Life can often feel like a never ending whirlwind. Between the constant social media notifications and the never-ending to-do lists, my mornings used to feel frantic, completely chaotic. This year, I craved something different. Something more... peaceful.
That's why I made a bold decision: to dedicate my mornings to Jesus. It might sound drastic, but hear me out. Instead of reaching for my phone the second I wake up, I silence the digital noise and dive right into a morning devotion.
Why Morning Devotion?
The first thing we choose to do in a morning sets us up for the day ahead. For me scrolling on social media left me feeling empty and less than. I'd limit myself to two minutes and find that twenty minutes later I was still in the same position.
Now my mornings look more like this: the sun peeks through my semi-closed curtains, birds chirp a gentle song, and instead of the jarring ping of my phone, i'm greeted by the calming promises of scripture. The shift was so simple, but the impact in my life has been profound!
How Do I Get Started?
Take the first step
Make a choice and stick to it. Embed devotion into your daily routine. It could be right after your shower, as soon as the alarm rings. Figure out what works best for you and make a commitment to guarding that time.
Silence Distractions
My biggest distraction is my phone, so I've made the do not disturb feature my best friend. Get out of bed, create a special place in your house specifically for devotion, lock your apps if you have to! Make a conscious effort to silence the noise and give God your undivided attention.
Pick a topic you enjoy
In order for you to want to do devotion each morning, choose a story, character, chapter or selection of Bible verses that you like to read. Pick a topic that is relevant to your life right now, it will really help you to connect with the Scriptures on a deeper level. If you find it hard to study without guidance, pick a reliable Bible study plan or devotional book.
Be Consistent
Don't just try it for three days and say it doesn't work. Allocate a time and duration and stick to it! People say it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to change your lifestyle. Keep pushing through the tough moments and don't give up!
If you want to change your habits, ask God to change your heart.
Review and Evaluate
Periodically review and evaluate your devotional time. It shouldn't be a chore but something you look forward to. If you have stuck at it for 10 days and things are not working, try to understand what is working and what isn't. Maybe the topic doesn't feel relevant or the initial time chosen is making it difficult.
Make it personal
Devotions can be fluid and look different each day. Sometimes I listen to a sermon or podcast. Other days I study my favourite Bible character and some days I challenge myself with a Bible quiz. You can introduce music, incorporate art, journal, pick apart just one verse in Scripture. Whatever you do, make that sacred time with You and God mean something special!
Take it to God in prayer
Change is not something we can do by ourselves, especially when it involves our relationship with God, changing our heart and our habits. If you really want to get to know God better, ask Him to show you how. Trust me on this, He won't disappoint.
In conclusion, dedicating my mornings to Jesus has been a game-changer. It's a small but impactful shift that has brought peace, clarity, and purpose to my days. While the initial steps may seem daunting, remember, you don't have to be a religious scholar to embark on this journey.
Start small, personalise your approach, and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for guidance. Who knows, maybe this simple change could be the key to unlocking a deeper connection with your faith and transforming your mornings into a haven of peace and inspiration. So, are you ready to hit snooze on the hustle and wake up to a life filled with faith? It all starts with the first step. Take it, and see where it leads you.
Ready to get started? Stay tuned for the next post where I'll walk you through each step of our Bible study template, offering practical tips and resources to turn your devotions into a vibrant and life-changing experience!