“Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” – Luke 9:23 (NIV)
Following Jesus isn’t just a big, one-time decision we make at a church altar or during a life crisis. It’s a daily invitation; an ongoing relationship that shapes every area of our lives.
As a wife, a mom, and someone walking through both joyful and messy seasons, I’ve come to realize that following Jesus daily means intentionally choosing Him in the ordinary moments: when the toddler throws a tantrum, when the to-do list overwhelms me, when fears try to creep in. It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence: His and ours.
So, what does it actually look like to follow Jesus day by day?
Let’s walk through the biblical foundation, spiritual rhythms, real-life challenges, and daily decisions that define this life-changing journey.
The Biblical Foundation of Following Jesus
Jesus laid it out clearly in Luke 9:23–24. Following Him means three things: denying yourself, taking up your cross daily, and following Him.
These aren’t just lofty spiritual ideas; they’re powerful, practical calls to transformation.
1️⃣ Repentance and Surrender
To follow Jesus is to turn from sin and self-will. Repentance isn’t just saying “sorry” once; it’s an ongoing posture of the heart. Each day brings a fresh opportunity to surrender your own desires and let God reshape your thoughts, habits, and choices (Romans 12:2).
2️⃣ Taking Up Your Cross
In Jesus’ time, carrying a cross was a death sentence, an act of public shame and sacrifice. Today, He’s inviting us to die to pride, selfishness, comfort, and control.
This doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy good things, but it does mean choosing God’s will even when it costs us. Real discipleship is not just belief, it’s surrender.
3️⃣ Spirit-Led Obedience
True obedience flows from relationship, not religion. Galatians 5 describes life in the Spirit, where love, joy, peace, and other fruit begin to grow in us. Obedience isn’t about striving; it’s about abiding (John 15:5).
Daily Rhythms That Keep You Anchored
Following Jesus happens in the small, hidden moments. Spiritual practices help us stay connected and responsive to His leading.
Here are some foundational rhythms that have anchored me, and might help you too:
1️⃣ Start with Scripture and Prayer
Even five quiet minutes in God’s Word can reset your perspective for the day. Choose a verse, write it down, and ask God to help you live it out.
Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy. Just talk to Him. Pour out your heart (Psalm 62:8). Praise Him. Ask for help. Listen in stillness.
2️⃣ Practice Surrender Through Rest
We often think productivity proves our worth. But God invites us to pause (Exodus 20:8–11). Resting is a way of saying, “God, I trust You more than my performance.”
Pause during your day: during a commute, while folding laundry, or when you feel overwhelmed. Let silence become space for God’s voice.
3️⃣ Build In Simplicity
Busyness crowds out our sensitivity to the Spirit. Simplifying your schedule, priorities, or even your digital consumption can make room for what matters most: your relationship with Jesus.
Real-Life Ways to Follow Jesus Each Day
Following Jesus daily doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s often about faithfulness in the small things.
Here are practical ways you can live this out:
1️⃣ Spend Daily Time with God
- Read the Bible: Even just a few verses a day can help you realign your heart and mind with truth.
- Pray Consistently: Speak to God and listen. Prayer builds a relationship, not just a routine.
- Journal Your Walk: Reflect on what God is teaching you and how you’re growing.
2️⃣ Obey His Word
- Apply what you read in Scripture. Don’t just be a hearer; be a doer (James 1:22).
- Let His commands shape your decisions, habits, and conversations.
3️⃣ Love Others Intentionally
- Forgive quickly. Show grace.
- Look for opportunities to serve your family, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers.
- Be kind, even when it’s inconvenient.
4️⃣ Die to Self
- Say no to selfish desires and yes to God’s will.
- Practice humility. Give up control.
- Fast or practice other spiritual disciplines that help you grow in dependence on Him.
5️⃣ Represent Jesus Wherever You Are
- Whether at home, at work, online, or in your community, your life should point others to Christ.
- Live with integrity. Be honest, faithful, and dependable.
6️⃣ Listen to the Holy Spirit
- Be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading throughout the day.
- Pause before reacting. Ask, “Lord, what would You have me do here?”
7️⃣ Live with Purpose and Eternity in Mind
- Make daily choices that reflect eternal values.
- Remember that you are an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
The Cost, the Struggle, and the Joy
Following Jesus daily isn’t always easy. You’ll face tension, opposition, and even internal resistance.
1️⃣ Daily Temptations Are Real
We’re constantly tempted to give in to fear, pride, comparison, or selfishness. But the Spirit gives us strength (1 Corinthians 10:13). You’re not alone in your struggle.
2️⃣ Transformation Takes Time
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s daily, often slow, but always meaningful.
Each time you choose patience over anger, trust over worry, or truth over lies, you’re growing.
3️⃣ Joy Comes Through Surrender
Jesus said, “Whoever loses their life for me will save it” (Luke 9:24). When we give up control and yield to His ways, we gain something far better: purpose, peace, and joy that the world can’t offer.
The Invitation: A Life That Echoes Eternity
Friend, following Jesus isn’t about ticking off a spiritual to-do list. It’s about becoming more like Him as you walk with Him.
You were never meant to do this on your own. Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). The journey is hard sometimes, but it’s also beautiful, full of wonder, purpose, and deep love.
Whether you’re in a quiet season or a chaotic one, Jesus is still calling: Follow Me. Today.
So, will you answer that call again, right now?
💡 Key Takeaway
To follow Jesus daily is to surrender our will, take up our cross, and walk closely with Him, through simple spiritual habits, honest obedience, and intentional moments of trust. It’s not about perfection but direction, one step at a time, transformed by grace.
🙋♀️ FAQs: Following Jesus Daily
Does following Jesus mean I’ll always feel close to Him?
Not always. Feelings can fluctuate, but God’s presence never changes. Trust His promise to never leave you (Hebrews 13:5), even when emotions say otherwise.
What if I fail or forget to spend time with God?
You will sometimes, and that’s okay. Grace means you can start fresh every day (Lamentations 3:22–23). Don’t let guilt keep you from coming back.
How do I know if I’m really following Jesus?
Look for fruit. Are you growing in love, joy, peace, patience (Galatians 5:22–23)? Are you more sensitive to sin and more eager to serve? These are signs that the Spirit is at work.
Can I follow Jesus while working a busy job or raising kids?
Absolutely. God meets you in the everyday. Following Jesus isn’t about full-time ministry; it’s about a full-time relationship, wherever you are.
🙌 Your Turn
Following Jesus is the most meaningful decision you’ll ever make, and it’s also a daily one. What step can you take today to walk closer with Him?
If this post encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or leave a comment.
Let’s keep walking together—one faithful step at a time.
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Recommended Resource
If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level Christianity, David Platt’s Follow Me is a must-read. This powerful book unpacks what it truly means to follow Jesus with your whole life, not just in belief, but in action, surrender, and mission. It’s both convicting and deeply encouraging for anyone serious about discipleship.
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Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live.
By David Platt What did you leave behind when you chose to follow Christ? For some, the answers are obvious—habitual sin, addiction, or even persecution. But what if you’ve always been in church culture? What does discipleship look like for you? In Follow Me, Platt challenges every believer to consider the true cost of discipleship. Building on his first book, Radical, he now shifts focus to whom we are to follow—Jesus Himself. Discover what it means to surrender your life to Christ and live with joy, purpose, and authenticity. |