I'm Glad You're Here.

What I’m learning about God’s heart when my spiritual practices fall apart.

I’ve been on sabbatical the past four weeks.

The church I pastor has graciously given me this time away, even in the middle of a building purchase and an exciting new season for our community.

And honestly, it’s been great. And needed.

I’ve been able to travel with my family, read a couple of novels, take more naps, and simply enjoy the start of summer.

But if I’m honest, I’ve also struggled.

It’s hard to shut off, especially when there’s meaningful, exciting work happening. And as much as I’ve rested, I’ve found it difficult to maintain the spiritual practices that normally keep me grounded in God’s presence.

I haven’t been getting up early to sit quietly with God.

I haven’t been meditating on Scripture.

I haven’t been journaling daily.

This isn’t new for me. Whenever my normal routine is interrupted, especially by travel, these practices tend to fall by the wayside.

And for a long time, I felt ashamed of that.

I used to believe God was disappointed in me. That my lack of discipline meant I was failing Him. That it wasn’t just a personal spiritual slip, but a pastoral one too. What kind of Christian, let alone pastor, doesn’t pray while on vacation?

But a few things are changing for me.

1. God isn’t disappointed in me—He misses me.

I no longer believe God is angry or scowling when I miss a prayer time. I believe He longs for connection with me. Not because He needs it, but because He loves me and I need it. He delights in our time together, and when it’s missing, I think His heart simply says, “I miss you.”

2. Disrupted rhythms can be refining.

Rhythms are important, but they aren’t ultimate. When my practices are disrupted, it creates space to reflect, recalibrate, and even rekindle longing. Sometimes what feels like a spiritual setback is just an invitation to return with fresh eyes.

3. Shame isn’t part of God’s welcome.

This might be the most important shift: I no longer believe God wants me to wallow in guilt before returning to Him.

When I show up weighed down by self-condemnation, I imagine God stopping me mid-confession to say:

“I’m just glad you’re here.”

That changes everything.

So maybe your practices have fallen off lately. Maybe not because of a sabbatical. Maybe just because life has been busy, or overwhelming. Or maybe you’ve even been lazy.

Whatever the reason, can I invite you to release the guilt and shame that only push you further away?

Instead, hear God’s invitation today:

Come back.

Not to perfection.

Not to performance.

But to His presence.

God isn’t scowling. He isn’t withholding. He isn’t disappointed in you.

He loves you.

He loves your attention.

He loves time with you.

So whatever your spiritual life has looked like recently, let this be your moment of return.

Take a deep breath.

Feel His presence.

Receive His delight.

And above all, hear Him say again:

“I’m just glad you’re here.”