DevotedSample

Devotion that lasts the distance

We have been on a journey of devotion over the last 10 days. We have looked at key aspects of our faith as well as practical disciplines that we can undertake as devoted followers of Jesus. Today, let’s wrap up this series by unpacking what a life of ongoing devotion looks like.

We live in challenging times. When the world around us is pulling us in many different directions, it is our ongoing devotion that stabilises us in who we are in God. Devotion is at the heart of how we see and engage with God and, therefore, the way we view the world around us. It is our faith’s foundation, our lifeline, our inspiration, and our encouragement. Our devotion enables us to last the distance.

As the scripture in Lamentations encourages, “because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed.” When we take hold of God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His power in our everyday lives, it stirs us onwards. I find this scripture so encouraging! Living a life of devotion is not a burden, but God’s great love empowers us to take hold of every day and see life through heaven’s perspective (John 3:31).

I love the image presented in Psalm 1 of the abundant tree. As we see in verse 2, the psalmist uses the verb “delight” to describe how we engage with God’s Word. This is a beautiful picture of our approach to devotion: encouraging, life-giving, and joy-filled. As the verse continues, we see an image of a life of ongoing devotion: a bounteous tree, fuelled by living water, strong, steadfast, and flourishing.

This is my prayer for today as you read these scriptures that through devotion, your roots in God would grow deep. While meditating on God’s word today, I encourage you to pray this prayer:

God, I thank you for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. I am grateful for Your desire to walk in meaningful and connected relationships with Your children. I pray that my eyes would be set on the things of You. Let Your Word and Your truth come alive in my heart. Show me how to lift my perspective to see my life and world through heavenly eyes. Let me know You more deeply, wholly, and truly. May I walk out my days as a devoted follower of Jesus.

Amen