Having Intentionality in Daily Devotions

I think if I’m going to post a passage from a devotional book on social media, that I should at least remember which book it came from.

But that is where I allow my mind to go too often. I’ll start a devotional book, stay very, very committed to it – for a few days – and then move on.

So when I posted this…

I don’t have to worry about letting God down, because I was never holding Him up – God’s grace is sufficient.

…and a friend asked which book I pulled it from, I had to honestly say, “Let me find it and get back with you.”

I had even underlined part of that passage. Twice. It was hard-hitting. But I didn’t read through the book enough to even allow the title to impact me. Anyone else hear me on this? I’m not the only one with a stack of a-few-pages-read devotional books at my bedside table, am I?

I am intentional in my daily prayer life, yet I lack the intentionality in daily devotionals. Does this hit home? Or are you dedicated to this and follow through? For those who need a nudge – talking to myself here – let’s discuss a few things that can happen if we dedicate just five minutes a day to devotionals:

We Grow Spiritually.

Readings, scripture, testimonies – they all allow us to focus on something other than ourselves as a way to grow in and through Christ. Our faith grows, our mind expands. Our thoughts. And we can truly begin to see and feel the impact of diving into the word of God daily.

We Can Find Peace.

There is a calmness in reading devotionals you can relate to. Or that tell your own story in a way you are unable to. There is peace in feeling your anxiousness over a situation lessen because you can truly feel God’s presence.

It Provides Focus.

Just as a person gains energy from a Sunday message – and which can pull them through the week – a daily devotional expands on that in providing spiritual intentionality in your everyday life. It allows for a deeper relationship with Jesus, a deeper understanding of the walk set before you, and a focus-driven day in your thoughts and prayers.

Our Strength Increases.

What better way to start our day than feeling strong and resilient and able to take on the day and the challenges it brings all because we spent a few minutes in the morning reading God’s message? This won’t eliminate any problems we face, but it could provide the mental and spiritual strength it takes to work through it.

As stated from “Compelling Truth”: Life is often chaotic and confusing. When it is, we run to God. If we desire to truly find rest and safety in God, it is helpful to know Him well. Such deep knowledge comes from daily time spent with Him. Sometimes the best way to use a refuge is to go there before things get messy.

This should be intentional. This should be our first thought in the morning, and not just a thought for a few days before we move on without a deeper yearning for God’s word and how to live by it, and apply it to our lives. Or even making the few minutes for it each day.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17)

Let’s be intentional in our walk with God. In our daily devotionals, readings, lessons. Let’s feel that strength, peace, the spiritual growth. Just a few minutes a day to get us through the remainder of the 23 hours and 55 minutes.

The name of the book my friend asked about is called “Embraced – 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close” by Lysa TerKeurst.

I’ve moved it to the top of my stack.