Dallas Willard writes in his book, *Renovation of the Heart, “There are no formulas in the spiritual life because it is not a life that runs on its own. It runs on interaction with God.”
This means that our relationship with God is not mechanical or formulaic. The spiritual life does not operate by a set of steps that run automatically once we learn them. There are no formulas that guarantee spiritual growth, peace, or joy. The Christian life is not a program that runs on its own.
Moment by moment, day by day, we speak with Jesus in in our thoughts and prayers, listen through His Word, and learn to trust His presence in every circumstance. Faith grows not through perfect techniques but through living connection with the One who loves us.
When we feel weary or overwhelmed, Hebrews reminds us where to look: to Jesus. He is both the beginning and the completion of our faith. He is the One who started the work in us and the One who will faithfully carry it forward. His love does not falter when our strength does. His presence does not disappear when life becomes difficult. Thank God!
The New Testament echoes this truth in Hebrews 12:2, which urges us to fix our eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” That joy was not the suffering itself—it was the love that looked beyond the suffering. Christ saw the restoration of broken people. He saw forgiveness offered, hearts healed, and lives redeemed. He saw us. And for that joy, He endured the cross.
And because He endured the cross with joy set before Him, we can live with joy as well—not a shallow happiness based on circumstances, but a deep assurance that we are loved, known, and never forsaken.
The cross of Christ is the ultimate declaration: you are not alone. The Savior who carried our sorrows now walks with us through them. Our spiritual life is not sustained by formulas but by the living presence of God.
Jesus: always glad to be with you…no matter what, forever.
—Brenda Strysko
*Check out our recommended reading list on the Made to Breath website, which includes Renovation of the Heart.
