Cultivating Consistency in the WordSample

Have you ever found yourself saying, "I'll start reading my Bible regularly tomorrow," only to have tomorrow turn into next week, next month, or even next year?

I recently spoke with someone who shared their struggle with morning devotions because they're "not a morning person," and I completely understood because that was me, too! For years, I would convince myself, "I'm more of a night Bible study person," but if I'm being honest, night after night would pass with my Bible untouched and my good intentions unfulfilled.

The truth is, consistency in our time with God isn't optional—it's necessary for building a firm foundation in Christ. This isn't about guilt or forcing yourself into someone else's spiritual routine. My heart's desire is that by the end of this devotional, you'll genuinely hunger to prioritize time with God, whether that's in the morning, evening, or somewhere in between.

James 4:8 tells us, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This verse holds both a command and a beautiful promise. The command is to draw near to God. The promise is that when we do, He will draw near to us. Our consistency begins with this understanding: we're seeking a Person, not merely completing a religious task.

However, I've had to confront a challenging reality in my own life: my flesh naturally resists spiritual disciplines. Romans 7:18 captures this struggle perfectly: "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find." Your flesh—like mine—does not, in and of itself, have any desire for God or the things of God.

This explains the internal wrestle I feel every morning when my alarm goes off and I'm faced with the choice between reaching for my phone or reaching for my Bible. There's a part of me that genuinely wants to read Scripture and pray, but another part that would rather sleep longer, scroll through social media, or rush into my day's tasks. This isn't unusual or a sign of spiritual failure—it's the normal Christian experience described in Galatians 5:17: "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish."

When I finally stopped trying to muscle through this resistance on my own and started asking God to help me be consistent in His Word, something unexpected happened. Though I was definitely not a morning person (ask anyone who knew me in college!), I started waking up earlier naturally, reaching for my Bible, and genuinely desiring to read it. What began as discipline gradually transformed into delight. The key wasn't my willpower but my willingness to ask for His help.

As we continue this journey together, I encourage you that consistency doesn't develop overnight. It grows through intentional choices made day after day, even when—especially when—you don't feel like it. Your flesh must die daily, and in a world that constantly competes for your attention, consistency with God isn't optional—it's essential for your spiritual survival.

Pause and Ponder: What specific resistance do you feel when trying to establish consistent time with God, and how can you ask for His help in overcoming it?