Making Time for God: Why It Matters
Life is busy. It’s easy to let the demands of work, family, and everything else crowd out the things that truly matter. One of the first things to go can be our spiritual life. We know we should be praying, reading the Bible, and connecting with God, but finding the time feels impossible.
But spending time with God is just as crucial to our spiritual health as eating healthy is to our physical health. Like any important relationship, our relationship with God needs to be nurtured and cultivated. Ignoring it leads to distance, weakening, and even, ultimately, a breakdown.
When we intentionally connect with God, we strengthen our faith, equipping ourselves to face the challenges of life with greater resilience. Spending time with God nurtures our souls, helps us resist temptation, and brings wisdom and joy into our lives.
So, what does the Bible actually say about spending time with God? And what are some practical ways we can make this a regular part of our lives? Let’s dig in and explore some bible verses about spending time with God.
Biblical Foundations: What the Bible Says About Spending Time with God
The Bible makes it clear that spending time with God is essential to a fulfilling Christian life. Here’s what the Bible says about drawing near to God, reading His Word, and praying.
The Call to Draw Near to God
The Bible urges us to actively seek God’s presence.
- James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” This verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of our relationship with God: when we make an effort to connect with Him, He responds in kind. It’s like He’s waiting for us to make the first move.
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This verse encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that He wants to give us mercy and grace, especially when we need it most.
The Importance of God’s Word
The Bible also stresses the importance of reading and meditating on God’s Word.
- Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This verse highlights the idea that we need spiritual nourishment just as much as we need physical food. God’s Word is essential for our spiritual health.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This passage underscores the practical value of Scripture. It’s not just a collection of stories; it’s a tool that God uses to teach us, correct us, and equip us to live a life that pleases Him.
The Power of Prayer
Finally, the Bible emphasizes the power of prayer as a means of connecting with God.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.” This verse encourages us to make prayer a constant part of our lives, not just something we do when we’re in trouble. It’s about maintaining an ongoing conversation with God.
- Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This verse promotes prayer as a way to deal with anxiety and seek God’s guidance in every situation. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, we can turn to God in prayer, knowing that He hears us and cares about our concerns.
Understanding “Quiet Time” With God
Many Christians talk about the importance of “quiet time” with God. But what does that mean?
When people talk about “quiet time,” they usually mean a period dedicated to connecting with God without distractions. It’s a time set aside for prayer, Bible reading, and thinking about your relationship with God.
The goal of quiet time is to get closer to God, to know Him better, and to understand what He wants for you.
What do you need for a fruitful quiet time? Most people like to read scripture, pray, and reflect on what they’ve read. Reflection is important, because it’s how you learn to apply biblical truths to your own life.
Keep in mind that “quiet time” doesn’t always mean literal silence. It’s about having a quieted heart. You can connect with God even when there’s noise and activity around you.
Why is spending time with God important?
The Bible makes it clear that time spent with God is never wasted. Why is it so important?
Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Spending time with God is like watering a plant. It helps your soul flourish, strengthens your resistance to temptation, and brings wisdom and joy into your life. When you consistently read and reflect on scripture, you’ll naturally grow in your understanding of God’s character.
Strengthening Faith and Trust
Life can be hard, and it can be tempting to let your faith slide when you’re under pressure. But spending time with God strengthens your faith and prepares you to face whatever life throws your way. Prioritizing time with God can actually lead to the fulfillment of your needs, as you learn to trust in his provision.
Discerning God’s Will and Guidance
Ever wonder what God wants for your life? Spending time in prayer and studying the Bible helps you understand his will. It allows you to align your thoughts and actions with his purposes, so you can live a life that’s pleasing to him.
Experiencing God’s Presence and Peace
When you spend time with God, you open yourself up to experiencing his presence in a real and tangible way. This can lead to a sense of peace that’s beyond anything you can understand, a peace that guards your heart and mind.
Practical ways to spend time with God daily
It’s one thing to want to spend time with God, and quite another to actually do it. How do you fit it into your day? What do you even do when you sit down to spend time with the Lord?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Establish a routine
Think about where and when you can carve out some time to spend with God on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be long, but it should be consistent. Maybe you set aside 15 minutes in the morning before the kids get up, or maybe you wind down with some Bible reading in the evening before bed.
