Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is Eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception; it is a prevailing attitude. -Colin Powell

Life can sometimes feel so busy and overwhelming, that a daily habit of devotionals may be the very last thing on your list. It may even seem like more work than it’s actually worth. Yet within this habit, you can find growth, transformation and a new depth to your relationship with Christ. So, it’s not something to skip. Instead, it should be something that is worth your time and intention. 

In my own life, I have struggled and worked hard to keep my own personal quiet times (another way to say the phrase “devotional”) as a habit. When I was younger, it seemed easier. I had the time and energy to devote. I would spend hours in journaling, prayer, worship and reading the Bible. Yet, as I’ve grown and changed, so has my time. I find now that my quiet times are harder to maintain. Life is busy! My kids wake up early, and honestly, I am exhausted. So, I have found that being flexible is my best strategy. I am flexible in what my time may look like or what I do, but I am firm in maintaining that daily devotional habit.

I want to say that devotionals and quiet times do not solve all the problems that we will face in our lives. However, I do believe that setting aside this specific time to be quiet, to seek God and to find some peace can be tremendously impactful. It gives us greater capacity and more tools to handle all that we face. 

In this blog, I want to share some strategies that have helped me to create devotional habits that have actually benefited my life. They are ones I believe can help you too! 

THE POWER OF A DAILY HABIT

Most importantly, habits can be so helpful! If you have good habits, then you can rely on them to accomplish the things you want to. If you want to get healthy, and you create a habit of working out every morning. Then you have the power of consistency on your side! Because your habit will help you to reach your goal, one step at a time. The same of course could be true of bad habits, they could sabotage your healthy goals if you have a habit of eating fast food every day. 

So let’s tap into the power of habits! You can create a habit by consistently choosing to do the same thing, at the same time. If you want a daily devotional habit, and you choose a time that works for you and then stick with it… soon it will be second nature. For example, maybe you choose to have your devotional first thing when you wake up before the busyness of the day. This might allow you to change what it looks like, or how long it takes. Yet you can trust that it will happen! Because you have carved time out for it, and you have chosen to do it consistently. 

For me, I wake up as naturally as I can, usually around 5 or 6 am. Which is only an hour or less before my kids are awake! I will first grab my cup of coffee (honestly the most important part of my morning!), then I will  write my morning pages (more on that at this blog here: https://graceandhopecollective.com/blogs/news/cultivating-a-daily-journaling-practice). Right after that, I will do my devotional time. This gives me the power of consistency and habit! The devotional itself may be short or long, just prayer, or reading a book. But it is there! Because I have created a sustainable habit. 

STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATING DEVOTIONALS INTO YOUR LIFE

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30 

It is, of course, not enough to just have a habit. You must have a bit of a plan! You must have an idea of what you want your devotional time to look like or how to organize it. You must have a willingness to put in the time and energy to find a system that works for you! Here are just a few ideas.

1. Pick a specific time. Just like when we talked about habits! You might choose first thing in the morning, or later in the day or even right before bed. 
2. Create space. I like to have my devotionals in my comfy chair, with all my favorite supplies right there next to me. Is there a space that you can keep set up for yourself?
3. Create an atmosphere. Help make your devotional time even more special! Play music, light a candle, or bring your cup of coffee.
4. Start small! It’s ok to start with just a few minutes. Maybe one Bible verse, one song, one short prayer. Give yourself grace to return to small beginnings if you need a reset or even if it’s just a busy day. 
5. Try something new. You could always try a new book, a guided devotional, a video series, journaling, meditating on verses, or prayer. Be open to new ideas and give yourself time to find something that really works for you!
6. Stay flexible. If you miss your designated time or if things change throughout your day, be willing to change it up. Try listening to devo books or the Bible while driving, or working on a memory verse while you are cooking. It’s ok to fit quiet times into the cracks of your day! 

RESOURCES 

There are so many amazing resources that you could use to enhance your devotionals! Here are some that I have grown to love.

• Dwell App: Listening to Bible verses with a new depth! Lots of voices, background sounds, and playlists or programs to choose from. Find it here: https://dwellapp.io/
• Gratitude Journal: One of our favorite products! A gratitude journal to help you focus on all the good in your life. Find it here: https://graceandhopecollective.com/products/faith-based-gratitude-journal-w-stickers-52-week
• A beautiful journaling Bible. These can give you more space to explore God’s word and be creative Here are some great options: https://thedailygraceco.com/collections/bibles
• Bible Project. This company offers free videos and resources that are well-researched, beautifully illustrated. They break down big concepts into easy to understand pieces. Find them here: https://bibleproject.com/
• YouVersion Bible App. A great way to access lots of Bible versions no matter where you are. https://www.youversion.com/
• RightNow Media. A company that offers video Bible studies and other resources. https://www.rightnowmedia.org/ 

TIME TO GET STARTED

I once heard a youth pastor share that no matter what is going on in your life, how busy you are, or how distant you feel from God, He is always right there. I know that is a very obvious statement. But I also feel the beauty and simplicity in the reminder. It is ok to take comfort that God is right there, even if you don’t have a lot of time or energy to devote to your faith. It is then that you can lean on tools and techniques that benefit your faith. 

Devotionals are just one tool. They are one way to help you grow in faith. My hope is that they are something that you can rely on, that grow and change as you need them to. I am so excited for all that God can do in your life! May you find peace and joy in your devotional times. 

I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:13-14