How To Make Time For God
Ever wonder how to make time for God consistently? I've been there and wondered that. And now, I rarely miss a morning with God. I'm not who I want to be without my daily time with God.
My transition from "I'm too busy" to "I need my morning time with God," took a few simple steps. Plus, a self-controlled discipline only the Holy Spirit could fulfill.
I'm wife to a hardworking husband and mom to three go-getter daughters. Although our schedule is full and even packed from one season to the next (cue the "divide and conquer" dance competition plus club volleyball tournament weekends), spending daily time with God is my first priority.
Here are the steps I take and recommend to consistently make time for God:
PRAY - Start by praying for God to increase your desire to spend time with Him. Also pray for God to be with you and guide you through each step in your journey. If you get distracted along the way, pray. If you doubt your family or work will allow you daily time to spend with God, pray. When you look for a Bible study or reading plan to pursue, pray. If you need a mentor or accountability partner to walk alongside you on your journey, pray. If you miss a morning, pray for forgiveness, accept God's grace, and continue the next day.
PRIORITIZE - First, ask yourself this question: Why is important to me to make time for God daily? Write that question down and write your answers below it. Then, keep that sheet of paper to refer back to anytime you struggle with consistency. Second, write down your priority list and compare that list to how you actually spend each day. If God is at the top of your priority list and you are not spending any time with God, ask God to help you prioritize Him.
PLAN - Evaluate your current schedule and plan a daily time to meet with God. Schedule your time with God. Write it in your planner or enter it into your online calendar. If it's in your schedule, you are more likely to actually do it. Is first thing in the morning, before anyone else gets up, the best time for you to spend daily time with God? Or, maybe it's late at night after everyone is in bed. Do you end your day scrolling through social media? Perhaps ending your day with scripture and prayer will set you up for a better night of sleep and a more joyful morning. Maybe a morning break at work is a perfect time to refresh your mind and heart with scripture and a prayer. If you're a stay-at-home mom, naptime might be a good quiet time to spend with God. What works best for you? God is always ready, willing, and waiting to meet with you.
PREPARE - How will you spend your daily time with God? I recommend praise, gratitude, prayer, and scripture reading. Maybe your church has a Bible study group available with a specific plan offered. If not, look for a free reading plan online. I'm currently using a free reading plan for the Bible in chronological order. Try our Psalms of Praise Prayer and Bible Reading Journal. It includes four weeks of praise, gratitude, prayer, and suggested scripture reading. Whichever option you choose, collect your Bible, journal or notebook, and something to write with. You might also enjoy highlighters and Bible tabs.
PRACTICE - You're ready to get started! When your scheduled time with God comes around, commit to spending that time with God. Enjoy your time with God! If something interrupts you, welcome the interruption and invite God to be with you as you tend to the interruption. If you miss a day, just pick it up the next day.
If I know I'm not able to spend my morning time with God, I ask God to be with me throughout that day. I practice gratitude right when I wake up. Then, I make it a point to listen to Christian music and/or a Christian podcast. I read the scripture posted throughout my home. I also pray several times each day.
Are you ready to ditch the "I'm too busy" line? Follow the steps above and hopefully, you'll soon be saying "I love spending daily time alone with God!"
