Dwell – Day 15

I used to be a fitness trainer, working with women—especially new moms—who wanted to get back in shape after having babies. While they would show up to my classes and give their all when I was pushing them the real challenge came after class, at home, when they were on their own.

Without me there to guide and encourage them, they’d struggle to stay on track especially with their eating habits. They wanted quick solutions and I even when I gave them meal plans and step-by-step strategies, most of them would fall back into old habits.

The ladies who made lasting change were the women who created their own sustainable routines. These were the women who didn’t just follow my instructions but took what worked for them and then built their own structure around her own lifestyle and goals — even when she didn’t feel like it or no one was watching.

And isn’t this how we often treat our faith?

We go to church on Sunday and we sing along to worship songs, listen to a powerful message, and leave feeling spiritually full.

But then Monday comes, and no one is there to guide and encourage us.

The demands of life creep back in—relationships, work, activities, grocery lists —and suddenly, our good intentions falls into the category “I’ll do it later.” We want to stay connected with God, but in the midst of life’s chaos, it can be really, really hard.

We have good intentions to build a relationship with Jesus—but honestly life kind of gets in the way. And then we are wondering why we are feeling so anxious and weary, and why we don’t feel God’s peace.

Good thing is that our God is so patient with us as we fumble around learning how to build our own habits and structures to meet with him.

And just as a trainer can’t create habits for you to work out and eat right no one can hand you a plan that magically brings God’s peace into your life either.

Here are a few places to start.

Jesus already promised us a rich and satisfying life—but it’s our hearts He wants. And when we give Him our hearts, the peace we receive in return is beyond what we could ever imagine.

What step can you take today to meet with God, right where you are? What habit can you build this week that invites His peace into your daily life? Start small, but start today.

Dear Heavenly Father, today, I come before You seeking the peace that only You can give. Quiet the distractions around me and draw me closer to Your presence, where true rest is found. Help me to nourish my soul daily with Your truth, for I know that just as You fed thousands with little, You can fill every empty place within me. Lord, enter my heart, cleanse me, and do the refining work that only You can do. Shape me into who You’ve called me to be. Amen.