I do church really well.
Like, really well.
I can rock up and be in the God-zone, adrenaline kicking in overriding the three hours sleep I’ve had after my second child enters teething. I can put on the smile, say the right words, lead with my half awake voice and hop down off the platform. #awesomeworshipset
I can appear to be attentive to the sermon I’ve heard twice already, if not through a glazed non-caffeinated hue, whilst simultaneously checking my Instagram feed #nailedit.
While I’m there, I’ll choose distraction in taking a photo to impress the world that I somehow, miraculously made it church that morning… #allforthegloryofGod.
Followed by closing songs wrapped in ministry time, genuinely feeling like I’ve connected people with Jesus. #Godshowedup
I can hang about on stage with the muso’s, in my introverted-escape-the-masses self and encourage the team, united in how I forgot to come in and we had to restart the track and how genius our MD is #Godworksthroughourmistakes
Run around like I’ve everywhere to be and whirl through the foyer making true connections in “oh hi!” and “hope we see you next week” #allthefeels… and then we press repeat for night time. #iheartmychurch
Oh how easy it is to get caught up in the “doing” church!!! Only to be hit with the realisation (once I’ve taken a breath…) have I missed why I am doing what I am doing? Did I really connect with His people today? And on the home front, what have I neglected in my pursuit of serving His kingdom… was my relationship with God among the list of todo’s? #AKAexcuses.
The concept of not having personal time with God, praying or even relating to Him when serving in ministry seems like an unfathomable thought, however the struggle is real. #conviction.
I know I’m not alone on this one… right?
I do devotionals. Semi-well.
Some days I even snap an insta-worthy pick of my hot coffee and the perfect moment of solitude. #quiettimesrock.
Then end up lost in the scroll of stalking Instagram quotes and somehow naptime is over and I am in the Mum-zone again. #maybetomorrow.
It’s easy for life to take over. It’s easy to miss those whispers in the ordinary. It’s easy to read over His Word halfheartedly. Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just easier not to stop.
I desperately want to do my behind-the-scenes devotional time really well. The ones where no-one is looking. The hard prayers through ugly tears, the confrontation of conviction, the fall on your knees because He is so wonderful and I am not. The worship I want is found behind closed doors, not on platforms. The worship I desire is done in a sacred, secret place. I want my Sunday’s to come from that place of overflow; the overflow of authentic worship, the keeping-it-real and raw connection to God. The overflow that inexplicably draws others immediately into His glorious presence and whatever I thought was the agenda, is stripped away by a glorious movement of Holy Spirit. I want the public worship space found in the beautiful cavern of surrender, where the doors of heaven aren’t hindered by my lack of preparation, my insecurity, my grudge, my sin or my pride. I want to do that type of church well… don’t you?
How can we create space to connect with God personally, in the everyday mundane so that our overflow on Sundays isn’t a rote performance and beautifully represents Christ’s true love for His children whilst making His Bride radiant in heart, spirit and truth?
It starts with one moment at a time.
Just start the conversation, in whatever way works for you in your life right now.
Maybe it’s in reading one verse/chapter in the morning. Or setting an alarm each day and take a few moments to pray. Find your sacred space: whether it’s the shower, car, backyard, park, lake, cafe… seek space out. Journal the promises and the journey. Fast for you and for others. Be generous and selfless with your heart, time and finance. Worship with music loud or with headphones while the baby naps. Sit with the Word. Be in creation. Dance with your children. Find a devotional app and set reminders so you and your family are on the same page. Take a road trip to solitude. Celebrate His faithfulness. Podcast a sermon. All of it with the main goal to enhance and edify your relationship with your God. Be present. Be still. Sit. Listen. Create space.
The whole point of “devotional time” is to set aside and make room to just be. Not do. And it won’t look the same each day. Or each month. Or each year. Let the secret place evolve and ask Holy Spirit to open opportunity to meet you where you are at. Even if it’s just sitting and taking in your surroundings; pause and listen for His voice. God will continue to speak. Our outworking of His ministry will only flourish when He is at the center of it all. When we get out of the way.
Make Him big, and stay humble and small (John 3:30). The cost of our personal time is nothing compared to the value of the fruit it bears corporately. It dissolves our need to be glorified, and gives glory to God. A flourishing devotional life is an active requisite to a life of ministry.
So sweet one, go and be. Rather than do. Just. simply. be.
Just you and Him.