Is it important for a Christian to have daily devotions?

Answer

Daily devotions is a term used to describe the practice of reading the Bible and praying that Christians engage in at the beginning or end of their day. Bible reading during daily devotions can involve a structured study using a devotional book or a simple reading of specific passages. Some individuals choose to read through the Bible in a year. Prayer as part of daily devotions may encompass various types such as praise, confession, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession. Some individuals maintain prayer lists for their daily devotions, while others prefer to pray interactively as they read the Word, listening for God’s voice through the Bible passages and responding in prayer. Regardless of the approach to daily devotions, the key is for these daily practices, as the name suggests, to be genuinely dedicated to God and carried out daily.

It is crucial to dedicate time to daily devotions with God. Why? Paul explains: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” «For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. », (2 Corinthians 4:6). Experiencing God’s light shining in our hearts occurs during our moments spent in God’s presence. This light is only attainable through knowing God via Christ. The incredible gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon every Christian, and it requires faith to believe and act on this truth. In essence, if we truly desire to encounter the light of the Lord, we must be in God’s presence every day.

Someone once said, “The gospel brings man to God; devotions keep him close to God.” The apostle James wrote, “Come near to God and he will co

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” «Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. », (James 4:8). As the children of God seek a closer relationship with God, they will find that God is closer than ever. In their daily devotions, Christians aim to draw close to God’s heart, understand more about Him, obey His commands, and hold on to His promises. The impure and double-minded will have no such yearning in their hearts. In fact, they will seek to distance themselves from God as much as possible.

In daily devotions, we desire to draw near to God. The expression “draw near” was originally associated with the priesthood in Israel. Under the regulations of the Old Covenant, the priests represented the people before God. However, before approaching God’s presence, the priest had to be physically washed and ceremonially clean. This required bathing, wearing the proper garments, and offering the correct sacrifices. His own heart had to be right with God. Only then could he “draw near” to God on behalf of the people. Over time, the concept of “drawing near” was extended to anyone who approached God’s presence in worship and prayer.

The sincere believer understands that God desires His people to draw near to Him with genuine and pure hearts, and that is the essence of daily devotions. “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” «let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. », (Hebrews 10:22). This verse applies the terminology of the Old Testament ceremonial system to us today.Just as the ancient priests prepared themselves to be close to God, we should also spiritually ready ourselves to worship Him, whether in formal worship or during our personal devotional times.

After experiencing salvation, spiritual growth begins. The believer will, like Enoch, naturally desire to walk with God “and Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:”, (Genesis 5:22). He will, like Asaph, long to be near God “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all thy works.”, (Psalm 73:28). He will, like the disciples, yearn to pray effectively “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”, (Luke 11:1). In essence, the child of God will desire to make time for daily devotions.