Life can get so full of events, to-dos, and expectations. Sometimes it drowns us, and other times it is just our reality for a season. Maybe you’ve found yourself drowning in priorities, only to discover that your quiet time with the Lord is now lacking consistency and enjoyment.
It could be that you’re busy because seasons fluctuate with lots of moving parts that leave you feeling weary. But it could also be that you’re carrying burdens you were never meant to (Hebrews 12:1).
For those who have a little extra on their plate and are struggling with their quiet time—rest assured. There are ways that you can make the most of the few minutes you have for a heavenly purpose:
1. Manage Your Expectations on Quiet Time
For a start, you have to lose your expectations. Spending time with God in a busy season doesn’t have to look the same as it did in your seasons of stillness. Don’t think you have to set aside a long period of time or that it has to be perfect.
Quiet time is just that: a time to be quiet.
It’s precious moments with the Spirit, allowing Him to minister to our hearts. The goal is not to achieve what we think spending time with God is, but to just be with God. Otherwise, you could open the door for shame and guilt to enter, keeping you from the very thing we all desperately need—Jesus.
Consider this scripture:
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” — Psalm 63:1-3
2. Quiet Time is Praying Without Ceasing
Abide in constant communion with God. “Amen” doesn’t have to be the end of your conversation. You can be in His presence while driving, doing laundry, writing a report, or even while enjoying a hobby. Invite Him into every moment. Let Him accompany you in the little things and in all spheres of your life.
When your mind begins to wander, ask Him to process with you. Choose to listen to worship music or a podcast while you’re on the go. Whatever small moments you have, always remind yourself that you are with Yahweh and He is listening.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God is always with us:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
3. Sacrifice for Your Quiet Time
Here’s the truth—your time is not really your time. Remember that Jesus called us to pick up our cross and deny ourselves to follow Him. That means we have to make time even if we feel stretched for it.
In the Gospels, we see Jesus retreating to the Father, even in the midst of His ministry and all it entailed. Why? To showcase our need to do the same. Therefore, sometimes in a season of busyness, we have to learn how to say no.
There might be activities in your schedule that are the sole reason why you haven’t had time with God. And that can be dangerous because we can’t do anything apart from Christ (John 15). So, we should let Him have a say in how we use our time to better live for His kingdom and be strengthened in our day-to-day life.
The scriptures say:
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” — Hebrews 13:16
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” — Romans 12:1
Now, Enjoy Your Quiet Time
Overall, the goal is not to assume, underestimate, or cling to the time we have. Time spent with the Father is always going to bear fruit in your spiritual walk because God is our portion (Psalm 16:5).
I pray that this guides and encourages you on what it means to be in constant communication with the Father in a way that feels freeing and fun. Know that there is grace for you to utilize your time in a way that would be beneficial for your faith and others!
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” — Psalm 84:10 NIV
God bless you!
