“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” – Acts 13:2 (KJV)
Does it ever seem to you that time moves slowly the moment you decide to fast and give yourself to prayer? There is a part of our flesh that craves comfort and pleasure rather than the discipline that we need to build up our spirit. Special seasons of spiritual devotion require intentionality and can not be left to chance.
When certain disciples gathered to minister to the Lord and fast in Acts 13, we learnt an important lesson from their separation unto devotion. They were so vested in fellowship with the Lord that they did not eat. Their focus could be discerned! Focus is essential for special seasons of devotion (Luke 10:41-42). You must recognise that the single most important ingredient in devotion is your undivided attention to the Lord.
In our day, there are many other things competing for our focus, like social media, fun activities, movies, etc. While these things are not wrong, we must recognise priorities for every season. We must be wise to discern by wisdom when to cut down on these activities to focus on the Lord. (Ephesians 5:15-16). It will be irreverent to claim a special season of devotion and scroll endlessly on social media. Guard your focus.
Another major ingredient of special seasons of devotion is ministering to the Lord. Yes, you may have special requests, but your priority must be to behold Him in the beauty of his holiness (Psalm 29:2). Let your time in devotion be dominated by heartfelt worship offered to God. Let Him be the centre of your devotion (Colossians 3:16). Nothing else should matter when you are before your Father. Devotion should not just be about pouring your needs out to God; it should also be a time to fill your spirit up with God’s fullness.
Special seasons of devotion present a good opportunity to fill up on the word of God. The scriptures instruct us to meditate day and night (Joshua 1:8), we must be full of God’s word (Psalm 1:2). You must be deliberate to allow the word of God dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16). The revelation of God in the person of Jesus transforms us (2 Corinthians 3:18). The word of God is a great treasure to the believer!
Dear child of God, keep your focus on the Lord. When you set out time to fan the flames of devotion, let it count. Give yourself to the ministry of the word and to prayer. Let your fellowship with God be marked by wholehearted fervour. Don’t give in to distractions; let the Lord command your affections.
Bible Reading Plan: Hosea 5–8; John 12:20–43