I recently read a post by a young woman frustrated by current devotionals for women. She was particularly disappointed by what she called, “cutesy fluff”. In her post she described women’s devotionals and journals that were more concerned with being aesthetically pleasing, rather than being theologically sound. She said, “If I read one more devotion that says ‘I’m beautiful’, I may throw up!”

It got me thinking. I start my day by journaling (mostly listing my complaints to God, if I’m being honest), then I read a short daily devotion from one of three devotionals that continue to challenge me: “My Utmost for His Highest” – Oswald Chambers; “Experiencing God Daily” – Henry and Richard Blackaby; and “The Quiet Place” – Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. Then I read a passage from the Bible. For the last several months I have been immersed in 1st and 2nd Kings. I end my quiet time with prayer.

Being retired, I have time to ponder, meditate and research passages I have read. I have numerous study Bibles at my disposal to help me exegete a passage so I may understand His Word more fully. Of course, Google is helpful too when I need a quick AI answer to a question I may have. I go to Adult Bible Studies in my church, and am blessed to have gifted teachers who study and lead discussion, as well as groups who enjoy time of fellowship and camaraderie while studying God’s Word. I am most fortunate indeed! However, I realize that not all women have the same advantages I now have. When I was a young mom, I was lucky if I could squeeze in a ten minute quiet time before kids, work, and a myriad of chores and calendar events broke into my day. I will admit, a “cutesy fluff” devotion was not only easy, but welcome to give me the pat on the back I needed to start my day. With my hair a jumble, a ratty old sweatshirt with spit up on it, no makeup, and bags under my eyes from another sleepless night rocking a sick baby, to be called “beautiful” in an easy to read devotion was just the encouragement I needed to keep going.

But, now I want more. I want the “meat and potatoes”, as my Dad used to say. I want to be fed a satisfying, theologically sound, diet from the Word that draws me closer and closer in relationship to my Lord. I believe in today’s chaotic climate of political, societal unrest and calamity, more and more women (and men), young and old, want that too.

If I may offer advice to that young woman who was tired of all the “cutesy fluff”? Seek out a church where there are numerous Bible Studies offered for adults. Join a small group, who can encourage, pray, and uplift you in whatever season of life you’re in. Find a devotional, not necessarily geared specifically towards women, but one that challenges you in your daily walk. Most importantly, don’t rely exclusively on a book or devotional to nourish you, but feast on the Bible.