Probably for most people it is difficult to have a routine in which they regularly, frequently read the Bible and pray. It seems that there are so many distractions. We pay attention to the obligations in our daily life. Something might suddenly come up unexpectedly that requires our immediate attention. We may have good intentions. However, we may not realize how important it is to spend time with God.
Unfortunately, it is so easy to approach God only when we have a significant need. Our concern may be for ourselves. It could be a concern for others. There might be times in which we need guidance in a difficult situation. Why is it that God seems to take second place in our lives unless we are jolted by circumstances?
We take time to go to work on a daily basis. Unless we are in a third world country where food and water are priceless, we routinely and casually sit down to feed our bodies. Most people are willing to go to a doctor for an annual checkup or if feeling ill. We plan and go for vacation time because we say we need it. When unemployed, it becomes imperative to keep an appointment for an interview at a new job. It is likely that many people have a routine about cleaning the house when one day there is time to vacuum and dust. On another day we schedule ourselves to do the laundry.
What keeps us from having frequent devotions with God? Obviously, our priorities are not in order. Those things that seem so important are addressed quickly. Granted, there may be a time in which we have been away from home and are extremely tired when we return. God understands our situation, but do we allow situations to become excuses? Perhaps, our attitude about spirituality places material things on a higher plane. We must not allow ourselves to be indifferent to the God who loves us so much!
We do not allow someone else to be a substitute for us in romantic situations. We do not send other people on vacation that we would like to schedule. It would be a ridiculous thought to suggest that someone else can eat food in our behalf. No one can sleep for us. No one can be inoculated by a nurse as our proxy. Who could brush teeth for us? It would not work if we asked someone else to assume our career while we gain the salary.
Participating a devotion with God is tantamount to supporting our marriages. Somehow, we professing Christians must set aside time for Jesus. Often our Lord spoke of love. He even challenged Peter three times if he really loved him. It could be that we have lost the realization for building and improving our relationship with God.
To devote ourselves to a time with God on a regular basis requires reading his Word. It includes prayers. Those prayers must begin with worshiping God and recognizing his magnificence. It is very important for us to confess our sins of commission or omission. Jesus expected us to have a concern for the lost which should also be included in our prayers. The needs of others should be addressed to the Almighty that he intervene in their lives. While having a devotion to God we must pray for ourselves; not just needs or wants. If we are truly concerned about our spiritual well-being, we must seek the ministry of the Holy Spirit within us. When we ask God to bless us, it cannot be for selfish reasons, but that as blessed people we can be a blessing to others. It would be hard to find anybody that would disagree with this blog. That is not the question. The question is: will we do something about our spiritual growth?
Christian Writer 