What is Your Often?
(#19) Lessons from Luke 5:15-16
Devotional: Luke 5:15-16
In Luke 5:15-16, the word '“often” caught my attention in the section of Luke. Everyone builds a reputation over time based on the things they do “often”. Today our “often” might include checking our phones, refreshing our Substack feeds, scrolling through emails, or watching YouTube videos.
Perhaps your “often” is texting friends, or maybe it’s something positive like exercising, eating healthy, or attending church regularly. On the other hand, it could also be habits that aren’t beneficial.
The Holy Spirit is good at letting us know when our “often” choices may lead us astray. I confess that sometimes my “often” is being distracted. In our modern world, we face an overload that can pull our attention in multiple directions.
“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” - Luke 5:15-16
What is your often?
Now ask yourself if someone was observing you for a few days, what would they say you do often?
Recently I had a reader on my Facebook Salt & Light Daily from the last post in Luke: Is Jesus Willing? Used with permission, this reader said she desires for her often to be thanksgiving coming out of her mouth.
The reason is she was told she would not be able to have children. But the Lord provided her with five children and two grandchildren. Here response to me is a good often.
Outline of Luke 5:15-16
Jesus often rested and prayed.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, your Word tells us, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3). Lord help us to do things often that please you. Help us to do good that our bodies, mind, and soul will give praise to you. In Jesus Name.
Paul you inspired me with how “often”, it’s a little word with a BIG impact.
This is a great reflection point. Do I say “I love you” often enough to my loved ones? Do I pray and talk to God often? Do I listen more often and speak less? Do I show gratitude often enough? I’m taking a pause to think 🤔 about how OFTEN I do these things.