God-time: How do I fit it in my busy schedule?

Rebekah - posted on 07/26/2010

I've been there, Amy, and plenty of times where I've run myself so thin... doing stuff for the church, school, family time, husband time, son time, work time, that in the end you forget about yourself!!! Ugh! Yah know, I look at this way, Jesus RESTED, so you have every right to REST too! Jesus had to get alone BY himself and just pray! You'll really begin to realize that once you do this, you'll find that REST comes to your soul, that tiredness goes away and it's replaced with peace and joy. It really is a priority thing, the question is do YOU want peace and joy?! If so, then make the time! God WANTS to be your outlet. He's waiting for you to come to Him, He's standing at the door, He's knocking, He's waiting for you to answer the door... and when you do, you will find EVERYTHING you need. A shoulder to cry on, a lap to crawl up into, arms that will hold you, and yes at times a punching bag to let the frustration out, but either way, HE WANTS YOU TO COME TO HIM!!!! :)

Cara - posted on 07/26/2010

I think that my day goes better when I start with Bible and prayer, or just 'being' with Him. That said, it is really hard to make it happen. Get up and do it! lol. The other thing I did was download the entire Message/Remix audio bible into my ipod. It is great and when I get alone time (not often) I can play a section.
We also started reading as a family in the evenings. That has been awesome :)

Michelle - posted on 07/23/2010

I listen to messages from Harvest on my ipod when in the car. I really helps.

Kara - posted on 07/23/2010

I set my alarm clock, so I can get up early to get it in. Yes, this does mean that I have to get up a half hour before I have to to get it in. It is so worth it.

Kelley - posted on 07/23/2010

I understand I have three little ones and am also going to school... busy, busy, busy lol I think that God should be first, I know that this is easy to say but not always so easy to do. It is like giving your tithe once you start putting this time first you will find that somehow your days seem longer and you will actually have more free or at least calmer time during your days. One thing I have found that helps is to simply get up a little earlier each day and spend that extra time in prayer or in the Bible, I think this is the best way to put God first. After all he is the one who created the day and knows everything that we will face during this day, so it makes perfect since to spend some time at the beggining of the day talking with him and asking for guidance and strength to get through it all.

Alisha - posted on 07/22/2010

Read the Bible and pray with your children!! That is a great example to them and good for you too. You can definitely pray about it for sure and if you are married talk to your husband about ways/ideas he has that you can all do as a family for devotional time. A great book I'm going through right now is called Come Walk With Me by Carole Mayhall and it's a book that teaches how to learn from the Bible. It's a refreshing and exciting look at how to take scripture and apply it to our lives. I absolutely love it so check it out and let me know what you think. You can even get a few gals together to go through a chapter a week and then meet and talk about it (perhaps while you're doing Bible study the kids can be playing). Also, I love listening to VCY which is a Christian radio station and they have sermons, testimony's, and news on there all from a Biblical point of view. You will have to check their website to know what station it is by you, otherwise you can download many of that stations' speakers/pastors sermons free from their websites. Two I recommend are Nancy Lee Demos and John MacArthur. Anymore questions just ask!

Cindy - posted on 07/16/2010

I agree with what has already been said. I have had many phases in my life where my relationship hasn't been, best word I can come up with is, right. Did all the things I should, but still could never put my finger on it. Did a lot of what has been discussed here.

I agree your attention to Him must be constant throughout the day.

I have MS and struggle so much fatigue, and raising two boys 4 and 10. My memory is terrible, really terrible. What has transformed my relationship with God more than anything, no more lists of what I should do, no trying to figure out how and what I should do, is surrender.

What I mean by this, is when I find I just don't "feel" right in my relationship with Him (sometimes no reason), I pray.

But by pray, I mean, I surrender. I get before God, knowing I am before His throne, think on who He is and who I am (dwelling more on His attributes than mine, ask for forgiveness (usually not specific as I can never remember anything) and just turn absolutely everything over to Him (that I can think of.) I praise Him and find I don't want leave prayer time with Him. It give me the energy and desire to want to be closer to Him and the "trying" is just no longer "trying." I just find I spend my days with Him more when I surrender to Him and His Lordship over my life.

Stephanie Jo - posted on 07/15/2010

Amy,I just joined Bibical Families a couple of days ago;I have done some Bible reading and studying,it may be just a few times a day or whatever but it is helping me.Come join,we are studying scriptures about putting God first to begin with,hope to see you there.

Lindsay - posted on 07/15/2010

I am actually trying to decide when to sit down and have the same thing. When my husband was in basic training, I had a decent amount of time when my daughter went to bed at night, but I sometiems feel like there is no time for me. I am always being a wife and/or mother and I don't really get a break to do more than pray. I'd love to study more than I do because I feel behind or like I'm lacking in scriptural knowledge, which can be a stumbling block if I'm trying to witness to someone. I am interested in reading what people have responded with. I'm glad you posted this quesiton. :)

Stephanie Jo - posted on 07/12/2010

I asked the very same questions and got wonderful advice from my friends here.I was told to take small steps.When you are online type in klove,its a Christian station.I love to listen to this,its so upbeat.Try talking out loud to God,I started having conversations w/him like he was right there w/me,isnt he? I still fail everyday,some better than others but I know that God loves me and is there w/me whether I am doing good like I want to or starting over.God gives more than second chances.

