Making devotionals relevant

Writing devotionals is hard. I say that because people think it’s easy. What could be hard about telling people how to live the Christian life?

 

Firstly, a devotional writer is not ‘telling’ people how to lead their lives. They’re communicating God’s Word to people in a relevant and structured way that will bring light and encouragement to those that read it. At the centre of this great ‘communication’ is the Bible. While a writing a devotional for this website, I was ‘reminded’ by the Holy Spirit that my devotionals were supposed to draw people to God through His Word not through my experiences. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying it’s wrong for devotional writers to use personal experiences to complement their devotionals. However, I do think it becomes a problem when the writer’s experiences become the focus of the devotional not God. For some reason, it’s easier to relay personal experiences than it is to study the Bible. But study the Bible we must if we are to call ourselves devotional writers.

 

As a devotional writer, I have to confess that I approach my devotional writing times with fear, joy and trembling. With trembling because my head (or maybe it’s the devil) tells me I’m writing rubbish, that no one reads what I have to say. With fear because I know the time for Bible study has come and I’m not particularly keen on a convicting session with the Holy Spirit and with joy because, in spite of what I said before, I do love reading the Word and hearing what God has to say to me through it.

 

There is a plethora of devotionals on the market. They range from the pithy to the trite. And there are some fantastic ones. What about the devotionals you read? Why do you like them? What makes you go back to them again and again and again? Make a note and put those notes in mind when you’re writing your own devotionals.

 

A devotional needs to be relevant and ministerial without sounding trite. They should be concise, short and to the point without sounding dry. They should not be too preachy neither should they shy away from hard hitting issues. And they shouldn’t court controversy for its sake. The keyword here is ‘balance’. And yes, it can be done. Approach your mission with holy fear, joy and trembling and trust God, you’ll be fine.