It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
My whole life, I’ve been taught that you must read your Bible and pray every single day if you want to be like Jesus. I ritualistically followed this mindset growing up, throughout my college and missionary service years and into my marriage.
But like every other human, I’ve struggled at times to read and pray. And the guilt I’ve felt over not doing so could overwhelm me, until recently when my husband and I were chatting with our pastor. We mentioned our struggle with doing this every single day, especially together, but she stopped us.
“If it’s a legalistic thing that drains life from you, don’t do it! You’ve been set free in Jesus to have a relationship with Him, not be a slave to policy.”
While praying and reading the Bible are good to do every day, if you can’t some days, you don’t have to. Your relationship with God won’t be destroyed because you’re too tired or distracted. And life is so much healthier and happier knowing He’s there for me, and I’m there with Him and that He loves me. No conditions. Not even that one about reading my Bible everyday.
God, thank you that you don’t want a legalistic pursuit of you, but a genuine relationship. Please help me to remember that you love me, even when I can’t spend time with you every single day. Thank you for being such a kind, loving, compassionate friend and lover.
Rita Mock-Pike 