They've always said 'You should have your devotions...' Others say you need to read the Book through every year {implying you're never going to reach their level of holiness till you do}
Well folks, after a lot of wrestlings and [rebellings], all the while knowing there was SOMETHING ESSENTIAL in all this daily reading and prayer, I've come to some new conclusions. (I did keep reading through all this, in case you're wondering)
I've always missed the underlying message about how much power there is in daily connection when Discipline in doing it every day was overemphasized. When I spend time in His presence there is something that empowers, that refreshes, that transforms even my countenance--- sometimes to the point that a Buddhist monk asked if I have a boyfriend! :) I have something to offer after this, instead of running on empty. While I knew those transformational moments were impacting, I never made the connection that the focus is more on this than on the discipline. Am I the only one who missed it?
Devotion in its full meaning of loving someone enough to spend time with them is often forgotten when we talk about having daily devotions. It changes what that time looks like, when it's more about being with Someone we love.
In all those wrestling moments previously mentioned, I also came into close proximity with my own depravity. My own needy, broken, ugly ways of coping weren't cutting it. And they weren't pretty to look at. But it brought me to the realization of how much I need Him. If I'm going to do more then survive in this broken world, my thriving is dependent on Jesus alone. There is a connection between how much time I spend with God and how I relate to life. This is the all-essential reason we meet with God daily.
When we consistently have those empowering moments, we can connect with others and give in extraordinary ways. As we allow God to make us aware of our own heart and renews it, we can help create a safe place for others to share their heart. We can stimulate them toward their own personal renewal as we share together about our spiritual journeys.
Keep wrestling!
