If you type the words “daily devotional” into Google, you will find many blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and books to choose from. Regardless if you are looking for a daily dose of encouragement or a deep dive into psalms, a devotional caters to almost everyone. But what is a devotional and do you need one?
A Heart Of Devotion
Before we dive into what a devotional is, I would like to discuss the heart behind a devotional. Or at least the heart I believe every devotional should have. I firmly believe that devotion is a posture. Posture relates to how we carry and present ourselves to others and the world. Therefore, when we posture ourselves as devoted to God, we follow His ways and reflect His nature. Jesus tells the disciples in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” (CSB) When we have a heart to follow God, our actions flow from this place of submission.
This understanding of posture should always be at the forefront of whoever is authoring the devotional. A devotional should be about God’s truth, not there’s. The use of metaphor and storytelling must bring clarity, understanding, and revelation to the reader as it relates to God’s Word. A devotional should never be used as a secondary Gospel for there is only one.
What Is A Devotional
A devotional is typically a Bible-based reading structured by day and or time. However, devotionals come in all shapes and sizes including podcasts. You can catch up on season one of my devotional podcast, Before I Sleep, here on YouTube or listen on Spotify. The purpose of many devotionals is to provide intentional reflection on God through the exploration of one or a few passages of scripture. Unlike a study, most devotionals don’t take a deep dive into scripture but rather provide nuggets of encouragement or correction that the reader or listener can ponder on throughout the day. However, that does not mean that there aren’t devotionals that aim to provide more theological depth.
What A Devotional Is Not
I like to think of a devotional as a supplement. The Bible is your whole food. If you know anything about nutrition, you know that a supplement is not a replacement for your main course. God’s Word is your main course meal. A great devotional will always point you back to the Bible. The Word says that we do not live on bread alone. (Luke 4:4) God’s Word sustains us. The Bible is the bread and a devotional is an optional topping. Having toppings can be great. They add variety and offer an opportunity to experience different cultures, perspectives, and expressions. However, when it comes to God’s Word, any reflection or exploration must be rooted in His truth.
You Need God’s Word
So no, you don’t need a devotional. You NEED God’s Word. But a devotional can be beneficial in bringing edification and encouragement to the body. But I think the better question to ask is, “How are you using your devotional?” Because there is no replacement for God’s Word.
With Love,
Tamara
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References:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
