How to Have a Quiet Time with God When You Don't Have Time...
Daily quiet time with God is the most important pursuit we should have.
Life is hard and we need that close relationship with the One who knows us best and loves us most. Yet, we get pulled in so many directions. There are so many distractions, and we have so many challenges—whether it is physical ailments, mental or emotional distresses, financial burdens, or even social or relational issues. Too many things compete for our time, attention, and energy. I know I get easily overwhelmed with "all the things", which distracts me from what is most important—our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I started Good Portion Promises as a publishing ministry to busy (and distracted) women like myself, to help us focus on sitting at the feet of Jesus, as Mary did in Luke chapter 10 when she chose “the good portion”:
“but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42 ESV)
Distractions Can Keep Us from Quiet Time with God...
But, even when I'm trying to set aside quiet time and focus on Him, I find myself creating a to-do list in my mind or worrying about some future or current event. Can anyone relate? Do you find yourself striving instead of thriving? Yet, Jesus tells us to come to Him, and He will give us rest:
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
So, what should we do to refocus ourselves on the Lord rather than us and all our earthly cares? First, we need to identify what it is that keeps us from our quiet time with God. Some of the things I’ve noticed myself include my phone and social media, forgetfulness, laziness, busy schedule, fatigue, and misplaced priorities. With that in mind, how can we refocus ourselves on what is most important?
Ask Yourself, "What hinders me from quiet time with God?"
I've found a few helpful tips that I use to have quiet time with God every day that I hope can help you, too:
Pray and ask God to help you prioritize Him above all things.
Turn my phone onto '"focus mode" or "do not disturb". (Check your phone settings, as you can set it to temporarily turn off all notifications and certain apps so that you can work without distractions.) This one is HUGE for me!
If I'm still having trouble knowing what to pray about or how to turn my attention to talking with God, I use prayer books with scripted prayers on different topics. This helps me get into a more prayerful mindset and focuses my heart on Him. If you are interested, I've listed a few of my favorites here: Prayer Books
Keep a notepad and pen nearby to write down anything that pops into your mind to distract you, and then get right back to your prayer and Bible reading time.
Keep praying for help to refocus if your mind starts to wander.
Listen to an audio Bible with your eyes closed to help keep out both visual and audible distractions.
Use a Bible reading plan or Bible study journal or guide to keep you focused on the Word. Study, memorize, and meditate on His truth. Let the words sink deep into your soul and transform your heart and mind, so you can reflect on them even when you don't have time to read.
Spend time in worship and thanksgiving. If you still need to get things done and cannot set aside larger quiet times, play praise music or hymns while you work. Pray and praise Him, and talk with Him about anything and everything throughout your day. Thank Him for even the small things you notice, like the food you have to prepare for yourself and your family, or an unexpected call or text from a friend, reminding you that He cares and He provides.
This should help you get started, but feel free to add to this list as the Lord leads. With these suggestions, your relationship with God should grow closer with each new day.
A popular hymn you may be familiar with tells us to focus on Jesus, and we will see that the things of earth grow less in importance:
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
1. O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
I'm praying for you as you prioritize what is most important, our Lord and Savior Jesus, and focus your heart and mind on Him—keeping an eternal perspective every day!
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