Feeling Lame About Daily Devotions? Encouragement For Your Quiet Time

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

1 Peter 2:2

Dear Friends,

Feeling Lame About Daily Devotions? You’re Not Alone.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I feel so lame when it comes to doing daily devotions”? Or maybe you’ve thought this about yourself. When it comes to spending time with God, perhaps you feel like your efforts fall short of what’s expected. If that sounds familiar, I want to offer a word of encouragement.

When I was a young teenager, I had a Bible teacher who used to tell our class that most of us had a devotional diet made up of “Our Daily Potato Chips.” His snide comment downgraded the well-known devotional Our Daily Bread. I remember feeling hurt by his words because, yes, I did use that little pamphlet filled with encouraging truths.

Finding Value in Bite-Sized Spiritual Nourishment

As a young believer still trying to grasp all that Scripture teaches, daily devotionals like Our Daily Bread broke down God’s Word into bite-sized pieces that nourished my soul. They helped me stay consistent in meeting with God each day. But my teacher’s insensitive remark made me feel ashamed—like God had certain requirements I wasn’t meeting.

Over time, I’ve come to understand a little more of what he meant—though I still believe his comment was out of place for our middle school setting. As we grow spiritually and intellectually, we should develop a hunger for deeper understanding of God’s Word. This hunger draws us closer to God and fuels a more intimate relationship with Him.

Seasons of Life and Shifting Spiritual Habits

Still, even as we mature, I believe there’s value in God-honoring devotionals. There are seasons when we simply don’t have the time for an in-depth Bible study complete with word studies and commentary—just ask any full-time mom with little ones!

I remember those days. There were moments I barely had time to take care of my own needs, let alone engage in uninterrupted Bible study. Still, I tried to carve out brief moments to memorize a verse or read a short devotional—something that would give me spiritual food for my chaotic day. Often, one simple word of encouragement was enough to carry me through the next crisis.

Now that my children are grown, I have more time for deeper study. But even so, I was recently reminded of the importance of simple devotionals.

A Bottle, a Baby, and a Spiritual Lesson

Last week, while babysitting my grandson, I noticed he was restless mid-morning. He couldn’t seem to get comfortable. But when I sat down to feed him his bottle, he immediately relaxed in my arms. As we snuggled, the warm milk calmed him into a peaceful sleep.

As I looked into his eyes and watched his little mouth draw in that calming, life-giving nourishment, I was reminded of Peter’s words:

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).

Daily Devotions That Strengthen Us in the Chaos

There are still days when stress, worry, and overwhelm try to rob me of peace. In those times, it’s often a short word from a devotional that gives me hope and strength to press on. God frequently uses the insights of other godly men and women to calm my soul—especially when I’m too weary to think clearly myself.

I’m continually amazed by how God directs me to the exact encouragement I need in the moment. His timing is always perfect. And like my grandson, sometimes I just need a little “warm milk” to soothe my soul.

There’s no doubt about it—I love to study the Bible. Over the years, I’ve dug deep and discovered incredible truths about who God is and how He calls me to live. God’s Word has challenged me, corrected me, and encouraged me. It has shaped my life in countless ways, and I encourage every believer to learn how to study the Bible for themselves. You’ll never regret it.

God’s Desire: Time with You, Not a Checklist

But don’t let anyone shame you—like I once was—for reading a devotional now and then. God doesn’t have a stopwatch or a checklist. He simply desires that you meet with Him and allow His Word to transform your life.

And here’s the beautiful promise: as you regularly take in the “milk” of God’s Word and act on what you learn, you’ll grow in your salvation. That growth will lead to an even greater hunger for more—more time with Him, more understanding, and more depth.

So wherever you are on your spiritual journey, make it a daily habit to feed on God’s Word—milk or meat. And don’t let anyone discourage you. Because it’s through the Scriptures that we come to know God, and He equips us for every good work.

Love,

Mama