Terri-lee - posted on 07/09/2010

I can tell your right now... i went through what you went through... and the answer is... MAKE TIME FOR GOD WEATHER YOU FEEL LIKE IT OR NOT! I was procrastinating it, putting it off... oh look, i have an hour to myself..."oh im so tired i just want to sit and watch a movie or sit and go on facebook, i cant concentrate on the word, i cant focus enough right now to pray," and every other excuse in the book.the problem is, as your spirit runs dry, your flesh has the power to take over your decision making more and more and more until finally, time with God just seems too hard. even when you do prioritise, the God time all of a sudden isnt even desirable. But you have to stop the enemy in his tracks and say NO. I WILL praise the Lord, no matter what, i am going to make an act of my will, make a sacrifice to God and just PRAY and get into the Word. I will NOT let my feelings dictate to me weather or not I abide in His presence today or not! I WILL serve the Lord!

You have to tell your emotions to shut there mouth and just go to God. At first, you might feel dry and struggle etc, but be persistent, show God you mean it when you say you want more of Him. He promises in His word "draw near to me and I will draw near to you" so make like the word says and speak out "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord"

you have to take the first step. jump the hurdle and God will pull you up out of your rut, ask Him to help you.

I personally have to get up an hour before my baby wakes to have alone time with God. I could wait till one of her nap times, but u know how days go, things come up and oh... i missed my prayer time! either that or at night time after kids are in bed. but dont make it too late or youll fall asleep!

It really is about prioritising. God isnt just first on your "to-do" list... He is above that. He is everything. The reason you dont have time for Him or much leisure time, is because your not going to Him to get wisdom and guidance for your life. Honestly, i know, i was there. You cannot afford NOT to be with Him daily. When you spend time in His presence, He comes through, He shows you better ways, He blesses you greatly. When you are regularly making time for God, you are more sensitive to the Holy Spirit, so He can speak to you, show you little ways to get things done faster, how better to organise your day, what to say yes to and what to say no to as far as taking on more responsibilities. You can commune with God all day and He can show you how to live your life in such a way that there is no stress and rush involved. Because He is the best "Scheduler" out there. He is our almighty MANAGER! And if were not going to the manager for direction and so on... we will be running around in circles trying to do things in our own strength.

thats your problem, that was my problem. we tryed to do things in our own strength, leaning on our OWN understanding. the word says "lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths" thats what you need for day to day living, direction. You need peace. So while i strongly believe we are to have God with us all day everyday, communing with the Holy Spirit in all that we do, we will not be able to do that without time in the secret place. the word says it in so many places. ther has to be that special alone time with Him so we stay fresh and full of His presence and wisdom.

just take that step and eventually, in not too long, HE will be your "outlet" or as the word says, your refuge. Your ever present help in time of need. Make time, whatever it takes. Dropping a hobby, turning off the computer, going to bed earlier to get up earlier, whatever it is... sacrifice it... you will find that as you seek HIM, He will show you how you can have it back anyway. He will lead you down the best blessed path you could ask for if only you give Him the chance.

Be encouraged my friend. i was in your situation and did what I told you to do, it works. God is true to His word :-)

other ways you can be in His presence and hear His word all day is: on your way to work/tafe/shops... wherever you go, turn off that radio, and turn on praise and worship! or turn on the WORD of God! there are thousands upon thousands of free messages online you can download and put on your ipod or cd. While doing the housework, crank up some kids praise music your children will enjoy too. Hillsong Kids "Superhero" is a really really great one you can buy online or from all Christian bookstores. Your little ones will like it just as much as the wiggles or whatever, and you will feel light and refreshed.... its for little ones but its praise to God and lifts the mood of your home and everyone in it :-) in your play time, read stories from a childrens bible, and then TALK about it with them...what did it mean? go further than the little books do, explain how they can apply it to there lives. this not only teaches them the word and Christian living, but God will speak to you at the same time. The more you involve your kids when you can, the sooner they will be able to understand "mummys time with Jesus" means DO NOT DISTURB (obviously only a certain age can understand this, but you can start from the cradle teaching them) talk to Christian mums at your church, ask them how they get God-time in too.

there are so many ways you can bring Him into your life more. Its just a matter of getting creative, and remembering that listening to praise and worship while you drive and so on, does not by any means replace that set aside alone time with God, but it certainly helps prepare you for it and keeps that atmosphere of love and worship going throughout your day.

hope this helps!

