Make the Time
We all go through busy seasons. Seasons where we feel like we are barely surviving or like we don’t have the capacity to get through the day. I know I find myself in those seasons often, and every time I have to bring myself back to the basics. Back to the most important thing to me. Jesus. I could be in the busiest season of my life, but I know I always need to make time to spend with Jesus. I always need to make time to pray, read the word, and just sit in his presence. That is what gets me through every single day.
Maybe you can spiritually feel the weight of not spending time enough time with Lord. You can tell a difference in days when you get time in his Word and in prayer vs. when you don’t. But even still, you’re having a hard time finding time in your day to carve out to add just one more thing. I know this feeling so well. On one hand, I know that my days are always so much better after I’ve spent time with Jesus. But on the other hand, I sometimes feel so overwhelmed with the things that are right in front of me (work, family, friends, etc.) that I put my quiet times off and say, “Oh I’ll do it later.” However, most of the time when I say that…it doesn’t happen. I’ve had to learn to prioritize that time in the morning. I’ve had to learn that time with him is always worth it. Even if it means starting my day a little bit later, waking up a little bit earlier, or even saying no to making plans with people. Sometimes those things are hard, and I fear that I might feel behind or like I’m not getting enough sleep. But every single time, without fail, the Lord provides. He fills me up in those moments with him and I can go through the rest of my day feeling lighter, more joyful, and more expectant of all that he is doing in my life.
However, maybe you’re at a place where you don’t even desire to make time for him. Maybe you feel like it’s not worth it. I would encourage you to pray for a softened heart. Pray for the Lord to stir up an affection in you that will crave his Word and intimate time with him. Prayer is powerful. It changes things. If nothing else, just start with 5 minutes of prayer each day. I believe that if you are coming to the Lord feeling empty and asking him to give you a desire to spend time with him, he can and he most definitely will.
In the end, it’s not about “having” the time to spend with Jesus. It’s about “making” the time. It’s about sacrifice. Sacrificing the things of this world that are short-lived, for something that is everlasting. Jesus. He is true peace, true comfort, and true joy. I guarantee you will not find those things in worldly possessions or plans. Hear me when I say that making plans with friends, physical rest, work, etc. are not inherently bad things. In fact, they are all good! We need community, our bodies need rest, and work is a blessing! But when we swap out time with our Creator and Heavenly Father for those things, we can lose sight of what’s important. Find rest is Jesus. He brings strength to the weary! So, when you’re overwhelmed and stressed, don’t run away from him. Run TO him and he will give you rest. Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Let that be your encouragement today!
Challenges:
Don’t look at your phone for at least an hour after you wake up. For me, when I look at my phone first thing, it causes automatic distraction and puts my head in work mode. When I wake up, I want the first place I go to be the Word of God because I have experienced the true difference that makes in my life.
Set aside at least 30 minutes to spend with God. In the midst of chaos, he will be your only true peace.
Journal. These are honestly my favorite seasons to journal in because I get to look back at all the ways the Lord has moved even when I have felt overwhelmed with life. He is and always will be a provider.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for this community. I pray over every person reading this right now. That you would continue to show up and move in their lives. That they would feel your presence, Lord. I pray that we would seek you in all that we do and that every step we make is glorifying to you. Meet us where we are at and comfort us. Help us to desire to spend time with you and to know you deeper. Even in the midst of busy seasons, may we never lose sight of what’s most important: our relationship with you. We love you and we praise you! In Jesus’ name! Amen!