Time For God

Smart phones are quite complex. We can send and receive emails, text, pictures, tweets, work on our calendars, to do lists, and more all while playing games and paying attention to the latest comments in the social media such as Facebook. Is it any wonder that many people have a hard time sitting down and getting quiet before God? The potential for distractions is huge in all areas of our lives. For me, even simple sounds like a button hitting the side of a clothes dryer can affect my thought processes.

While all of these are excuses, none of them are valid reasons for neglecting spending time with God. In the busyness of our days maybe we should not only look for those times that work best and those places that are most suited, but we should even go so far as to determine in advance that we will take advantage of them. Whether that is taking extra time before you ever put a foot on the ground in order to spend time waking up with God, worshiping Him for who He is, thanking Him for what He has done, and bringing those people and issues that are on our heart before Him, and submitting even what lies ahead in our day to His sovereign direction.

Then we can set aside some time to spend in His word. Some days it may be a brief devotional which we meditate on throughout the day. Other times it is a lengthier reading and time of consideration of His word. We all enjoy snacks, but the meals are really what are intended to keep us going. Spending time in God’s word and talking with Him about it as we read and consider it is essential to our spiritual growth and health and even to discerning His direction for our lives. For as we read about Him and who He is, of how He moved in one person or how He moves in general, then we grow in our trust and we can ask Him how He would want us to respond to the issues in our lives.

And as we move through the day and thoughts pop into our minds or things tug on our hearts, do we take them to Him even if briefly to praise Him and even ask for help or wisdom or right words? As we encounter others, whether they are Christians or not, do we bring them before God and seek His leading for how we engage with them? This might mean giving a hand or speaking encouraging words to one who is struggling, sharing the good news of salvation in Christ to someone who doesn’t know him, praying and/or studying the word with another believer and especially those who are close to you. The options are unlimited.

And then as we go to bed do we spend time with Him reflecting on the day just passed and thanking Him for His goodness and His faithfulness throughout it.

Sarah talks a lot about the Presence of God in her devotional, and moving through our days in this way is an example of how we can live in His Presence. Today she talks about not being rushed. A key part of this is re-prioritizing our relationships, and making sure that God is central to all of them. But beyond that it is purposely setting time aside to spend with Him.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/30)

Time with Me cannot be rushed. When you are in a hurry, your mind flitters back and forth between Me and the tasks ahead of you. Push back the demands pressing in on you; create a safe space around you, a haven in which you can rest with Me. I also desire this time of focused attention and I use it to bless you, strengthening and equipping you for the day ahead. Thus, spending time with Me is a wise investment.

Bring Me the sacrifice of your precious time. This creates a space around you – space permeated with My Presence and My Peace.

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. Psalm 119:27

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)