Have you ever found yourself in a spiritual rut? When practices feel more like obligations rather than moments of true connection with God? It’s common to slip into a routine of rituals, mechanically ticking off tasks without genuinely involving our hearts and minds. This morning, as I contemplated my own spiritual walk, I came to see the stark contrast between merely engaging in religious activities and truly nurturing a vibrant, life-giving relationship with the Lord. It’s not about the “doing,” but about “being” in His presence.

The Allure of Routine

In my journal entry, I described my morning routine, which I had fallen out of. I had also been thinking about a fear-based practice I had been working on. I realized that I didn’t want to do this as a habit. I’ve been developing a habit of writing down my fears and giving them to God, but I’ve started to question whether that should be a part of my daily routine.

This made me consider that perhaps, instead of sticking to a rigid routine, I needed to be more flexible in my approach to prayer and be open to what God might have for me each day. I was reminded that I don’t want to make fear my best friend, but instead, I want to develop a relationship with God and His qualities.

I realized that sometimes, routines can become a substitute for genuine connection. We can get so caught up in the steps that we forget the purpose. It’s like reading a devotional and just copying it, without letting the words truly sink in and transform us. We bypass the process and miss out on the opportunity to connect with God on a deeper level. It’s in these moments that we miss the opportunity to truly allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and to connect with the Lord.

A New Way of Connecting

This morning, when I stumbled upon Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling devotional, I felt a nudge to engage with it in a new way. Instead of simply reading it, I chose to rewrite the words, to really allow them to flow through me. I also looked up the scriptures, reading them in the King James Version, not just because it was there, but because I wanted to ingest them fully. It was through this active engagement that I felt a deeper connection with the message. This wasn’t about religiously following a routine, but rather, about being intentional and engaging with God’s Word.

This experience made me consider that perhaps a better habit is to check in with God in prayer, focusing on the good things He is doing in my life, spending time with gratitude. I’ve realized that sometimes, we need to drop our agenda and just enjoy being in His presence, seeking to be present, rather than seeking a blessing or self-improvement. This is what a relationship looks like, where you show up because you enjoy being there, not because you have to, or because you want to accomplish something.

The Importance of a Genuine Relationship

This isn’t about abandoning all structure or discipline, but rather, about allowing room for the Holy Spirit to lead. In a genuine relationship, there is no room for rigid rituals. There is room for connection, growth, and intimacy. True connection with God involves authenticity, vulnerability, and the willingness to be present in the moment, with all of our flaws.

The Bible reminds us that God desires a relationship with us, not just our religious acts. In Hosea 6:6, it says, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Similarly, in Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” These verses highlight that God values a genuine, heartfelt connection over empty rituals and routines.

Moving Towards Genuine Connection

Here are some practical steps to help cultivate a more authentic relationship with God:

• Be Intentional: Approach your time with God with a heart ready to engage, instead of simply going through the motions.
• Listen to the Holy Spirit: Allow for flexibility in your spiritual practices. Be open to where the Holy Spirit might lead.
• Focus on Gratitude: Spend time acknowledging the good things in your life and thanking God for His blessings.
• Be Present: Set aside your agenda, and show up just to enjoy being in God’s presence.
• Seek Authenticity: Share your heart with God, with all your imperfections, not just what you think He wants to hear.
• Be Vulnerable: Be honest about your fears, struggles, and desires with God, trusting that He will guide you.
• Engage with Scripture: When reading the Bible, engage actively with the words, seeking to internalize them and understand their meaning.

Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond routine and develop a vibrant, loving relationship with God. As you pursue this, remember that it is a journey, not a destination. There will be moments of deep connection and moments where you might feel distant. But, keep showing up, keep seeking, and keep trusting that God is with you every step of the way.

Develop your Relationship with God

Take some time today to reflect on your spiritual practices. Are they rooted in genuine connection or have they become mere rituals? Take time to intentionally drop your agenda and just enjoy being in God’s presence. Open your heart to God, and invite Him to guide you into a deeper and more intimate relationship.

Remember, God desires a relationship with you, and He’s waiting to meet you in that space of authenticity and vulnerability. Let your heart lead you, and trust that He will lead you to a deeper understanding of His love and grace.

Perhaps you might find it helpful to explore how to transform your struggle into strength, as we discuss in another article, or maybe you could benefit from learning more about the science-supported journaling protocol to improve mental & physical health. Let your heart lead you, and trust that He will lead you to a deeper understanding of His love and grace. You may also be interested to learn how to embrace surrender to God’s guidance as we explore in another study.

References

• Jesus Calling: 365 by Sarah Young – https://www.jesuscalling.com/
• Hosea 6:6
• Matthew 6:6