A friend asked me recently how I make my quiet time with God a priority. For many years now, I’ve done Bible study and prayer on at least a semi-regular basis. I AM NOT PERFECT. I miss days and, frankly, vacations are often the worst. I don’t want to appear to have it all together because I don’t (If you could see my house at just about any given moment, you’d know I don’t). I’m just one thirsty girl telling others where I’ve found living water. It’s not that I’m a great person, it’s that the more often I come into God’s presence, the more I realize my need for Him. I’m a broken person meeting other broken people every day — bless their hearts.

When I thought about why I’m pretty regular about daily Bible study and prayer, the answer that came to mind was I’m addicted to my time with God. That seemed really inappropriate to say until I heard neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf mention that a God addiction is a good thing!

We were made to crave. If we don’t fill that hole in our souls with God, we will try to fill it with work, entertainment, food, shopping, hobbies, other people… The list is long. Nothing will fill the God-shaped hole except God. Having fun, working hard, eating, focusing on our kids or spouses or friends all have their place and they fall into proper perspective when God comes first.

“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” – Matthew 6:33 (The Message)

Sunrise over the Sand Hills near Hutchinson, Kansas.

Here are some ideas about how to get more regular about spending time with God:

• Get up early and have your quiet time first. Sorry, but this is one good way to make sure it happens. To facilitate early rising…
• Go to bed at a reasonable time the night before. Yes, I’m explaining this to you like you’re 12, but this can be hard for many of us, especially if you have small children (see the point below about shifting to a different time).
• Be accountable. Join a Bible study or small group that keeps you in God’s Word.  When my kids were preschoolers, I participated in Bible Study Fellowship which has wonderful programs for children. For adults, BSF has in-depth lessons often requiring more than 30 minutes a day to complete. If you didn’t do your lesson, you couldn’t talk during the small group discussion over the questions. In recent years, I’ve been a part of Northwood’s Ladies’ Bible Study. The lessons are less intense but still keep me studying, and I have the added bonus of getting to know many wonderful women of all ages.
• Start small. Even five minutes a day is better than no minutes. Some of my friends use the First 5 App from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I read through the wonderful devotional book “Jesus Calling” during a busy season in my life when I wasn’t in a study or sometimes if my time is limited I will read a devotional from biblegateway.com.
• You don’t have to have your God time first thing. Maybe you have little ones who wake you with their cries or requests for Cheerios. When I was in that season, I allowed myself to put in a “Barney” video several times a week (or set aside part of nap time) and take 15 minutes for me and God. Maybe you work very early hours and you can’t imagine getting up earlier. THAT’S OKAY. Have your time at the end of the day or during lunch or whatever works with your schedule. Don’t allow perfectionism to impede progress.
• Delay your time on social media/computer/TV until after your quiet time. I try to resist checking my phone first thing in the morning. I DO make a cup of coffee with my favorite flavored creamer to make my QT even better (and wake me up).
• If you miss a few days (weeks, months…), know that God loves you and welcomes you back. God doesn’t love you any more when you are spending regular times with Him than when you are ignoring Him. You just become more aware of His love and allow Him to minister to you in your moment-by-moment needs. It’s called renewing the mind, people.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)