Spending Time with God

This year, God has prompted me to focus on being still and knowing that He is God. I have always had a hard time slowing down, taking breaks, focusing on one thing at a time, and giving myself space to just relax. I guess I just have a really hard time being still and spending time with God.

In our society (and I know this is true for me), we strive to keep busy. Every day it seems like we have a million thing that must get done. Our to-do lists fill up with tasks faster than we can check them off. When you do finally have a moment to take time for solitude and refresh your soul, you often feel bad about yourself because there is still so much to be done. Getting things done seems to be way more important than your own physical, mental and spiritual health.

If you are like me or most people, you fear what might happen when you actually listen to God and slow down. However, if you don’t learn how to press pause and give yourself an opportunity to recharge and spend quality time with God, your life will be a lot less productive and joyful.

It’s natural for your body and mind to need rest. God tells us that it is not our job to run the world. He even commands us to take time to rest and spend time in solitude with Him. Clearly, having things together all of the time does not give us the significance we are looking for. We must learn to refresh our mind, body, and spirit so that we can be refueled by God’s love and grace.

Three Tips to Spend Time With God 

Prioritize Your Time

This sounds like a given right? But how many times have you forgotten to pause and fit time for God in your crazy busy schedule?

We must prioritize time in our day to connect with Jesus. The way we can do that is by taking time to be present, more focused, and spending your time more intentionally. Go so far as to write in your calendar or on your to-do list.

Treat it like any other commitment you might have. When you do take time for yourself to focus on God, you will realize that you are more present and have more energy for your loved ones.

Disconnect from the Internet

This is a hard one for me. I often find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media. After the fact, I realize that I literally did nothing to satisfy my mind or soul.

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” Psalm 62:1.

If you are like me, when you finally get a moment in between meetings at work or when your baby is napping at home, you quickly turn to your phone to pass the time. Be mindful about putting down your cell phone, tablet, iPad, computer, or whatever screen you have in front of you because it is most likely causing a lot of noise in your life. You will find that time away from the internet is just what you need.

Create a Quiet Space

When I finally sit down to take time with Jesus, my mind wanders to a million different places. Luckily, Jesus has grace for us.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” Matthew 6:6.

Create a space in your house to seek quiet time with Jesus. Settle down into that space and ask God to help you talk to Him and for Him to talk back to you. After all, our relationship with God is mutual. This may look like spending time in the Bible, singing songs of praise, taking time to pray, or simply being still and listening. The most certain thing is that during this time God will reveal to you more of who He is and who He says you are.

Rest is a beautiful gift given by an amazing God. You need to make it a habit to take time to slow down, refresh, rejuvenate your souls. You will find restoration for your soul and your heart will be filled with more joy.

Share in the comments how you like to rest, relax and recharge.