Is Your Relationship with God Stale?

Finding meaningful time with God can feel nearly impossible in a world filled with distractions and busy schedules. Debbie Howell addresses this struggle on the Honest Christian Conversations podcast. As a fourth-generation Christian who has experienced her seasons of doubt and distance from God, Debbie brings authenticity and practical wisdom to those stuck in their spiritual journey.

One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is the recognition that Bible study doesn't have to follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. Traditional quiet time can seem unattainable for busy parents, especially mothers with young children constantly demanding attention. Debbie encourages listeners to release the shame and guilt that often accompanies missed devotional time, reminding us that "anytime we feel shame, it's not from God." Instead, she offers creative alternatives like listening to Scripture while driving, carrying a verse on your phone to revisit throughout the day, or setting alarms as reminders to reconnect with God momentarily.

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WHAT'S DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE?

• We explore how creativity can transform our experience with Scripture. Debbie suggests using BibleGateway.com to search for verses related to specific topics that address your current struggles, such as forgiveness, patience, or love. She then recommends writing these verses in a journal, allowing your creative expression—whether through doodles, stickers, or artistic elements—to help you internalize God's Word. This personalized approach recognizes that God created each person uniquely, with different gifts and ways of connecting spiritually.
• Perhaps most importantly, Debbie emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in making Bible study more than just reading words on a page. "The Holy Spirit's presence is what takes the words from off the page and plants them in our hearts and helps us have that encounter with who God is, who Jesus is," she explains. This invitation to experience Scripture as a living conversation rather than a checkbox activity offers freedom to those who have felt their Bible time was inadequate or ineffective.
• For parents concerned about passing faith to their children, Debbie offers wisdom from her journey with her now-adult daughters. She emphasizes praying so children have authentic encounters with Jesus rather than simply following their parents' beliefs. I share a similar struggle with helping my children, especially my teenage son, develop personal faith rather than just inherited religion. We both acknowledge that faith cannot be forced but must be chosen, highlighting the delicate balance between guidance and allowing space for personal discovery.

• The conversation concludes with practical advice for couples seeking to nurture a spiritual connection despite mismatched schedules. Suggestions include finding creative moments like mealtime to read Scripture together, taking walks while discussing a verse they've carried throughout the day, or committing to a weekly small group that serves as a spiritual anchor. However, Debbie wisely notes that both partners must desire this connection; otherwise, it can become a source of frustration rather than unity.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you're a new believer unsure where to start, a busy parent feeling spiritually depleted, or someone who has drifted from faith and wants to reconnect, this conversation offers gentle guidance without judgment. The underlying message resonates clearly: God meets us where we are, and even small, intentional moments with Him can transform our relationship with Scripture and the Creator who speaks through it.