Friday, March 19, 2021

Making The Time . . .

Are our lives getting busier day by day or what?  Let's take a quick look at all the ways our lives are becoming more hectic;

  • Staying connected to the ever-present digital world of social media; online-publications, shopping, and entertainment, and even work, through the internet and our smart devices
  • Navigating through rush hour-packed freeways in nerve-racking traffic to work and home; shuttling our kids here and there. (Or we did before COVID . . . )
  • Working long, hard, exhausting hours on our jobs
  • Striving to keep ourselves and our families healthy by eating right and exercising
  • Trying to keep our homes clean and in order and running household errands

This whirlwind of activities, noise, information, attractions, and distractions of our post-modern lives can leave us feeling exhausted, confused, and disconnected from God. So how do we find calm centers in the storm where we can rest and focus on God?

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 that we must not “conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed” by the renewing of our minds. And Colossians 3:2 says to “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Therefore, we must discipline our physical minds to think on and connect with the amazing spiritual blessings we have in God, through Christ Jesus. 

The Good News about Jesus Christ is that the power of His Holy Spirit is always available, always ready. We’re always connected to the Lord, even if we feel we are not!

If you are interested in finding ways to connect to God throughout your day here are a few of the ways you can make that happen: 

Find a quiet place at work or in your home where you’ll go to pray daily, without distractions. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”  (Matthew 6:6) This is the best advice, but additionally, because your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), then where you are, Jesus Christ is within you. Therefore, turn your focus to Him in you and you in Him, whether you are in the grocery line, caught in traffic, involved in work or with your family.

Be ruthless with setting aside time to encounter God in the scripture. Before you start your day can be a great time to start if you are a morning person but once again, whatever time works best for you. (Psalm 63:1; Matthew 6:33) God knows the season and struggles of your life, and He is not holding a stopwatch, measuring the time you spend with Him. His heart is for you, and He covets your time and attention. So review your schedule, be ruthless if you must, and take a few moments to connect with God some time in your day. 

Don't forget to Thank Him for what He has given you, and done in your life. Admittedly sometimes this can be difficult, but you can trust in the fact that He understands. Even if it is just one thing, establishing a habit of being grateful will transform our perspective. 

For more tips on how to spend quality time with God, click HERE