HOW TO SPEND TIME WITH GOD
“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place and was praying there.” – Mark 1:35
As Christians we are taught about the value and the importance of spending time with God…
And in Luke 5:16 we’re told that, [But] Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
The word “often” means regularly; a lot.
Jesus spent a lot of time alone with God. Why? Because He understood the importance to stay connected to the Father in order to be refreshed and recharged after the pressures of life and the strength to continue walking in God’s will.
And we too need God’s refreshment, His strength and His encouragement in the face of life’s daily demands and anxiety.
So how do we spend time with God? Where do we start?
First, you need to remove any and all distractions –
Silence your cell phone, close your laptop, turn off the TV – and ask God for a desire to know Him.
Also, be willing to be Vulnerable – Pray and pour out your heart to God.
Christ teaches that prayer should consist of praising and thanking God for who He is and what He’s done.
It includes asking Him to meet your needs and praying for God’s will in your life and in the lives of others.
It means asking God’s forgiveness for your sins and for the strength to face each day. It’s about 100% vulnerability with God.
It about reading God’s Word – God speaks, teaches and encourages you through His Word. If you want to know God, then read His Word. It’s His way of revealing Himself to each of us.
Jesus spent a lot of time with God the Father in order to be refreshed and recharged – but ultimately, it was because Jesus knew the love of His Father and He wanted to be with Him.
The more time you spend with God, the more you will understand the power of God’s love that brings joy, fulfillment and purpose to life. So, ask God to help you prioritize time with Him today or this week.
And just do it!
Anyone who has been a Christian for very long has been taught of the value of having “quiet time” But what does it practically look like to spend time with God?
Well… spending time with God looks different for every person, but as I come to a close for this devotion; I want to give you Four essential Elements to Help you Hear God's Voice
1. The Bible - The Bible is the living, active word of God. It is how God most clearly speaks to people. All of us can take our relationship with God to a deeper level by reading in the Bible. Think of it like a letter from God to you, explaining who He is, where you came from and who He’s made you to be.
Reading the Bible every day can change the rest of your days. If you’re not sure where to start, try an online Bible reading plan or study. A journal or notebook is a great way to write down verses in the Bible that speak to your heart so you can remember them later.
2. Prayer - Prayer is our direct connection to Jesus. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” … As we pray, we share our worries, doubts, and fears with Jesus, and we thank Him for all the good gifts in our lives. Prayer is a time to communicate honestly and sincerely with Jesus and give him honor and praise.
3. A Distraction-Free Environment - Jesus often had to leave town to get a few moments alone with His heavenly Father (Luke 5:16). Thankfully, most of us don’t have to leave town to get alone.
However, do whatever it takes to have uninterrupted time with Jesus.
And take the necessary steps to do it every day. Maybe that means going to bed a few minutes early, so we can get up before the rest of the house wakes. Or maybe that means turning off the cell phones, iPads, and TVs so we can focus on what God wants to say to us as we read the Bible.
Reading the Bible just 10 minutes a day, every day, can change the rest of your days.
And the fourth element is the one that many Christians neglect the most.
4. Join Others – The Bible speaks about the importance of community with other believers through corporate worship and Bible study. It’s about praising God. It’s asking the tough questions, supporting others and living life together that helps us walk with God. The Christian life was never meant to be a solitary life.
Life Happens… And spending time with God is simple, it’s not mysterious.
But the impact it can make on your life as you do it consistently is greater and deeper than any other way you can spend your time.
Based on a devotion from Right from the
Heart Ministries
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