law of the Lord are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in due season.
  3. Journaling with Fountain Pen: Using my Traveler’s Notebook and Kaweco brass sport fountain pen, journaling feels like chiseling away at my worries and fears, revealing God’s will in my life. This practice helps me stay present and attentive to God’s work, aligning my thoughts with Ephesians 5:15-17’s call to live wisely. The act of writing transforms my reflections into concrete insights, deepening my connection with God.

Bonus Tool: Church Center App

Being connected to our church community is essential for nurturing our faith and supporting one another. The Church Center app is a wonderful resource to help you stay informed about events, life groups, and various church activities. By using the app, you can easily engage with our community, find ways to serve, and connect with others who share your journey. I encourage you to download the Church Center app—it’s a simple way to deepen your involvement and grow together in faith.

Conclusion

Just as Jesus, the carpenter, used His skills to build and repair, I’ve found that the physical tools I use—like the Lectio 365 app, my ESV Study Bible, and my journal—help me shape and nurture my faith in practical ways. These tools work for me, but they may not be the same for everyone. I encourage you to reflect on your own spiritual journey and consider what tools you can develop to deepen your connection with God. Remember, we are co-creators with Christ, each crafting our unique path in faith (1 Cor 3:9).

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