Four Easy Tips on How to Spend Time with God

As Christians we need to spend time with God in order to build and maintain our relationship with Him. However, figuring out the how and the when of it all can sometimes be daunting. Especially if we are new to Christianity or when we are in a different season, where old rhythms and routines no longer work. Here are some ideas on how you can design a quiet time routine that results in quality time spent with God.

Why Spend Time with God Everyday?

Imagine you only ate once a week. Or if you only showered once a month. Sis, you would not be okay. Those around you, would not be okay. In the same way, we need to be fed and cleansed by the word daily. When we read scripture, the aim is to see Jesus. To get to know him intimately and from that intimacy obedience will flow. We want the Word of God to change us, so that we can change the world, for His name’s sake and for His glory. Part of spending time with God is prayer. Prayer is not about giving God a list of our wants and needs, but rather aligns our hearts, will and desires with God’s. Knowing that, let’s look at a few practical things you can do to design a quiet time routine that works for you.  

Determine When You’re the Most Awake

Usually, it’s when you first wake up. You want your mind to be open and ready to receive from God. Starting with prayer can help you clear your mind from any distractions. If you find your mind wandering to the worries of the day, make a list of all your cares and to do’s. This will make tasks seem less intimidating. Pray over that list and set it aside. If you find that you are able to go more in depth in the evening, I want to encourage you to still reflect on what you have read the next morning. Starting your day with God will give you the power to tackle the day with joy and peace and ease any overwhelming distractions you might experience during your day.

Be Realistic, But Have Faith

Sometimes we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. And when we fall short we feel like major failures. Be realistic about how long you plan on spending time in scripture and remember it is not about quantity but quality. Go into it expecting to encounter Jesus. It is much better to read five verses and let God minister to you than reading a whole chapter and not understanding anything. You should be able to remember what God placed in your heart that morning as the day turns into evening.

Don’t Jump Around

We often complain that we don’t hear God, but we have to remember that the process of hearing from God is more like a slow cooker and less like a microwave. Usually, through a deep and focused study of one book or topic does it become clear what God is trying to communicate. Focusing on one book also brings clarity and productivity into your routine, as you spend less time figuring out what you want to study and more time absorbing scripture. Doing a devotional is also a good way to study a topic in depth. However, make sure you do one that consists of more scripture that the author’s interpretation. You don’t want to settle for other people’s revelations. The YouVersion Bible App is a great place to find free scripture-based devotionals.

Come Prepared

Be expectant as you open God’s word. Psalm 119 is all about the importance and the wonder of God’s word and all the riches that is found in it. Expect to receive from God, to be taught by the Holy Spirit and be ready to be shaped by the Word. Also, have a journal and a few pens at hand. When you write down what you receive in scripture, even if it is one word or one sentence, it will sow seeds of faith, and it is this faith that will pull you into God’s word when feelings cannot.

All throughout the Bible, God invites us to seek His face. And when God asks something of us, there is always grace that enables us to be obedient to what He has asked us to do. Sometimes it means reconsidering your priorities to make sure you spend time in the word. Don’t worry that you won’t have enough hours in the day for all your other tasks. If you spend time with God out of a desire to know Him more…not to receive more blessings or have all your problems solved, but truly to seek Him…His grace is sufficient to carry you through any other plans you might have for the day.