We stay so busy these days we barely have time for ourselves. Our days sometimes just run together. Can’t tell Monday from Wednesday and let’s not even talk about the weekends. It’s a balancing act that many of us fail at.
Working 9 to 5 and sometimes taking work home. Feeding your family. Going to your kids’ ball games. Spending time with your spouse. Checking up on your parents. Where does time with God fit in? By the time you make it to bed, your eyes are so heavy you fall straight to sleep. Not having the energy to thank God for your day.
God wants his time. We go about our day and don’t carve out time to spend with our Holy Father. As a result, life can become chaotic. We lose our way. We must thank him for all of our blessings. That job you go to every day is graciously given by God. Our healthy families are also from Him. The food on our table is a blessing from God. We must let him know we are thankful.
Luke 6:12 NIV “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God”
While Jesus was busy spreading the good news about God, he stopped to pray. He healed the sick. He drove out evil spirits. He led people to God’s truth. These activities did not stop him from spending some alone time with Jesus. So, how do we get closer to God? Our hard pressed lives are making us sometimes collapse in total exhaustion.
Delight In The Lord – Psalms 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” One of my favorite verses in the Bible. Delighting yourself in the Lord you can do by many different things. Reading your Bible routinely. Getting to know his word and truly enjoying learning his truth. Finding podcasts, books, and sermons that spread the gospel. Online there is a plethora of information about God. You can easily find what you need at any given time!
Selflessness – 1 Corinthians 10:24 “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” Kindness and being helpful to others is something that Jesus demonstrated throughout the Bible. Not looking for anything in return as he blessed so many. It is so disheartening to have someone do something for you. They throw it in your face every chance they get. Or they are just looking for you to do something in return. Can people do something for someone just to be nice and not wanting an invoice every time they help others? When you get to a point in your life when serving others brings you elation, that is enough for you. God is proud! Volunteer at nursing homes, donate to charities, or just be a shoulder to cry on for your friends. You will be blessed beyond measure and have a special bond with God that will never fade.
Pray Without Ceasing – 1 Thesasalonians 5 MSG “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; than God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live” Hills and valleys; highs and lows we all be witness to in our lifetime. However, throughout it all we must give God the praise. God will take what is a rocky path and make it for your good. While you are walking barefoot on the rocks, he is making that path smooth. You repeatedly tell him how grateful you are. Prayers of thankfulness because you know this rocky path, on God’s time, will be smooth. I’m not talking about one five minute prayer in the morning and maybe one at night. Cease means to come to an end. This is praying without ceasing. You are praying without ending. This is communicating with God all day and night. While you are in the bathroom. Sitting at your desk at work. Putting that meatloaf in the oven. While you are out for a run. You are continously recognizing God and all his good works! Pray without ceasing!
Share God’s Word- Mark 16:15 “He said unto them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” It is our duty to tell everyone about the goodness of our Lord. It is a commandment that we all must obey. All the blessings that God is showering us with in our lives, we are obligated to share. Taking time out of your busy day to day activities to uplift others in Jesus’ name shows God he is a priority. It shows you prioritize him. Taking time to uplift others in Jesus’ name demonstrates that God is a priority. God is important in your life. You are being an obedient servant. For this, he will stay within reach for you. He always remains near to the ones who obey. Share Bible scriptures, pray for others, and tell people of how God has helped you. Spread God’s truth far and wide my friend!
To carve out time to get closer to Jesus will not only bring personal fulfillment. It will also allow for a deeper connection with him. By dedicating moments of our day for reflection and prayer, we can find peace and strength to navigate life’s challenges. As we enrich our own lives, we in turn, become better equipped. We can positively impact the lives of those around us. We spread compassion, empathy, and understanding.
Janice
God Inspired Her 