Struggling to maintain spiritual routines? Discover the steps to creating simple, consistent habits that draw you closer to Jesus.
Resources and Links:
Restful Rhythms Tracker
Discussed in this episode:
● Atomic Habits by James Clear (affiliate link)
● One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (affiliate link)
Find links to subscribe to The Heart Rest Podcast with Crystal Storms at HeartRestPodcast.com.
For years, I longed to be someone who cherished and truly knew God’s Word—someone who began each day with Jesus.
But every January, I’d set ambitious goals: Read the Bible in a year! Yet, time and again, I’d abandon the plan before the Valentine’s Day decorations came down. Some years, I didn’t even make it that far.
I was trying too hard, starting too big. What I really needed was simplicity.
A favorite verse is Zechariah 9:10 but God doesn’t need grand gestures but small beginnings.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
So, I shifted my approach. I started small: a Psalm and a Proverb each morning as I sat at the kitchen counter with my breakfast. Just that. And something beautiful happened.
Those small, steady steps became a path—an unhurried journey—toward spiritual growth.
Over time, I discovered something even more freeing: my connection with God wasn’t bound by perfection. Whether I was running late, Tim was home, or Minnie was barking, I could still meet with Jesus. Circumstances didn’t have to dictate my quiet time.
I only needed three things:
- A time
- A plan
- A place
That’s it. I didn’t need a grand, color-coded checklist. I didn’t need an Instagram-worthy setup with the perfect chair or trendy mug. I didn’t need the devotional everyone was raving about.
I needed a rhythm that fit into my life—a rhythm of rest.
1. Time
When can you carve out a few moments to be still with God? It could be morning, during breakfast, or before bed. The time itself isn’t sacred, but the act of setting it aside is. We prioritize what matters by putting it on the calendar.
2. Plan
What will you read? A few verses, a Psalm and Proverb, or a simple reading plan like the Close to His Heart Bible Reading Plan? The key is to know what’s next before you sit down.
3. Place
Where will you meet with Him? At the kitchen table, your favorite chair, or even in your car before work? Your place can be fixed or flexible—just make it easy to begin.
When I simplified my approach, I found freedom. I even unknowingly applied a concept from James Clear’s Atomic Habits: habit stacking.
Clear writes, “One of the best ways to build a new habit is to identify a current habit you already do each day and stack your new behavior on top.”
For me, breakfast was the anchor. Eating was something I already did daily, so I paired it with reading God’s Word. And I kept it small—just the time it took to finish my meal.
A New Rhythm of Rest
Recently, I’ve been adding a new habit: praying over my day. To make it simple, I pray right after listening to a devotion on the YouVersion Bible app.
Sometimes, I pray while grooming Minnie, making the bed, or steeping my morning tea. It’s not about when or where—it’s about starting small and making it part of my rhythm.
Celebrating Progress Over Perfection
I’ve always loved fresh starts: new years, new months, new weeks. But here’s the truth—every moment is a chance to begin again.
When I oversleep or get distracted, I don’t abandon my habit. Maybe I listen to a devotion while making my lunch and pray in that quiet moment. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
So, let’s make it simple and sustainable.
- Start small with achievable goals.
- Build daily rhythms of rest.
- Celebrate progress over perfection.
Steady steps, no matter how small, pave the path to spiritual growth.
An Invitation to Begin
If you want to begin or deepen your rhythm of rest, I’d love to offer you a brand new resource. 21 Days of Peace and Faith with help you build a rhythm of rest as you find peace within, peace with God, and peace with others. This simple plan of one to five verses a day is perfect for building a sustainable habit of connecting with God.
I also created the Restful Rhythms Tracker. This 30-day tool is designed to help you cultivate and maintain habits that draw you closer to God and create a life of peace and rest. Use this tracker to identify daily practices that refresh your soul and align your heart with Christ.
Scripture to Encourage You
And remember, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
—Zechariah 9:10 (NLT)
Question to Reflect On
Each episode I want to offer you a question to journal about or simply contemplate:
What small, daily habit can you start today to build a rhythm of rest in your life?
Thank you for joining me for Episode 21 of The Heart Rest Podcast. My prayer is that today’s encouragement helps you create rhythms of rest in your life.
Remember, life may be complicated, but true rest comes when we keep first things first and release the rest into His hands.
If this podcast blessed you, would you leave a review? Your kind words not only encourage me but also help others find rest in Christ.
As we close, let me leave you with a quote from Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts:
“Routines are not a prison, but a framework for freedom.”
Until next time, may you rest close to His heart and live from His peace.
