When Devotionals Look Different

One interesting hallmark of modern Christianity is the emphasis placed on having personal devotions. Early in our Christian journey we hear again and again how important it is to spend time in the Word to grow and become mature Christians so we aren’t just feeding on “milk, [instead of] solid food.” (1Corinthians 3:2) Although many of us have an idealized version of what having devotions looks like, Gretchen Saffles points out in her book “The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith,” early Christians probably didn’t practice “devotions” like we think of them today. No quiet, dark house with a cup of coffee, a cozy chair, and maybe a candle for ambiance. Most Christians didn’t have constant access to Scriptures. Their prayers were those they had learned as children growing up in the Jewish tradition and those they had learned from Jesus and his followers. Some of Paul’s writings contain some of these early hymns and prayers. 

We have unparalleled access to God’s Word as well as teachers and Bible study aides to help us grow in our knowledge and understanding of God. The believers in Berea “received the word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11 CSB). We should imitate them and spend time nurturing our faith and our relationship with Christ. This requires discipline and sacrifice. 

But what about when devotions have to look different? What about that season of life when you truly do not have time to study God’s Word? Maybe you are a young mom with a collicky baby who you cannot put down (and heaven forbid you sit down). Maybe you are the caretaker for an elderly parent or a sick family member and every minute is spent watching their vital signs and making sure their needs are met. Maybe you are a single mom working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. What then? 

When spending time with God becomes just another task on our to do list, we are completely missing the point. Jesus tells us “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG). Jesus is not sitting up in heaven judging you because you weren’t able to get those quiet moments alone and spend the required 30 minutes digging into the meat of the Scripture. He loves you. He is with you and wants to be part of your messy life. 

So in this season of life how can we make room for Jesus? How can we spend time with the Father? 

First of all, pray. Even if it is one word: “help”. Jesus hears the cries of our hearts. The Spirit intercedes for us, praying in ways that we don’t even know (Rom 8:26). When you are praying over your child’s meal, the Father hears. When you whisper a prayer for patience as you deal with an agitated customer, the Father hears. When you sob “I don’t know what to do anymore. I am so tired.” The Father hears. As Amy Grant sang, in “Better Than A Hallelujah,” “We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody, beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts are better than a hallelujah.” 

Have Scripture open somewhere you can see it. Place a framed print of a favorite verse on a wall in your home. Set a Scripture lockscreen on your phone. Write down a favorite passage on a 3×5 card and carry it in your pocket or in your car where you can see it on your way to work. Listen for God’s voice as you read Bible stories to your children. God promises that His Word “will not return…empty.” Hold on to that promise. 

Listening to podcasts and Christian music can be another great way to surround yourself with Scripture. Maybe you aren’t able to physically open God’s Word and spend copious amounts of time studying it, but you might be able to listen to a podcast on your way to work or while you’re washing dishes. Maybe you can sing along to the radio while you are bouncing a cranky baby. There are many podcasts with solid teaching that can encourage you during this hard season. If you are able to go to church or a small group, go! If you can’t or if you aren’t able to stay for the whole service, check out an online service. 

Reach out to a friend you trust. Tell them you’re struggling. Ask them to pray with you and for you and check in on you. This is one of the hardest things to do. Asking for help and accountability requires vulnerability and humility – two characteristics that Jesus praised. We are not meant to do Christian life alone. 

Remember, this is only a season. It will not last forever even though it feels like right now you are barely surviving. Hold fast to the One who promises “I will never leave you or abandon you. Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Heb 13:5-6).