From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “routine” as ‘a regular way of doing things in a particular order.’
Sometimes we can see routine as a bad thing, as in getting into a rut.
However, routine can also be a good thing, as something that keeps us on course and pointing toward our goal.
Summer is a great season but it often takes us off our routine.
That is a good thing, as we all need a break, but when fall hits it is good to get back into a regular routine.
The kids are back in school, work schedules resume to their pre-summer mode, and life needs the stability of routine to keep everything in proper balance.
The beauty of being in a routine is that you have a benchmark to go back to when a crisis or unexpected turn comes along.
I have found that a good spiritual routine helps keep the ups and downs of life in perspective and helps me to avoid extremes.
Consider the prophet, Daniel.
At the time that Israel was captive to the Babylonians, a decree went out to prevent the Jews from praying to the Lord.
Daniel had a routine, however, and this routine helped give him a platform to challenge the foolish and impetuous edict of the Babylonian king.
When challenged to refrain from praying to his God, Daniel responded by adhering to his routine, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, chapter 6 and verse 10: “…he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since earlier days.”
Eventually, he was brought before the king to face trial but the Lord gave him favour with the king and spared his life.
I want to encourage you today to make daily prayer and time in the Bible part of a daily spiritual routine.
I believe it will help to bring order and direction to your life, even when things occur that would upset your usual routine.