The key to building this habit is intentionality and discipline. It’s easy to let other things crowd out your time with God, so you have to make it a priority.
Engage with scripture
When you sit down to spend time with God, open your Bible. Read a passage, maybe a chapter from John, one of the Gospels, or a section from a Bible reading plan.
You could also try a Bible study method like IQA (Insights, Questions, Application). What insights did you glean from the passage? What questions do you have? How can you apply what you’ve read to your own life?
Cultivate prayer
Start your time with prayer. Ask God to open your heart and mind to what He wants to show you. Prayer is essential. It’s how we communicate with God, how we present our requests to Him, and how we express our gratitude.
After you’ve read your Bible passage, respond to what you’ve read in prayer. Thank God for the insights He’s given you. Ask Him to help you apply what you’ve learned to your life. Present your requests to Him, trusting that He hears you and will answer according to His will.
Journal and reflect
After you’ve read and prayed, take some time to reflect on what you’ve read. Write down your thoughts in a journal. What stood out to you? What challenged you? How did God speak to you through the passage? Quiet time journaling can be a powerful tool for reflection and memorization.
Incorporate God time throughout the day
Spending time with God isn’t just about those few minutes you set aside each day. It’s meant to be an all-of-life kind of thing! Pray continually, as the Bible says. Talk to God throughout the day, in the midst of your work, your family, your relationships. Bring Him into every aspect of your life.
Expanding Your God Time Toolkit
You’ve blocked out some time to spend with God. Now what? Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time together.
Praise and Worship
Praise and worship are acts of showing God how grateful you are for his love and gifts. You can praise and worship God through prayer, singing, or other expressions of gratitude.
You might express yourself through spoken or written words, through song, or through physical gestures of reverence. The only limit is your imagination.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Slow down and take notice of the world around you. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Consider taking a meditation walk to connect with nature and the God who created it.
Audio Resources
Listening to audio versions of the Bible or Christian podcasts can be a convenient way to immerse yourself in God’s word. You might listen while you’re commuting, exercising, or doing chores around the house.
Christian music and audio Bibles can be a great way to keep God in your thoughts throughout the day.
Faith-Based Books
In addition to the Bible, there are many other faith-based books that can provide spiritual nourishment and guidance. Biographies, devotionals, and books about Christian living can all be valuable resources.
Community and Accountability
Invite others to join you in your quest to spend time with God. Share your insights, pray together, and encourage one another in your faith.
Sharing God’s word and encouraging others can enrich your own spiritual life as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does God say about spending time together?
While God doesn’t explicitly say “spend time together” in those exact words, the Bible is filled with examples and commands that emphasize the importance of fellowship, unity, and mutual support among believers. Passages about loving one another, serving one another, and encouraging one another all point to the value God places on community and shared experiences.
Why is it important to spend time with God?
Spending time with God is crucial for spiritual growth, guidance, and strength. It allows us to develop a deeper relationship with Him, understand His will for our lives, and receive comfort and peace in times of trouble. Through prayer, Bible reading, and meditation, we open ourselves to His presence and allow Him to transform us from the inside out. It’s how we “abide” in Him, as Jesus encourages.
What does the Bible say about spending time with God?
The Bible is full of examples of people spending time with God, from Jesus withdrawing to pray in solitude (Luke 5:16) to David meditating on God’s word day and night (Psalm 1:2). The importance of prayer is emphasized throughout the scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and we are encouraged to seek God’s face (Psalm 27:8). The Bible teaches that consistent time with God is essential for spiritual vitality and a closer relationship with Him.
In Summary
Spending time with God is essential for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him. Reading His Word, praying, and meditating on His teachings are vital practices for nurturing your faith.
While it may seem daunting to establish a consistent habit of spending time with God, the key is to start small and be intentional. Even a few minutes each day can make a significant difference over time.
Remember, God is always accessible to you, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. He desires to have a personal relationship with you, and He eagerly awaits your invitation to connect with Him.
If you find it challenging to prioritize time with God, ask Him to give you a greater desire to spend time in His presence. He promises to draw near to those who seek Him with all their hearts. So, take the first step today and begin cultivating a deeper relationship with the One who loves you unconditionally.