Do you have a basic daily routine?
I have a routine everyday. I wouldn’t say it’s magical, but it does lay a great foundation for my day.
I awaken early, before anyone else is up. I get coffee, do Bible Study, and then exercise.
Even when our family schedule changes, I try to constantly do that morning routine. My day just goes better when I have had my time with Jesus and I have exercised both my faith and my body.
The days I miss either, or both (gasp!), I struggle with positivity and productivity.
In Luke 4, we see Jesus being tempted by satan.
Notice the state Jesus was in: He had been in the desert for forty days and nights. He hadn’t eaten for that long. (Can we imagine ourselves that hangry?)
Bur Jesus had his spiritual armor intact: He knew God’s Word. And, He wielded it.
Notice after satan hammered Jesus with half-truths and assaulted His pride three times, “he left him until an opportune time.” (v 13, NIV)
An opportune time for satan might be translated, “a time when Jesus would fall into temptation.”
I know myself fairly well. When I’m out of schedule it’s easy for me to fall out of sorts. I need to make sure I am not providing the devil with an opportune time.
Ultimately, Jesus showed us the very best defense: Know the word of God. When you know the word of God, you can identify when someone is twisting it, or misusing it. Know it, and don’t be afraid to speak the truth.
Jesus was quick to correct the enemy and speak the truth to set him straight. But Jesus had to know it in order to do it.
That’s where the routine enters. If we read a bit of Scripture every day, we slowly soak the Truth into our souls. When it’s been layered in over time, it’s easier to retrieve it and apply it when we need it.
How about you? Do you have a daily routine to pour a little Scripture into your heart? What methods do you use to remind yourself of God’s truth? If you are in a season of struggling to find ways to get time with the Word, God is happy to help us identify when and where that is possible. Let’s ask Him together for just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know I need to get more of Your Truth into my heart. Please help me identify times I can spend with You and Your word. Help me keep opportune times for the devil at bay. In Jesus’ name, Amen.