If you’ve been a believer for more than a week, you’ve been here. Your devotion time goes a little something like this–
You land on a really bomb YouVersion reading plan, find a dope Faith-based book, hear a mind-blowing sermon, etc. You figure, “I’m going to dive deep in this and the revelation is going to be phenomenal!” The thought deep down is, “Surely, this [insert resource] has sparked a flame and will create some momentum for me in the weeks of devotional time to come.”
Three days go by and you’re fully committed to this [insert thing]. It could also be a routine rather than a resource like praying for 10 mins, worshiping for 10 mins, reading for 10 mins. But then day 4. That dreaded day 4. For you it may be day 2, 3, or whatever. The point is, it’s the day that you’re over it. It’s a subtle feeling of “over it” though. You try to ignore it. You say to yourself, “Shut up flesh! You’re going to read this devotional and hear heaven speak!”
A few more days pass and you may have missed a few days of spending time with the Lord all together.
You feel stuck and now making the time feels like a chore or obligation rather than the soul-quenching water that time is supposed to be.
I’ve been there. More often than I’d like to admit (that’s part of the problem, but we’ll unpack that a little below). But there’s hope! Here’s how you break the cycle of dry devotional time:
1.) Give yourself some grace.
Understand that life itself is ever-changing and as things change, other routines may need to bend as well. You’re not flawed if you’re noticing some inconsistencies in your dedicated time with God. You’re normal. There are no perfect people over here! We are bound to miss the mark. But there’s no condemnation–Jesus promised. Start over.
Ah, that’s a load off. Feel better?!
2.) Focus on the desired end, not the means.
Don’t get stuck in the routine or resource you’re using during your devotional time. Books, reading plans, sermons– they are really good tools for helping you form questions and lead you into a conversation with the Lord, but they are just that–tools. If the book starts to feel dry, stop. If the reading plan isn’t what you thought it was going to be, ditch it! Try something else.
3.) Change your environment.
Spend time with God in an environment that inspires you and reminds you of God’s attributes. For me, I need to see outside. There’s something about staring at nature that makes me feel closer to God. Also, I really need natural light and sunshine. I am NOT a morning person but I find the best time for me to spend time with the Lord is first thing in the morning. Having the bright, shining sun blaring in my eyes helps me stay awake!
4.) Build in time to be still…AND quiet.
This communion. This is a conversation. This is time with your heavenly Father. Do less and listen more. Prioritize what God wants to say to you. Hearing God’s specific word for you will bring all the refreshing you need. Whatever you need is in His presence.
If you’re looking for more encouragement check out my blog post, Praying for Clarity.
