Writing Devotionals As Someone Who Doesn’t Like Devotionals

I have a confession: I don’t like devotionals. That might sound odd from a pastor — especially one posting devotional reflections on Facebook. Ironically, just a couple of months ago, I preached on the discipline of Bible study and casually mentioned my disdain for most devotionals. A week later, I started writing them.

Many devotionals on Christian bookshelves are shallow and hollow. Most devotionals I’ve encountered seem more concerned with making me feel good about myself than leading me to wrestle with the weight of God’s Word. Scripture calls us not merely to be encouraged but transformed (Rom. 12:2). The ministry of the Word should strive for transformation over mere inspiration. But what if devotionals, when done well, could be a tool for this kind of renewal?

I realized my disdain may have been misguided as I sat down to write my own. Devotionals are popular because they provide a structured way for believers to engage with Scripture daily. They fit into the hectic lives of modern Christians. While devotionals feel thin, they serve as an entry point. If they draw people to Scripture, they serve a purpose.