Building Better Devotionsಮಾದರಿ

Don’t Give Up!

A devotional life that leads to a devoted life always requires perseverance.

Sooner or later, a man’s devotional life will seem boring, stale, or barren.

Other times, God will correct you or ask difficult things of you.

You’ll also try and fail a lot. Bible reading plans and books will be started and left unfinished. A resolution to better love your family, serve your church, or spend time with “the least of these” (Matthew 25:31-46) will flame out in a matter of weeks.

When failure haunts us, when following Christ seems hard, and/or when devotional rhythms seem futile or stale, we’re usually tempted to either quit or change our approach.

Quitting doesn’t help.

Changes sometimes help.

The need to persevere is inevitable.

A changed approach to prayer or Scripture, a new small group, and/or a new discipline of service can seem like a miracle cure for the life with God you’ve always wanted. However, the new approach inevitably grows a bit stale, or God starts asking something difficult of us.

Imagine the joy and thrill of Jesus’ disciples in John 6 when He feeds the 5,000 and then walks on water. Don’t you long to see God do such great things and hunger for a transcendent walk with Him?

After those extraordinary events, Jesus preaches a sermon that leaves everyone reeling. “That’s a hard teaching,” they say. “Who can accept it?” Most people leave (quit) (John 6:60-66).

Saints and sages in every era have experienced the difficulty of Jesus’ way and the disappointment that God doesn’t feel nearer. Spiritual boredom and failure are normal. Feelings of intimacy with God will come and go. The Psalmists sometimes school us in waiting for God (e.g., Psalm 130); other times, they accuse God of abandoning them (e.g., Psalm 22).

Sooner or later, you’ll wonder if your devotional practices are worth the effort and time they take. Or Jesus will ask hard things of you, like forgiving the father who failed you or the wife who walked out on you. Other times, shame will stalk you and whisper of your failure to live with God or establish a devotional life.

All of this is normal. At times, a change will help. The goal is still worth it. Please don’t give up.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for Your constant love. You alone never fail to seek me and invite me to eternal life. Help me persevere in _______________. Glorify Yourself through my life. Amen.

Reflection: Where do you need to persevere in your walk with God? What will help you do that?