Why Connect with God?
Everyone, on some level, craves connection and a sense of purpose. For many, that search leads them to seek a deeper relationship with the divine. But simply wanting that connection isn’t always enough. It requires intentionality, making space in our lives to actively foster that relationship.
So, how do we do that? How do we intentionally create opportunities to connect with God in a meaningful way?
Spending time with God through prayer, studying scripture, and quiet reflection is essential for spiritual growth, for receiving guidance, and for developing a deeper understanding of His will. Ultimately, it leads to a more fulfilling life. This article will explore scriptures on spending time with God and why these three elements—prayer, Bible study, and reflection—are so important.
What does the Bible say about spending time with God?
If you’re looking for scriptural guidance on how to spend time with God, you’ve come to the right place. The Bible has a lot to say about this practice, and it all starts with recognizing the Bible itself as God’s primary means of communicating with us.
In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This emphasizes the importance of scripture as a source of spiritual nourishment and guidance. Numerous passages encourage us to seek God’s presence, such as James 4:8, which says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
But what does it really mean to “spend time with God?”
Often, it means setting aside dedicated moments for prayer and scripture reading. This “quiet time” is a deliberate act of prioritizing God in our lives. It’s not just about checking off a box on a to-do list but about approaching God with sincerity and a genuine desire to connect. It’s not a religious duty but a loving response to God’s invitation.
Spending time with God is about cultivating a relationship with Him, listening to His guidance, and allowing His presence to transform our lives.
Why is time with God important?
From a Christian perspective, spending time with God is vital to spiritual growth, guidance, and strength. Here are a few reasons why:
Spiritual growth and maturity
Time with God is seen as a way to nurture the soul and foster a deeper understanding of God’s character. Daily engagement with scripture, prayer, and reflection is believed to help individuals resist temptation, gain wisdom, and experience joy.
Guidance and discernment
Christians often seek guidance and clarity in their lives through prayer and time spent in God’s presence. Consistent engagement with God is believed to strengthen faith, equipping individuals to face life’s challenges with confidence. It’s also seen as a means to understand God’s will and find direction.
In Psalm 25:4-5, David prays, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” This verse underscores the desire for divine guidance and the belief that God’s wisdom is essential for navigating life’s journey.
The benefits of spending time with God
Many Christians believe that spending time with God offers numerous benefits, including:
- Rest and peace
- Guidance and direction
- Strength to overcome challenges
- A deeper connection with God
- The ability to stay on the path of purity
Ultimately, prioritizing time with God is seen as a way to align oneself with divine purpose and experience a more fulfilling life.
How to spend time with God daily: Practical methods
It’s one thing to know that spending time with God is important, and another to actually do it. Here are some practical ways to develop the habit of connecting with God every day.
Establish a routine
Start by carving out a specific time, choosing a place, and making a plan. Setting aside dedicated time for devotions, ideally first thing in the morning or in the evening before bed, can help make it a lasting habit.
When it’s time for your devotional, be sure to bring your Bible, a notebook, and a pen.
Engage with Scripture
Begin your time with prayer, asking God to reveal Himself. Pray for a desire to spend time with God. It may seem strange to pray for the desire to pray, but sometimes that’s where we have to start!
Next, read a passage of scripture. You might want to read from the Gospel of John, or from one of the other Gospels, or you may want to follow a Bible reading plan.
Delving deeper into the Word through Bible study is beneficial for both teachers and learners. Use a Bible study method, such as the Inductive Question and Answer (IQA) method, to help you dig deeper.
Cultivate prayer
After you’ve read your passage, take some time to reflect on it. Write down your thoughts and feelings in your journal. Use this quiet time for reflection and memorization.
Finally, respond to what you’ve read in prayer. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which tells us to “pray continually.”
Integrate God time into your daily life
Spending time with God isn’t meant to be just a moment in your day when you sit down to read and pray. It’s meant to be an all-of-life kind of thing! Incorporate prayer into your daily activities, and integrate this time with God into your daily life, meditating on His word and applying it throughout the day. God is always accessible, 24/7.
Diverse methods for connecting with God
There’s no one right way to spend time with God. Everyone connects differently, so it’s important to find the methods that resonate with you personally.
Beyond the traditional
Maybe you find it hard to sit still for traditional prayer. Or maybe you’ve read the Bible so many times you aren’t getting anything out of it anymore. Here are some creative ways to connect with God.
Creative practices
- Praise and worship: Express your gratitude and adoration for God through prayer, singing, or other expressions. You can express praise and worship in a variety of ways, including in your thoughts and words, by singing or playing music, or even through physical gestures that express your love for God.
- Meditation walks: Get outdoors and connect with nature and God’s creation. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
- Audio options: Embrace technology for spiritual growth by listening to audio versions of the Bible or Christian podcasts. Christian music and audio Bibles can be convenient ways to learn God’s word and spend time in his presence.
- Faith-based books: Reading faith-based books can provide additional spiritual nourishment. Look for books that speak to your current needs or challenges, or read biographies of people whose lives have been transformed by their faith.
Biblical Examples of Seeking God
The Bible provides plenty of examples of people who made time to connect with God. Here are just a few:
Jesus
Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to pray in quiet, solitary places. Mark 1:35-37 tells us that “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” This shows us the importance of setting aside specific times for prayer and solitude to connect with God.
Ezra
Ezra dedicated himself to studying and obeying God’s law. He set an example for us by immersing himself in scripture and seeking to live according to God’s commands. His dedication shows us the importance of seeking God through studying his word.
The Bereans
The Bereans were known for their diligence in examining the scriptures. They didn’t just take things at face value but actively sought to understand God’s word. Their example encourages us to approach scripture with a curious and discerning heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does God say about spending time together?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God. James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” It’s about cultivating a relationship, not just performing religious duties. God desires our presence and active engagement with Him.
How to spend time with God biblically?
Biblically, spending time with God involves several key practices. Prayer is essential (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Reading and meditating on Scripture (Psalm 1:2) allows God to speak to us. Fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) encourages spiritual growth. Solitude and silence (Mark 1:35) provide space for reflection and hearing God’s voice.
What are the benefits of spending time with God?
The benefits are numerous! Spending time with God brings peace (Philippians 4:7), guidance (Psalm 32:8), strength (Isaiah 40:31), and a deeper understanding of His will. It helps us develop a stronger relationship with Him, leading to greater joy, purpose, and fulfillment in life. It transforms us from the inside out, conforming us to the image of Christ.
The Bottom Line
Time spent with God is never wasted. As we’ve seen, prayer, Bible study, and quiet reflection are essential for spiritual growth and strength. They help us hear God’s voice, understand His will, and experience His peace.
Make spending time with God a priority, not just an afterthought. Even a few minutes each day can make a profound difference in your life, bringing you closer to Him and helping you live with greater purpose and joy.
Remember, God is always available, always listening, and always waiting to connect with you. He longs for a deeper relationship with you, and He’s ready to meet you wherever you are on your spiritual journey. Take a moment today to draw near to Him, and experience the transformative power of His love and presence.