Devotional Struggle

[JonahMac]

I have never been fond of devotionals. I tend to find them sort of boring and to commit to one thing to read daily for a year seems to become tedious after a time. I would much rather prefer time in the word or reading other theological works. So I guess my question is. Am I missing something? Have I just read bad devotionals, I’ve tried “My utmost for his highest”, and “Everyday Gospel” I was looking into Spurgeon’s “morning and evening” I like his works but like I’ve said, not a devotional guy.

 

[TheInquirer]

I personally think devotionals are not a valid substitute and Christians should be reading God’s Word directly first and foremost. Anything above and beyond that is up to you.

 

[Pictet]

You are not alone. They are a tool, and nothing more. As CS Lewis put it, speaking of himself,

I believe that many who find that "nothing happens" when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand

If they help you worship, if they help you love God better, then great.

If you know something that does the same thing for you better, do it.

Obviously you should be reading the Bible daily and praying. Beyond that, if you are more moved to worship by serious theology, go for it.

I can think of multiple people I have pastored over the years who have become anaemic in their faith because they rely on devotionals more than the scriptures. It's a real danger.

They have value if they work for you and if you have little time, and need to be stirred up. I have found periods in my life where reading Morning and Evening before the scripture did help open my heart and mind to God's word. But even then they are a secondary help at best.

 

[alexanderjames]

May I instead recommend a liturgical style devotional like one of those put out by Crossway by Jonathan Gibson, like ‘be thou my vision’. I don’t know whether this falls under a devotional book strictly speaking, but it provides good liturgical structure for personal devotions, including a section for personal Bible reading and prayer. There are 40 days worth of material so you don’t have to feel like you’re committing for a year to something.

 

[W.C. Dean]

Brother, meditating on Scripture everyday will bless you without a devotional! I've struggled with them as well.

Sometimes, after Bible reading and praying I go through one of the Reformed catechisms, a few questions a day. You could try singing a hymn or Psalm with your private time as well.

 

[JvMill]

I don’t use devotionals. I’ve tried Spurgeon off and on, among others, but I never stick with them because they just don’t seem to “do” much for me. I think they tend to be shallow, especially modern ones. I won’t say Spurgeon is shallow, but he certainly aims for the heart.

The Reformed confessions (especially the 3 forms) are a perfect mix of theology and devotion, so I am implementing them into my daily reading.

Foundational, though, is scripture reading, meditation, and prayer.

Foundational under private worship would be public worship, me thinks.

 

[JesseC]

The best devotional I have found is Daily Light by Samuel Bagster. It is also nothing but scripture compiled daily on various topics and is often very encouraging and powerful.

 

[Deleted member 12431]

I love the Lewis quote that Pictet posted (Post #3). I think that is so true. Part of the problem with devotionals is that the majority of them are too diffuse. You mentioned Spurgeon- I'd encourage you to read from his sermons or his Treasury of David. Now that is good devotional reading!

 

[JonahMac]

I personally think devotionals are not a valid substitute and Christians should be reading God’s Word directly first and foremost. Anything above and beyond that is up to you.

I totally agree to that. I just don’t even really enjoy them.
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May I instead recommend a liturgical style devotional like one of those put out by Crossway by Jonathan Gibson, like ‘be thou my vision’. I don’t know whether this falls under a devotional book strictly speaking, but it provides good liturgical structure for personal devotions, including a section for personal Bible reading and prayer. There are 40 days worth of material so you don’t have to feel like you’re committing for a year to something.

I’ll have to check it out. He came to my church for a conference in September and seemed like a great guy.
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You are not alone. They are a tool, and nothing more. As CS Lewis put it, speaking of himself,

If they help you worship, if they help you love God better, then great.

If you know something that does the same thing for you better, do it.

Obviously you should be reading the Bible daily and praying. Beyond that, if you are more moved to worship by serious theology, go for it.

I can think of multiple people I have pastored over the years who have become anaemic in their faith because they rely on devotionals more than the scriptures. It's a real danger.

They have value if they work for you and if you have little time, and need to be stirred up. I have found periods in my life where reading Morning and Evening before the scripture did help open my heart and mind to God's word. But even then they are a secondary help at best.

Thanks, definitely makes me feel better because I thought something was wrong with me.

 

[Jack K]

There are a handful of devotionals I have liked, but I don't usually read one. You aren't necessarily missing much if you prefer straight Bible reading and other types of books.

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

There are some really good devotionals available (puritan ones, J.R. Miller, etc.). But I think it's preference. I go through seasons of preferring one thing over another, then I change when I'm ready. Lately I've loved the puritan paperback books. Just grabbing one of those and reading a page or two can do wonders. And the puritans are full of Scripture, so you're getting Bible too. But for most of last year I just read the Bible and prayed. But there is something special about hearing what a good Christian has to say about a topic or passage. It encourages me a lot.