Time with God
The kids are back at school and so guitar lessons and soccer practice and whatever other extra-curricular activity your kid does is also starting back. And it doesn't take long for life to get crazy busy again. I remember what it was like when our kids were small and our calendar was full of reminders about school meetings, cello lesson times, orthodontist appointments…and the list goes on. And if those appointments, meetings and lessons weren't written down and put in the schedule, well then, they just didn't happen.
We tend to naturally prioritize those things in life we see as important. We'll rearrange the schedule and find time for those things we value.
So, what about our relationship with God? Do we prioritize time spent with Him reading the Bible, praying, listening for His voice and His leading? Do we invest in those things that encourage us in our faith, like gathering with other believers in corporate worship or Bible study?
As believers, we know time spent with God reading His Word and talking with Him, brings life, hope, peace and joy. When we meet with God, we are seldom left unchanged. In these quiet times He teaches us more about Himself, His character, His great love for us, His mercy and grace. He guides us and gives us what we need for the day. Why then, do the things we know will grow our relationship with God, get pushed to the side?
Perhaps our schedule is too full (and that's probably a topic for another day). Or perhaps it's because we haven't made it a priority. When we place a high value on our relationship with God, then we'll plan times to spend with Him. Of course, that's not to say that God doesn't abide in us at all times, because He absolutely does. But we're human and we all know how easily we can get distracted by the busyness of daily life and our focus can shift.
Why not set a reminder on your phone to pray throughout the day? Make a time in the week to sit down with your husband/wife/friend and pray together. Download a Bible reading plan to your phone and listen to a passage when you wake up in the morning/go to sleep at night. Plan to be in church on a Sunday and bring your family. Go for a walk in the morning or evening and listen to a Christian podcast or pray. Find what works for you and make it a priority.
Intentional time spent growing our relationship with God is never wasted time. It's only through relationship with Christ that we can experience true peace, joy and hope – and those things can never be found in the hustle and bustle of life.
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
Caroline
