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Devoted Devotions


In the Christianese language, I contend the term “devotions” is overused to the point of redundancy.

Devotions. Ideally, I'm sure most of us use it to describe a daily quiet time spent with God, completely focused on two-way communication. Realistically, however, the pretty picture is probably a bit smudged.

For many, the reality of daily devotions doesn't turn out to be anything like the ideal image that comes to mind. What is intended to be a quiet time spent with God, in preparation for the day ahead, turns out to be more like duty — read three chapters from the Bible. Say a prayer. Rush out of the house. That is, if there's even time to do that much.

And then there are the justifications we tell ourselves: I pray while I’m driving. I talk to God while doing dishes. I spend all day with God; he's with me at every step. While these statements are probably true, they are not the point. The point is we need to spend time with God. Alone. Not as an afterthought.

Most of us agree time alone with God is important, but I think we would also admit to the lack of dedicated “God-only” time in our lives. Sure, when things go wrong we are at His feet in a heartbeat, but when things are fine, well, it seems more difficult to find the time.

April’s LifeTrac article, Selfish or Selfless, considers the negative connotation of selfish and applies it to the context of time with God. It challenges readers to be selfish with their time with God — to be intentional and seek Him at every opportunity.
Are you up to the challenge? What effective ways have you found to be intentional about your time with God?

About the author:  Robyn Roste



Robyn Roste