The Smallest Song

I don’t know about you, but I often find it challenging to find time in my day to sit down and really absorb the Word of God, let alone even remember to spend some quality time praying. I work two jobs and often rush from one thing to another or spend my lunchtime lesson planning for my classes. By the time I get home, I’m physically, mentally, and sometimes even emotionally exhausted from my day. How on Earth am I supposed to then spend an extended period reading something that can seem weighty and difficult to understand?! Well, here are some small tips to help you make time to read and enjoy reading your Bible and spending time with God.

1. Add it to Your Calendar

I discovered the beauty of calendars and planners in college. Truly, they changed my life. Relying on my memory for things worked fairly well in high school but would have proved a disaster of a method for college! Now, if I don’t write it down or put it in my calendar, it’s a gambling game on whether or not it gets done. I feel like if I give a task a specific time and place, and it is in my official calendar, it is more likely to get done. I use Google Calendar on my phone, so I even set reminders of tasks, making it difficult to ignore what I am supposed to be doing. But you can use whatever type of calendar works for you! Lots of people prefer paper planners, making them physically write the task down and color-coordinate! If that’s your thing, invest in one that fits your needs. So, pick a time you want to make your meeting time with God and PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR. Make it consistent and make sure you’re looking at it (especially if it’s handwritten).

2. Make it a Habit

Honestly, this one will most likely happen naturally after number 1. Once you’ve gotten into the groove of scheduling and using your choice of calendar, it’s time to make the task a habit. This step won’t be too difficult because the more time you spend with God, the more you WANT to spend time with God. It becomes something you find the greatest joy in and the more you do it intentionally, the easier it becomes to do in any situation. In James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits”, he writes about the importance of habits and gives ways to reinforce good habits while breaking the bad ones. I highly suggest you check it out!

3. Fast

This one may or may not be familiar to you. Fasting is a Biblical concept that literally means “to cover the mouth”. To us, that means abstaining from food and/or drink for a certain amount of time. Fasting is always coupled with prayer. The idea is to spend the time you normally would eating in prayer instead. Fasting without prayer is just a diet. This is a challenging, yet extremely rewarding way to spend time with God. The time spent fasting and praying is even more special because it requires a sacrifice, making the time all the sweeter. My grandma always says, “fasting isn’t about making God answer prayers, but about conditioning us to hear what He has to say.”

There are several types of fasts. Do some research to see which one would be best for you. Please take into consideration any external or medical conditions that would affect your fast.

4. Have Your Own Worship Jam Session

This one is probably the most fun! If you’re constantly driving from one place to another or working several hours a day like me, then making time to slow down and spend an hour reading can seem daunting. But listening to and worshipping through music is another way to draw close to the Creator. The next time you’re rushing from one place to another, or you’re sitting at your desk working on a project, turn on the radio or pop in those headphones and have a worship jam session! Let the Holy Spirit move while you praise and worship the King in your car or at your desk! God is powerful enough to move even in the busiest of times.

5. Find A Prayer Partner Or A Bible Study Group

Matthew 18:20 says, “ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Even the most difficult of tasks can seem easier when you have others doing them with you. Although spending time with God is not a difficult task in itself, having someone to go through the journey with you can add some more motivation to make time! Having that accountability partner adds a social and fellowship aspect to drawing near to the Father. Find yourself a trustworthy prayer partner that will get down on their knees with you and lift you up in their prayers. Or find a Bible study group that refreshes you and increases your desire to know more. When you love the people you spend time with, then you’re even more encouraged to make the time. And God states in Matthew that He is in the midst of those who gather in His name. Time with God AND with friends?! What could be better?

Conclusion

These small changes and ideas can make a great impact on those of you who find yourself dry and thirsty for more of God. Although life can get busy and crazy, God gives us peace; all we have to do is seek Him. Try one or all of these tips to make more room for God in your schedule and watch Him do great things!