Written by Kay Coughlin, community member of Rural Chapel United Methodist Church in Galena, OH. You can watch a short video about this topic here.

My definition of a devotional is a study about God’s Word that somebody else has written to help us interpret and go deeper into a scripture or story from the Bible. It’s an outstanding tool to grow in my faith. Yet I will admit that often, I feel tired out by the idea of doing a long, intense devotional study. And the reality is, that prevents me from starting a devotional, much less making it a regular part of my day and rhythm in my growing relationship with Christ.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend recommended I look at the YouVersion Bible study app (you can use it in a web browser or you can download an app through your phone’s app store). Of course I am sure this suggestion was part of God’s work in me! Because I have found a lot of shorter, more “bite-sized” devotionals that seem less of a challenge to fit into my day. I haven’t explored the service fully, but it looks like I could go a lot deeper into a topic whenever I am ready. And I am really using this app to help me fit God into my day whenever I have a little bit of time!

If you, like me, don’t always have the energy to try to do a big devotional study, please give yourself the grace and mercy to let God meet you wherever you are. Just do a little and let your faith grow, knowing that you aren’t disappointing God by admitting to your human weaknesses!

Yours in Christ,

Kay Coughlin

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Matthew 4:4