Book Review
A Habit Called Faith by Jen Pollock Michel
When you think about it, there is much irony found in a bookworm who struggles to read the Scriptures. And yet, there have been countless seasons in life where my Bible reading could be described as inconsistent at best. 2020 wasn’t the first time I’d gotten myself into a devotional rut. And it probably won’t be the last.
So, entering into 2021, I knew that I wanted to carve out space for intentional living within the Word. I needed to re-form better habits. Because my desire was to desire more of Him. I’d just fallen into the habit of choosing one more episode first. Of relegating my devotional time to the final few minutes before bed, exhausted and brain-numbed. Of viewing it as a requirement rather than an act of relationship.
I’m the type of person who thrives off routine and structure. I need checklists and plans to hold me accountable. I need the motivation to say, “I’m going to read even when I’m struggling with it. Especially when I’m struggling.” This year I started participating in a one-year reading plan alongside my local church — and it was exactly what I needed. Finding Jen Pollock Michel’s book, “A Habit Called Faith,” only served to reiterate the work which God had been doing in my life these past few months.
Because the thing is, sometimes we need checklists. Sometimes we need that accountability in order to create habits. He invites us to abide in His Word. To cement our faith in His Holy and Living Scriptures. (And what an awe-inspiring invitation that is!) Because we just need to show up. Intentionally. Actively. Pursuing. In the seasons when it feels dry, and in the season when it feels plentiful. And in that day-to-day act of seeking, transformation happens. Growth abounds.
Reader’s Thoughts on A Habit Called Faith:
A Habit Called Faith is written in such a beautifully conversational manner. And yet, it does so without sacrificing theological truths. Each of these forty-day devotionals carries a weighty punch. No matter what stage of your faith journey you’re in, Jen helps readers explore various biblical texts as means of creating habit.
Each day includes an assigned passage of scripture, a key verse, a three-page devotional and a reflection question. The discussion questions weren’t necessarily always new thoughts for me, but they were still a helpful check to consider at the end of each devotional. I also appreciated the actual devotional length as oftentimes, I find devotional books too compact to actually explore the biblical text.
Sometimes, our struggle with devotions is simply because we don’t know where to begin. A Habit Called Faith is a beautiful starting point for anyone either wanting to start or dive back into a daily habit of dedication.
This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More about the book:
(From the publisher) Habit is at the center of human behaviour; we are what we do. When we want to add something to our life, whether it’s exercise, prayer, or just getting up earlier in the morning, we know that we must turn an activity into a habit through repetition or it just won’t stick. What would happen if we applied the same kind of daily dedication to faith?
With vulnerable storytelling and insightful readings of both Old and New Testament passages, Jen Pollock Michel invites you into a forty-day Bible reading experience. Vividly translating ancient truths for a secular age, Michel highlights how the biblical text invites us to see, know, live, love, and obey. The daily reflection questions and weekly discussion guides invite both individuals and groups, believers and doubters alike, to explore how faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed, might grow into a life-defining habit.
Want to grab a copy for yourself? You can find it on Amazon, here!
**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group
and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. All opinions expressed are my own.
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