Finding Renewal Through Guided Devotions
I’ve had a love/hate relationship with guided devotions. There have been seasons in my life where a guided devotion was helpful, but other times, I found it distracting. Recently, though, I’ve found a devotional guide that has been deeply life-giving. I want to share this resource in case it might bring the same encouragement to you. If you’re interested, I’ve included a link at the end where you can learn more about the book.
I’ve been reading “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day: A 40-day Journey with the Daily Office” by Peter Scazzero (2008). Scazzero encourages readers to go through two devotions each day, one in the morning/midday and another in the evening. The structure is simple: each devotion includes Scripture, a short reflection, questions, and prayer, and begins and ends with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
I’ve loved starting and ending each devotional with silence and stillness before God. This time allows me to connect more deeply with Him. Scazzero quotes the psalmist: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7, p. 13), reminding us of the power in waiting quietly on God.
Sample Morning/Midday Devotional
Silence and Stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture Reading: Jonah 1:1-4
The word of the LORD came to Jonah, son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because its wickedness has come up before me.”
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.
Reflection
Jonah is an example of a prophet struggling with emotionally unhealthy spirituality. Though he hears God, he chooses not to obey, running 2,400 miles in the opposite direction. While Nineveh was an ancient city with a dark history, Tarshish was exotic and enticing. It was the “idealized port”—a place where Jonah could avoid facing God’s challenging call. As he ran, however, God sent a great storm, taking Jonah to a point of surrender. It was in the belly of the fish that Jonah finally wrestled with God in prayer.
Questions to Consider
What internal or external storm might God be sending into your life as a sign that something isn’t right spiritually?
Prayer
Lord, may your will, not mine, be done in my life. You know how easy it is to call myself a Christian but then get so busy that I forget your will. Forgive me for this sin. Help me listen to you and grant me the courage to surrender faithfully. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
Click here to learn more about Peter Scazzero’s devotional book.
Blessings,
