I recently tried a 5-day challenge that you would think would be seemingly easy. I wanted to give Jesus the first and last moments of my day.

As the world would suggest, having a morning and nightly routine is considered essential to the success of many millionaires. While these individuals are considered successful, I heard an average man speak a few months ago on this topic. When we spend the first and last moments of our day focusing and decompressing we are more likely to have restful sleep and productive days.

With this, I tried to start my day in directory prayer and end my day in my quiet time for five days straight. I must say, before this challenge, I had a regular, but not steady quiet time. I was also not praying as much as I’d like to. I was in a space where I was going through a bit much, so I was doing a lot of asking Jesus for the provision and not posturing myself for direction. Also, I was starting to see key factors of an organization in my home, scattered thoughts, and my bullet journal was a mess, so I knew it was time to tighten up and get disciplined.

I went into this challenge wanting to feel less anxious, more clear, and focused for my days. With this, I decided to do the Fear and Anxiety devotional through the U-version app that I discussed in my How to Study the Bible Video. My goal was to do this devotional every night and spend the first thirty minutes or so praying in the morning and getting direction for my day.

I hate to say it, but I failed this challenge. I tried to start my five days over twice. I failed all three times. No matter how hard I tried, I would keep forgetting. From this challenge, I can say I’ve learned a few things.

Change of habit doesn’t come overnight. A five-day challenge is great, but it takes 21 days to solidify a habit.
Sometimes you need to meet with yourself before meeting with the Lord. Self-care is just as essential to your relationship with others as it is your relationship with God. I went into this challenge so disheveled. I needed to take some time to now what I wanted and re-center myself before asking God for anything. This would’ve cut down on the random thoughts.
Even just one day eases the soul. Unfortunately, we as humans are “out of sight out of mind” kind of people. The peace of God transcends our every being whenever we spend time with Him. But we so easily forget all the wonders and miracles of God just as soon as we close the Bible. Sometimes, we need just that one more day to get by. But with a little discipline and intentionality, we could daily tap into the peace and serenity that governs our hearts.

In my case, I went into this challenge, not as a fast, but as a way to get redirected. But God can only use what you put in. While I failed, I’m still trying. I’m still going. I have taken a break from the Bible app devotionals for a while because I feel led to go to other places. But me sitting and having a formal quiet time isn’t the only way that I convene with God.

However, through what I’ve seen just in my failed attempts, intentionality with God is unparalleled. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” But if we aren’t intentional with the prayer and supplication, we won’t receive the peace of God.

I say all of these things to reiterate, take time for the Lord. Whether starting in your shower or graduating to an hour of dedicated time. Worship Him, pray to Him, and hear from Him for yourself. It won’t come overnight for most of us, but even in the dryer seasons, push for Him. Be deliberate with your motivation and effort.