We are often so busy that we attempt to multitask in every area of our lives because we feel like we never have enough time to get everything done that needs done. We have huge to do list that never seem to shrink but instead does the opposite by growing and growing. We learn how to complete multiple tasks at one time. Often, we are already thinking about our next task as we are finishing up our current one. It is a fast-paced life, and we are so busy our minds are never quiet and never still. Our minds are racing even to the point of having sleeping issues because our brains refuse to slow down, even at bedtime. We are consumed with everything that needs to get done and with moving as quickly as we can through our list of responsibilities. I get tired just thinking about it! People are busy…we are busy.

I wonder how often we try to multitask our time with God. How often do we rush through our Bible reading so we can quickly move on to the next task? Or do we even read the Word at all? When we pray are we thinking about the million other things we need to do? Do we just through up tiny little prayers here and there and never devote time to really talking with Him?

There are times that we just need to be still. We need to get in the presence of the Lord and sit quietly with Him. It is so easy to be distracted and busy. We can carry the busyness and distractions into our time with Him. It takes practice and determination to learn to sit with Him quietly. Being still is a skill that does not come naturally or easily to us.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”

It is time for us to get in His presence and shut out the noise of everything else—our to-do list, the world, the enemy, and the chaos. It is time to sit quietly and ask Him, “God, what do you want to say to me today? I am listening Lord.”

Practical Tips:

Schedule Time: Plan what time of your day is best for spending alone time with God. You may even need to write it in your calendar. However you plan it make sure to keep the time set aside for Him. Plan ahead for distractions and how you will avoid them and/or work through them. Determine to be consistent in spending time with Him. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you are not in the habit of setting aside time for Him don’t try starting with an unrealistic timeframe in mind because if you don’t succeed with that amount of time you can easily get discouraged and give up.

Settle Your Mind: When it is time for you to sit down with Him settle your mind. It may be helpful to take a couple of deep breaths and verbally say, “This is God’s time and I will focus on Him and shut out everything else.” Maybe it includes going to your favorite spot in your house or you may even want to create a prayer closet. Whatever it looks like for you begin your time with Him by purposefully shutting out all the outside noise. Make sure you do not need to do anything else besides focus on your time with Him. If possible silence your phone.

Warfare: The enemy (demons) do not want us getting closer to God. They want to block our prayer time and Bible reading time. It is very helpful to be proactive in spiritual warfare when you are going into a time of prayer and Bible reading. You can simply verbally tell the enemy to go in the name of Jesus and command them to refrain from causing any distractions, tiredness, confusion, doubt, and deception. Tell them to be silent in the name of Jesus.  

Listen for His Voice: If you have difficulty hearing the voice of God it could be due to  distractions and busyness. In my opinion He is often talking, but we are the ones who have to get quiet enough to hear Him. We have to quiet our minds and also our surroundings. When spending time with Him it is helpful to turn off all the noise and just really sit still. I love to just ask Him what He wants to speak to me and then I get quiet listening for His reply. Sometimes it comes quickly and sometimes it takes some time. There are times He speaks directly to my heart and other times He speaks to me through His Word. We must always remember that communication is a two-way street. We talk and we listen. Sometimes we get so busy that we just talk to Him, but we do not take the time to hear from Him. We need both. His Word says His sheep hear and know His voice. John 10:27. We must learn to recognize His voice.

Read the Bible: It is really easy to neglect His Word and not be in the habit of reading it. It is helpful to have a set time each day that you set aside to read. Don’t wait to fit it in wherever you can find a few minutes because you will more than likely never find those few minutes. Get in a set routine of when you will read His Word. Also, have a notebook to jot down anything that speaks to your heart and any questions you have. Once you write down the questions spend some time looking for the answers. If there are words you do not understand look them up. Do some research to look up the original meaning of some of the words in the scriptures so you get the full picture of the message.

As you are reading ask God to show you what He wants to teach you through His Word and how the daily reading pertains to your life personally. Also, ask for His Word to come into your heart and change anything that needs to be changed, encourage areas where you are struggling, give life to dead areas of your life, give guidance, and to be your spiritual nourishment.

Meditate on His Word: Take a scripture and think on it throughout the day. Work on memorizing it by saying it out loud during your day. Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to really show you what it means for your life.

I hope this post has been helpful!

Blessings,

Nichole Henson, Fullness of Joy Ministry

Email: fullnessofjoyministry@gmail.com

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