Simple Ways to Cultivate Your Devotional Life

This post was written by Rose McCombs Jordan, a tourism director, park host, worship leader, and mentor. Visit beneaththefigtree.org for more information.

Meeting God Where You Are

In the end of John 1, Nathanael is introduced to us beneath a fig tree. His friend Philip comes running to him, exclaiming “We’ve found the one Moses wrote about!“ Skeptical but curious, Nathanael followed.

But before he could ask a single question, Jesus spoke first in verse 48:

“I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

Jesus knew exactly where Nathanael had been. He saw him in his quiet place, his devotional place. And in that moment, Nathanael realized something profound—he was known.

What if you could approach your time with God with that same assurance? That before you even show up, he already sees you? That God isn’t waiting for you to get it right, but simply waiting to meet with you?

A meaningful devotional life isn’t about finding the perfect method or following a rigid routine. It’s about learning to come as you are, knowing that the God who created you already delights in you.

Sometimes, we turn spending time with God into a duty rather than a delight. We create mental checklists: read a full chapter, pray for fifteen minutes, journal every day. And then when we fall short, we feel like we’ve failed.

But Jesus never invited us into a formula—he invited us into a relationship. He still invites us to simply delight in him underneath a fig tree.

Think about the relationships in your life. Some days, you talk with friends for hours. Other times, you exchange a quick text or a smile across the room. Either way, the relationship deepens because of the connection. Your time with God works the same way. Instead of asking, Did I do enough? try asking, Did I turn my heart toward God today? Just focus on your friendship with the lover of your soul.

Find a Rhythm That Fits Your Life

Your devotional life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and it will look different throughout your life. For Nathanael, it began under a fig tree! Some seasons invite long, lingering mornings in the Word. Others are filled with quick moments of prayer between work, kids, and daily demands.

If mornings feel rushed, carve out time in the evening. If sitting still is hard, take a walk and pray as you go. If reading an entire chapter feels overwhelming, meditate on a single verse. Sometimes, the most profound moments with God aren’t found in structured study but in awareness of Holy Spirit presence in everyday, mundane activities, and responding with gratitude.

Your devotional life starts with one moment, one verse, or one prayer. And God rejoices in that! God doesn’t require perfection, only presence. Instead of waiting for the perfect time, start with what’s fits you best right now.

Let Scripture Shape Your Conversations with God

Reading the Bible is essential—it’s how we come to know and converse with God. We sometimes approach Scripture only like a textbook, trying to master its content. But the Bible isn’t just a book to study—it’s a voice to listen to. It’s God’s living, breathing Word. It reveals God’s character and shapes our prayer life.

Instead of rushing through a passage, linger:

• Pick a verse to focus on
• Write it in your journal
• Whisper it in prayer
• Think about it through the day

Accept the Invitation

Jesus didn’t just see Nathanael—he called him. He drew him deeper.

And he’s doing the same with you.

I’ll say it again, a meaningful devotional life isn’t about finding the perfect method or following a rigid routine. It’s about learning to come as you are, knowing that the God who created you already delights in you.

Keep showing up. Keep leaning in. Just like Nathanael, God sees you before you even arrive. And he’s already waiting for your friendship.

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Rose McCombs Jordan is the creative behind Beneath The Fig Tree, a movement helping women discover devotional practices they love. As a tourism director, park host, worship leader, and mentor, Rose understands the challenge of connecting with God in a busy life. Married to Brandon for 30 years, she finds joy in nature and inspiring others to cultivate a meaningful relationship with God.