(Day 22 of a series called “23 days to a better devotional life.” I’m posting daily this month on devotions. Thanks to everyone who’s been reading.)

I used to think I had to impress God with my devotions. I thought my quiet time with God had to be an emotional, euphoric experience. If it wasn’t, I thought God wasn’t pleased with my Bible reading and prayer. I thought maybe I should’ve understood more of what I read. Maybe I should’ve applied the Bible verses more in my life. Maybe I should’ve prayed for certain things I forgot about. Maybe I should’ve thanked God more. Whatever the reason, I thought I must be doing something wrong because I didn’t have an emotional high.

But I’ve realized this concept that brings peace to my soul. My devotions are not a performance. Really.

Some days I feel like I get a lot out of my Bible reading. A verse will capture my attention. It will be relevant to my present life situation. And I’m inspired to make changes in my life because of that verse. But other times I read the Bible and I don’t feel like I’m getting anything. I don’t understand what I’m reading. Or I find it difficult to apply the verses to my life.

Some days I’ll be praying and I’ll sense God’s presence in a powerful way. I’ll sense Him speaking to me words of peace and assurance. I’ll sense Him convicting me to deal with a certain sin. Or I’ll sense Him leading me to pray for certain people. But other days, my prayers seem lifeless. Like God’s not even listening.

I think it’s so important not to base our devotional lives on how we feel. Let’s say you’ve just spent some time reading the Bible and praying. However, you don’t feel better after doing those things. That’s ok. God hasn’t left you. God is still your friend. God hasn’t changed. The Bible is still powerful. And prayer is still a good idea.

I think in these situations God is testing us to see if we will continue to trust Him in faith. Will we give up on spending time with God? Or will we follow Him regardless of our feelings?

Yes, I do know the Bible promises a better life for those who turn to God through Bible reading and prayer. This includes feeling better. And I’ve definitely felt more love, joy, and peace in my life since I started reading the Bible and praying. I’ve had a more positive attitude.

Yet I think what the Bible promises is based on the long run, on a real commitment to stay connected to God. We cannot expect to have more love, joy, and peace if our devotional lives are sporadic. Every time I’ve been consistent with my devotions for an extended period of time (30 days or more), I find myself naturally feeling better. It’s almost like those feelings catch me by surprise. For example, I think about this semester compared to last semester. I was more stressed out last semester. I worried more. But this semester, I feel more peace. And I know it’s because, for the most part, I’ve stayed connected with God.

I don’t say this to brag, but actually to show God’s power. I’m an ordinary guy. I’m nothing special. I’m a sinner. If I skip my devotions for a couple days in a row, I become a different person. I become irritable. I become selfish and prideful. I become lazy. I become worried and stressed out.

It comes to down this. Do I realize the need to turn to God every day of my life? Do you realize this need? This need is my motivation. I’m a mess without God. I really do need Him every day.

If you haven’t done your devotions in awhile or you’ve been sporadic with your time with God, these posts might help you:
God is ready to welcome you back (from 23 days to a better devotional life - day 5)
Start with small steps (from 23 days to a better devotional life - day 13)

Other related posts:
Expect benefits in the long run (from 23 days to a better devotional life - day 4)
I don’t feel like reading the Bible or praying