There’s something comforting about the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. For me, it’s the signal that the day is about to begin, and it helps me transition from the grogginess of sleep to the alertness needed for the day ahead. I typically have two cups in the morning and another cup mid-afternoon to keep me going. This routine is almost sacred, a predictable rhythm that I follow each and every day. But it got me thinking—do I have a similar routine with Jesus?

In Matthew 6:11, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” This isn’t just about physical nourishment but spiritual sustenance as well. Just as I rely on my daily coffee to get me started and keep me going, I need to rely on Jesus for the strength, wisdom, and encouragement to face each day.

Let’s take a moment for some introspection. Is Jesus a daily inspiration in your life, or is He more of a sporadic presence—someone you turn to during trouble, trials, or assigned church times? It’s easy to fall into the habit of seeing Jesus as an emergency contact rather than a constant companion.

My coffee routine is consistent. But what about my Jesus routine? Do I spend time with Him each day? Is He the first person I talk to in the morning and the last one I speak with before bed? Psalm 5:3 says, “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” This verse encourages us to start our day with prayer, directing our thoughts and hopes to God as we prepare for the day ahead.

Just like I need my coffee to wake up and stay focused, I need a routine with Jesus to stay spiritually awake and focused. This might mean setting aside time each morning to read the Bible and pray, or perhaps listening to a Christian podcast during your afternoon break. I find that keeping scripture visible helps me stay connected to God throughout the day. I have Bible verses written out and placed by my bathroom mirror so I see them each morning. I keep scripture cards in a holder beside my couch, and I read one each day while drinking my coffee. This simple act keeps my mind centered on God’s word.

In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, it says, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” This scripture emphasizes the importance of making God’s word an integral part of our daily lives, discussing it and thinking about it throughout the day.

Creating a Jesus routine isn’t about checking off a religious duty. It’s about cultivating a relationship with the One who keeps us going. Life is filled with challenges, and without that constant connection to Jesus, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Jesus Himself said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Abiding in Jesus means staying connected to Him, drawing our strength and sustenance from Him every single day.

If you’re looking for ways to keep Jesus front and center in your life, start small. Commit to reading a chapter of the Bible each morning or keep a prayer journal where you write down your thoughts and prayers. Use post-it notes with scriptures and place them around your house or workplace. Listen to worship music or a Christian podcast during your commute or while you’re having your coffee break.

The race we are running is not just against the devil but also against the distractions and busyness of life that pull us away from Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Every day is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to rely on Him more deeply. As we establish routines that include Him, we’ll find that just as coffee gets us started, Jesus truly keeps us going. Let’s make Him the central part of our day, every day.