Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Routine.
My routine has been the same for years now. Waking up before the rest of the house, I grab my coffee which is always waiting for me because it’s pre-set the night before. I head to the family room and my desk, where I do my morning devotions. Then I proceed to do other, also routine activities before I start my day like check emails and send a few as well.
Routine can basically be defined as that which is ordinary, habitual, or typical even.
In typing that sentence, it hits me – my desire is for my morning devotions to be anything but routine. My heart is for Scripture to become anything but rote, as that will bring a mechanical feel to my reading. It will simply be another check mark in my head of a task completed.
The word prompt – Routine – brought to mind a verse read years ago:
“Open my eyes, that I may see, wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18, NKJV)
Wondrous isn’t a commonly used word nowadays. It struck me deeply as this was the desire of my heart. To see wondrous things when reading Scripture, not the routine or rote.
I quickly learned the definition of “wondrous” – it is to excite wonder; marvelous.
In seeing the wondrous things, Scripture reading becomes anything but routine. The wondrous ignites an excitement. Scripture becomes marvelous, an awe grows inside, drawing us closer to God. The wondrous swells our hearts, enlarging them as they become filled with His truth and love.
Yes, I want a morning routine but,
I don’t want to approach God’s Word routinely.
“Open my eyes, Lord, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.”
So great to have a routine with God, but not to let it become stale so we fail to see the wonder!
Michele, God is so good to show us wondrous things in His Word so as to keep us returning to His Word.
Typically my mornings aren’t routine. Friday is because of FMF and I have prayer time with my friend in Indiana on Friday mornings at 7 – so that is routine. But the other days I’m pretty ‘open’… You are so right about Bible reading can get to be just another checkmark. I so don’t want that to happen.
Susan, I truly believe the Lord can keep His Word from becoming rote in our lives as He brings a fresh word to us each day. The wonders of His Word!
Lovely post, dear Joanne. I also love morning coffee with my Scripture reading. Like you, I enjoy discovering new treasures in the Word during my quiet time. It’s one routine that allows God to transform me and shakeup any routines in my life that need to be realigned with His will.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
Wendy, you have worded it beautifully. In the midst of routine, He is always in the process of changing us. So glad our paths crossed today!
I want my devotions to be like that too.
And I am so grateful God is delighted to do that for each of us.
Joanne, I agree. When we want to see, He always shows us great and mighty things. Thanks for sharing and opening up your heart. # 70 this week…
Del, you made such an important point. Praying that we will always want to see!
Have a blessed Easter!
Great job with this word prompt! That is one of my fav verses and you explained the temptation of routine devotions beautifully!
Thank you for the encouragement, Gretchen. Familiarity can be such a thief, can’t it? We need routines but not to approach Scripture routinely. We need a fresh word each day.
May you and your family have a blessed Easter!