Highly Favored

Norfolk Non Denominational Christian Examiner

Guest Post by Kathy Gaillard

5 ways to improve your relationship with Him

Sometime ago I read a book called Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down to Be With God by Bill Hybels.  And, recently I’ve been reminded and convicted about finding time for God.

For many years, I started every morning with quiet time and prayer.  No matter if I was on vacation, sick or had an early morning meeting, I always had my quiet time first thing in the morning.  I was afraid not to, and that’s okay because Scripture tells us that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” (Psalm 111:10).  In retrospect I must admit that sometimes my quiet time was more ritualistic or obsessive-compulsive, than authentic.

But a couple of years ago, my life was turned upside down when I came to terms with the fact that I would be responsible for raising my two grandchildren.  Suddenly, my quiet time was diminished, and sporadic.  When I did have it I felt rushed and unfocused, and because I needed to blame someone, I blamed my circumstances.  How could I have quality quiet time every morning, when I had to make sure two kids got up, ate breakfast and had everything they needed for school?  After arising at 5 a.m., I found myself worn out and frazzled by 9 a.m.

Shame on me for making excuses!  Somehow I managed to find time to do all the things I wanted to do, but I didn’t have time for God.  I’m a Facebook and Twitter addict, so I have time to feed that habit.  I love to watch some of the programs on Food Network, and simply can’t miss a new episode of House Hunters on HGTV, so how is it that I don’t have time for God?  What if He didn’t have time for me?

Since we are “so prone to wander,” God has a way of calling us back to Him.  Thankfully, He has me at a place in my life now where, from day to day, I must depend on Him for my every need.  It’s not my favorite place to be, but it’s a place of growth and it’s a place where my faith and trust are being tested.  But it’s also a place where, for no reason, I sometimes find myself smiling in anticipation of what He is doing in my life.

My quiet time isn’t where I want it, and it’s not as lengthy as it used to be, but my focus is now on the quality of that time, not the quantity.  It’s time spent in His presence—sometimes just listening, other times crying out to Him, and sometimes languishing in the comfort and peace of His holiness.

Here are some things to help you make time for God and improve your relationship with Him:

Pray for guidance—Ask God to show you where in your busy schedule you can make time for Him.  Ask Him to guide you in your studies and help you to focus during your quiet time.

Don’t allow your family, activities or work to become your God—Don’t become so caught up in your work, activities or family that you neglect God.  While you love your family and want to make sure their needs are being met, all that you have belongs to Him, and God is a jealous God (“You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:4).  Make your time with God a priority.  If necessary put a “Do Not Disturb” on the door, or simply tell your family that you are going to pray and do not want to be disturbed.  What a great example you can set for your family.

Vary how you spend your quiet time—Variety is truly the spice of life, so don’t be afraid to mix it up.  Perhaps one day you can read a Scripture and meditate on it.  One day just sit and be still and allow the Lord to speak to you, or listen to music on another day, and pray or recite Scripture.

Use a devotional or other study aide to help you stay focused.  There are plenty of study Bibles and outlines for reading the Bible in a year, or subscribe to a monthly devotional/Bible study guide, to help direct you through a daily study.

Designate a special place for your quiet time—Some people call it a “prayer closet,” but wherever you can experience peace and quiet, find a place that you use just for prayer.

No matter how or what you do – just do it! Don’t ever get too busy for God!

Related articles by Kathy Gaillard

What are You Thankful For?

If you’ve enjoyed the posts on this blog, please take a moment to Subscribe via RSS or Subscribe to Highly Favored by Email.