March 27, 2025 “God in the Everyday Grind"

Theme: Finding Him in the mundane tasks of work, family, and life. 

Scripture: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” —  1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) 

Tamelia Barrieffe,
East End SDA Church

 Where is God in Your Daily Routine?

Life often feels like a cycle of repetitive, mundane tasks—work, family, responsibilities, errands. It’s easy to feel disconnected from God, as if we need a special moment or a break from our routine to experience His presence. But what if God is already in the ordinary moments? What if, instead of waiting for a perfect time, we created an environment where spending time with Him became a natural part of our day?

Think about your typical day:

●        You want to spend more time with God but you still leave work late and rush through the evening.

●        You want to eat healthier to honor your body but your home is filled with junk food.

●        You want to be more patient with your family but you haven’t set up ways to manage your stress.

Change doesn’t just happen because we want it to—it happens when we create the right environment for it.

The Behavioral Perspective: How Our Environment Shapes Us

We often think our thoughts impact our actions, but in reality, repeated behaviors can reshape our thoughts. Science confirms that our brain adapts to what we do repeatedly, meaning our environment and habits influence not just our actions but also our mindset and spiritual growth. For example:

●        If you keep your Bible on your bedside table, you’re more likely to read it.

●        If you place a healthy snack in sight, you’re more likely to eat it.

●        If you set an alarm labeled “Pause & Pray”, you’re more likely to pray.

We cannot control everything—we can’t change our workload, other people’s actions, or life’s unpredictability. But we can control our responses and set up our environment to help reflect God in our life.

The Brain, Environment, and Spiritual Growth

Our brain is wired to adapt based on our habits and surroundings. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and self-control, strengthens when we engage in consistent spiritual practices. Prayer, reflection, and worship activate this part of the brain, helping us think more clearly, make wiser choices, and grow spiritually. However, when we live in a chaotic, unstructured environment, the amygdala, the brain’s stress center, takes over. This leads to impulsive reactions, lack of focus, and difficulty maintaining spiritual discipline.

This is why God calls us to create space for Him regardless of our schedule—because our spiritual habits shape our mind, emotions, and actions.

Biblical Example: The Woman Who Changed Her Environment for God

One powerful example of modifying the environment to seek God is the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-10. She noticed the prophet Elisha passing by and wanted to honor God by making space for him in her home: “Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.” — 2 Kings 4:10

She didn’t just say, “I wish I could honor God more.” She took action—she created a space in her home that would allow her to do it. And because of that, she received blessings beyond what she imagined. Likewise, if we want to spend time with God, grow spiritually, and live in alignment with Him, we must create an environment that facilitates it.

Practical Ways to Find God in the Everyday

1. Modify Your Environment for Spiritual Growth

●        Want to pray more? Set an alarm with a reminder to pause and pray.

●        Want to reflect on Scripture? Keep a verse in places you see daily (mirror, desk, fridge).

●        Want to express more gratitude? Create a gratitude jar and add one note daily.

●        Doing dishes? Thank God for the family he has provided

●        Rocking a child to sleep? Meditate on God’s gentle love and care

●        Sending an email to a client? Attach a bible verse

2. Use Reinforcement to Strengthen Good Spiritual Habits

●        Self-reinforcement: Acknowledge small spiritual wins (“I made time to pray today”) and feel encouraged.

●        Social reinforcement: Share with a friend or join a small group to stay accountable.

3. Control What You Can—Your Actions and Reactions

●        You can’t control a busy schedule, but you can control what time you wake up to pray.

●        You can’t control other people’s attitudes, but you can control how you respond with grace and you can pray for your co-workers.

●        You can’t control everything in your work environment, but you can control your mindset.

.Just as behavior change requires consistent reinforcement, growing spiritually happens one small choice at a time. God is not just in the church or in grand moments—He is in the folding of laundry, the morning tea, the email responses, and the bedtime routines. When we invite Him into our mundane tasks, we redefine our grind—it’s no longer a meaningless cycle, but a sacred space where His presence is constant.

 Prayer

Lord, in the busyness of each day, help me to find moments to sit with You, even in the smallest grains of time. Let my heart be drawn to Your presence, whether in stillness or in the midst of my tasks. Teach me to seek You continually, finding peace and purpose in every moment.