74.What Is Holy Leisure? Finding Joy with God Instead of Quiet Time Pressure

Send us Fan MailHave you ever sat down for your quiet time… and instead of feeling refreshed, you felt pressure?Maybe it started as something meaningful—a space to meet with God, to be nourished in His Word. But somewhere along the way, it began to feel like one more thing to do. One more box to check. And instead of delight, you felt disappointment… wondering if you were doing it “right.”If that resonates with you, this conversation is a deep breath for your soul.In this episode of the Habits of Hope Podcast, Ginger sits down with author and Bible teacher Cara Ray to talk about what it looks like to move from performance-driven spiritual routines into a more life-giving rhythm of what she calls holy leisure—a way of enjoying God in everyday life.Together, they unpack why so many of us quietly struggle in our time with God, and how shifting our mindset from striving to abiding can transform not just our quiet time—but our entire relationship with Him.In This Episode, We Explore:Why quiet time can slowly become pressure instead of peaceHow a “checkbox mentality” shapes our experience with GodThe difference between union with Christ and communion with HimWhy not every time in Scripture feels meaningful—and why that’s okayWhat holy leisure really means (and what it doesn’t mean)How to experience God in hidden, familiar, and even hard placesWhy seasons of dryness and suffering can deepen your faithHow abiding in Christ leads to lasting fruitfulnessIf your time with God has felt rushed, dry, or distant, maybe the next step isn’t trying harder.Today's Habit of Hope:This week, open your Bible not as a task to complete,but as a place to meet with the God who is already with you.Connect with Cara Ray:Learn more about Cara Ray at her website.Check out The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places on Amazon. (Affiliate link at no cost to you).Continue Listening:5. What We're Doing In Our Quiet Time Right Now: Daily Devotion Tips25. How to Hear God's Voice: Simple Habits for Listening to God67. Seek God First: How to Order Your Life Around What Matters Most69. How to Scripture Journal: A Simply Rhythm for Everyday Quiet Time71. How the Holy Spirit Guides You into TruthSupport the showSign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.