I've been in a rut lately. I'm at work for up to 14 hours at a time, then I come back to the hotel, eat, shower, and head for bed. I may make time for Bible reading and prayer on some days, but all too often, I collapse exhausted on the bed without any relationship-building between myself and the one true master of the universe.

It is in times like this, that I need to work even harder at being diligent. You may eat, drink, and sleep because you enjoy them, but ultimately, you'd do them anyway, because you need them. We need to approach our spiritual lives the same way.

"Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble." -- Ps 119:165, NLT.

You may drool at the thought of tonight's tuna casserole. You may even experience a heightened sense of anticipation as you look forward to your devotional activities. In fact, I hope you do. I certainly have in the past, and I expect to do so in the future. But regardless of whether you experience personal pleasure from your devotional times, you need to do it anyway.

It is only when we learn to do what is needed regardless of personal pleasure that we can be sure that we will continue to carry out God's desires for us. Let us be joyful when we can, and resolute when we must, but above all, let us be obedient at all times.