Cultivating Consistency in the Wordનમૂનો

Developing consistency in my time with God began when I finally understood a fundamental truth: anything worthwhile requires sacrifice. The first practical step toward consistency in my own life was being willing to give up something I'd rather be doing to prioritize time with God.

Luke 9:23 challenged me deeply when I first took it seriously: "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" Following Jesus has always involved self-denial—saying no to certain things so we can say yes to what matters most. This principle transformed my approach to daily devotions.

I had to honestly identify what was pulling me away from consistent time with God. For me, it was the comfort of my bed in the morning and the lure of mindless entertainment at night. What is it for you? Is it sleeping in? Late-night streaming? Social media? Work commitments? I've learned that whatever it is, acknowledging it is the first step toward making the necessary sacrifices for what truly matters.

I remember when I first started dating my husband—I rearranged my entire schedule to create space for our relationship. I'd drive across town just for a quick lunch together, stay up talking late into the night, and adjust my priorities to build our relationship. It wasn't a burden; it was a joy because I valued the relationship. How much more should I be willing to adjust my life for time with the God who gave everything for me?

The second key to consistency came when I allowed urgency to create the necessary urge. Matthew 24:12-13 warns us, "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved." I've seen this playing out in our world—moral foundations crumbling, truth becoming relative, and even believers growing lukewarm in their faith. This sobering reality has pushed me deeper into God's Word, not as an escape but as preparation.

When I truly recognized the urgency of our times, my Bible reading transformed from a nice religious activity into a vital necessity. Just as soldiers in wartime prioritize combat training, I realized that as a Christian in spiritual warfare, I must prioritize time in God's Word. Ephesians 6:17 reminds us to "take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." This perspective helped me overcome the resistance of my flesh because I recognized what's truly at stake.

I've found that my most consistent seasons with God often came during times when I was most aware of my need for Him. When my children were sick, when my marriage hit rough patches, when parenting challenges overwhelmed me, my Bible wasn't gathering dust. I had to ask myself, "Why wait for crises to drive me to Scripture?" This is why I've learned to cultivate this sense of dependency and urgency daily.

As you consider your own journey toward consistency, I encourage you to ask yourself: "Do I view time with God as a nice addition to my life or as absolutely essential for survival?" Your answer will largely determine your level of commitment.

Pause and Ponder: What specific sacrifice is God asking you to make to create space for consistent time with Him?