Devotional: God Meets You Where You Are, Even on Vacation

Summer is typically the season when families like to get away and take a vacation. It’s a wonderful time to relax, but spending time with God on vacation shouldn’t be something we take a break from.

Our routines may change while we’re away, but our relationship with God doesn’t have to.

Introduction: God Meets You Where You Are

It can be easy to slip out of our normal routines when we’re away from home. We may not wake up at the same time, follow our usual schedule, or have our regular quiet time with God. But here’s the beautiful thing: God meets you where you are.

Your time with Him doesn’t have to look exactly the same on vacation as it does at home. If you’re used to following a daily prayer routine, don’t feel pressured to maintain that routine exactly as you do at home. The important thing is to remain intentional about making time for God.

You can talk to Him while sitting on the beach, read a few verses before heading out for the day, or thank Him for His creation while taking in a beautiful view.

God isn’t limited to our routines, and spending time with Him doesn’t require the perfect setting.

Scripture Focus: God Is Always With You

“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” — Psalm 139:8-10 (KJV)

David’s words in Psalm 139 are a beautiful reminder that God is always with you. There isn’t a destination you can travel to where His presence cannot reach you. Whether you’re hundreds of miles from home, visiting family, sitting beside the ocean, exploring a new city, or enjoying a quiet staycation, God is there.

And that means vacation can become more than an opportunity to rest physically. It can also give us an opportunity to notice God in ways we sometimes miss when we’re moving through our normal day-to-day lives.

If you happen to have a slower morning, it will give you more time to pray.

A beautiful sunset may remind you of the greatness of the One who created it.

Even an unexpected change in your plans can become an opportunity to trust God rather than become frustrated by what didn’t go according to plan.

Reflection and Encouragement for Women of Faith

As women, we often carry a lot, even when we’re supposed to be resting. There are people to care for, plans to make, bags to pack, schedules to manage, and things that still need our attention. Sometimes our bodies may be on vacation while our minds are still running through a list of responsibilities.

I know this all too well. On my last trip, I had so much on my mind that I completely forgot the entire bag of my son’s medications and had to turn around and drive all the way back home. This added almost 8 additional hours to my trip!

Even after all of that, I recognized that God was still calling me to rest.

He wants us to rest in His presence when things are going well and when they aren’t.

You don’t have to have an elaborate devotional routine while you’re away. Just make room for Him. Talk to God. Thank and praise Him for even being able to take a few days away from your regular responsibilities.

Read His Word. Pay attention to the ways He’s showing His goodness around you.

God will meet you where you are, and sometimes stepping away from your normal surroundings gives you the space to recognize just how present He’s been all along.

Where Are You in Your Faith and Natural Hair Journey?

Just as God meets us where we are spiritually, understanding where you are in your natural hair journey can help you become more intentional about how you care for your strands.

Take the Faithful Strand Quiz to discover your natural approach to not only hair care but also your decision-making as a Christian woman. Receive guidance to help you care for your hair with faith as the foundation and intention as the guide.

Take the Faithful Strand Quiz (You’ll also receive a free guide at the end)