We are living in a whirlwind right now. We are all being touched personally in some way by this pandemic. We need ways to keep hope alive within us. What habits have you developed to keep you anchored in hope? Not just now, but for the rest of your life?

If you had not developed a regular devotional time before this crisis, now is the time to begin. In a world that is uncertain and insecure, we need an anchor for our souls. A regular time in the Word and in worship will anchor you like nothing else. I want to offer you a way to get started. 

Maybe you already have a regular devotion time. That"s great! This method will give you a way to change things up and perhaps even deepen your time with God. 

If you have already signed up to receive my blog by email then you received a printable download: 5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Daily Devotions. If not, click here to sign up and I would love to send it to you and to be able to encourage you by email every week. The printable will give you some guidelines on getting started and being consistent. You can apply this method to the time you spend. 

Daily devotions make a difference. Wherever you are on this journey of faith, you really can develop a devotional habit that will make a difference in deepening your devotion to God. You can get connected, and stay connected through the regular rhythm that keeps you anchored in your relationship with Him. 

Why is a regular time in God's Word important? When you stay connected to God's truth, your perspective on life changes. When your perspective changes, your priorities change. When your priories change, your relationships change. When your relationships change, your whole life changes. When your whole life changes because of a deepening relationship with God, then that change is always for the better. Doesn't everyone want a better life? Right now, when the news around us is so bad. Staying anchored in the Word keeps us anchored to hope. Hope breathes life into every day. 

I have developed the following method over many years and by learning from many sources. Do I use it every time I approach the Scriptures? Not rigidly. However, these elements are always a part of my time in the Word. By offering you a structure I hope to help you stabilize and strengthen the time you spend with God. This will help you regardless of how much time you have for devotions. 

If your kids are home from school, five minutes may be all you have. This will give you a way to take one verse of Scripture and allow it to transform you. If you are out of work, or home alone for hours with nothing but time, this will give you a way to interact meaningfully with the Scripture. You may be surprised to find yourself spending more time in the Word and loving your devotions more than ever.

The Pick One Devotional Method (It will help to keep a notebook as you work through it.) 

1. PICK ONE: I recommend finding a reading plan to guide you. If you can't find a plan that works for you, start in the gospel of John and work through it a little at a time. From what you have read choose ONE VERSE that catches your attention. Write it out in your notebook. 

2. PONDER IT: Take a few moments to think about the verse you've chosen. What two or three words stand out to you? Circle those words. Take time to think about what they mean. Look them up in a dictionary if you have time. Write them out with a brief definition of each word. 

3. PARAPHRASE IT: Re-write the verse in your own words. Use the definitions for ideas. This is what helps you capture what God may be speaking to you through the Word. 

4. PRAY IT: Write out a prayer of response based on the verse and how you want to apply it to your life. Inviting God into your pondering is what leads to transformation. You may want to write out your verse on a card to keep in your pocket as a reminder to pray it throughout the day. 

5. PRAISE HIM: Take some time to thank God for speaking to you through His Word. 

There it is, my friend. I invite you to use this in your time with God. It is my hope that it gives you a tool for staying anchored in Him and anchored in hope. Let me know if it serves that purpose in your life. I would love to hear from you!

Key Thought: Staying anchored in the Word keeps you anchored in hope. 

A Scripture to consider: “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6:19‬ ‭NLT‬

A YES Challenge: Look at your schedule and determine when you will spend time in God's Word. Try the Pick One Method this week. Take time at the end of the week to reflect on what you learned in the Scriptures. 

Prayer: Lord, I know that I need Your Word to stay anchored in hope. Help me to be consistent in taking time to read, reflect and respond to Your truth. Amen.