The Spiritual Discipline of Living the Devoted Life

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1

You may ask yourself, why is it important for Christians to participate in regular devotions? I have found, when we are committed to the pursuit of something and want to be steadfast and faithful to it, we must be devoted to it. The most important thing we have to be devoted to is our relationship with God.

In the act of “doing” or “having” devotions, we come into God’s presence as we read and meditate on the Word of God. Jesus, by His example, shows us the importance of regular quiet time with God. Throughout the gospels, Jesus often goes off to a quiet place to be alone with God. Personal devotions help us grow in spiritual maturity.

Over the years, my devotional time has looked different. Even though I have tried many different avenues for having this quiet time with God, the habit remains.

In my twenties, I discovered Proverbs 31 and their daily devotion. The habit of reading a daily devotion became an anchor for my soul. This brief pause in my day to soak in God’s Word and commune with God became sacred. This was the start of my love for a written devotion.

A few years later, a friend gave me the devotional, Jesus Lives by Sarah Young. This well-known devotion has been near my bedside off and on for years. As I look to my bookshelves now, I see I have become a collector of Devotionals. In my opinion, you can never have too many.

I have identified five benefits to having a regular quiet time with God:

5 Benefits of having a regular devotion time.

1. Getting to know God better. God created us to be in a relationship with Him. What better way to get to know God than by spending time with Him daily? A devotional is a great way to spend devoted time with Him. Like any relationship, our relationship with God requires time and effort.
2. Learning the Word of God better. The Bible is a long and complex book, and a devotion is one way to learn the Bible in small chunks. I encourage you to participate in more in-depth Bible Studies as well. But using your devotion as a daily discipline will be one way you can be sure to be in the Word regularly.
3. Finding ways to apply God’s Word in your life. Daily devotions help us learn the truth. As we learn more and more about God’s truths, we gain wisdom that applies to all areas of our lives. My favorite book of the Bible for finding ways to apply Scripture to my day is Proverbs. I find such practical advice in this book.
4. A way to incorporate many other spiritual disciplines in your life. This year, I will continue the series of devotions on the Spiritual Disciplines. Your devotion time will include many of them, such as prayer, worship, and Bible study.
5. Finding peace. Whether you start your day with a devotion time, end your day it, or fit it into the middle somewhere, you will find the daily discipline of having a devotional time anchors your heart to God and brings a realm of peace to cover you.

Do you have a favorite devotional you use? What can you do today to begin spending more consistent time with God?

How to start living a devoted life.

1. Stay encouraged – sign up for my weekly devotion below. Once a week, you will receive a devotion to help you strengthen your relationship with God.
2. Become part of the Beautifully Broken Community on Facebook. This is where I post many mid-week encouragements and resources. Find us HERE!
3. If you are looking for a Devotional to purchase, I would love for you to give my book, A Warrior of Hope, A 30-Day Devotional for the Heart of a Warrior, a try. You may purchase it HERE.

Heavenly Father, I am excited to be committing part of each day to spend with you! As a deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for you. Guide me to useful resources and help make this a consistent habit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.