Polly - posted on 07/08/2010

I agree about taking advantage of time you have in the car. I love listening to Christian stations, but I have also found that sometimes God wants time with just me, not me and the radio. Some of my best conversations with God were when I was driving in a quiet car. Actually, come to think of it, that's where I first realized I actually did believe in God! (I wasn't ready to submit to Him yet, but that's when I realized He was there.)

Amy - posted on 07/08/2010

I love all the comments... and for sure Rebbecca your view is so full of grace. I used to be so good about God time... I used to talk about God all the time... and now i find myself talking about coupons and diapers and wrinkle cream... yes I stress myself out that much. I wonder if their is any hope for me!* Even with my God time lately I have been so angry, and I wonder if it's just because I am giving all of myself and it's hard. I have only been a mom now for 9+7 months. SHEESH this is hard it makes me emotional!

Rebecca - posted on 05/12/2010

As a mother of 5 that is now working part time, I am struggling to get my "God time" in. Boy, can you tell. So can my kids. I have less patience and energy. God is our daily strength. I have never been the type to get up real early and study. I do in spurts throughout the day. Nap time for my little kids is always a good time for me to do my longer studying. Then right before bed I'll read my devotional. We never forget to feed ourselves daily with food. We need not forget to feed our spirits with His word. We go through seasons in life, so remember that you might not have all the time you want now. There will be time later you just have to put the effort in.

Lindsey - posted on 05/12/2010

I absolutely love music, so I always have the Christian radio station on in my car, office, and at home while I'm doing other things. I also have a Christian CD for my little boy. When I'm getting him dressed or changing him, I always have it going. This helps me keep my mind focused on God and what my true purpose is in life. Defitely a mood booster and I can praise while I get other things done! Hope that helps. Air1 is the station I listen to-you can listen online.

Tomesa - posted on 05/11/2010

learn to bring God into every aspect of your life by saying Goodmorning to Him first thing in the AM and Goodnight to Him last thing in the PM. if you talk with Him, pray throughout your day, and conciously include spending time with Him by listening to spiritual music, sermons, etc...as you go along, it really REALLY helps alot. now i feel fussy when i don't get my personal God time in, in addition to having Him everywhere in my life...whereas two years ago i had "no God time". hope this helps!

Amy - posted on 05/10/2010

Thanks for saying this was encouraging Heather! That means alot!

Cat - posted on 04/28/2010

I feel we are all coming from a similar place, that any and all time is time for God! =) I chose to leave the radio off in the car and speak, pray or sing to God as I drive and it has greatly reduced my road rage!! Or if you can't live without tunes there must be some christian radio stations or a cd to your liking with songs of praise or something of the like. I find myself to be happier doing what needs to be done while singing or talking with God, if only in my mind. Although it is absolutely wonderful to have the ability to have specific only for God time it can be extremely difficult to commit and follow through with a specific time constraint. Just that you are concerned enough to ask for advice on how to incorporate God more tells me that he's on your mind already, so maybe instead of worrying what time you can make time for God you could take those couple seconds here and there through out the day to praise or thank God or ask for His help. God Bless!! xoxoxo

Tammy - posted on 04/21/2010

Amy I can completely relat. I have an 11yr old and a 10wk baby. I try to get up at 5am for some bible and prayer but this doesn't always work since I'm so sleep deprived. I was beating myself up about it until a bulb went off. God is not looking for heroes. He knows what we're capable of. What I've started doing is if I'm able to get up early I do or once my husband and son have left I put the baby to sleep and get some prayer or bible in. I don't consider it fitting God in but what good is it for me to go to prayer at 5 and my mind isn't really there. You hould probably try getting the audio bible and sleep with it on or put it in a cd walkman and listen to it while cleaning or doing chores.

Chranda - posted on 04/20/2010

anytime is a good time you had time to get on the computer that right there is time I study day while at work on a break talking to like minded people praying and doing my daily thing. I walk and talk to God like im talking to a friend any time is a good time if you are too tired to do it take 5 mins b4 u go to bed and 5 mins when u wake up and ask him for his strength and guidance and everyday it will be part of your everyday Dont make it a impossible situation cause its very possible and u r able as long as you have breathe in u god bless u

Anne - posted on 04/19/2010

I had another thought! I was raised in a family that family was most important thing in our lives! Yes family is important, but after meeting my husband he explained better why God comes first over anything! God word is what we should live by it will help us make a foundation for a great family life. God, Spouse, Children etc. We need God first, A good marriage is important, then it all reflects on our kids with God & Parenting! I'm tired so I hope I make since. Keep praying for God to give you strength in following his will and not your will! Pray for your child too for healing and comfort! Our God is an awesome God! Keep talking to him and see how effective it becomes!

Anne - posted on 04/19/2010

I have to fit God in no matter what and I have 4 kids ages 9, 5, 2, and 8 months! I usually get up before they do and study bible verses then when they go to bed I read bible/christian books! I do a lot of studying on internet! I personally need him first thing in the morning to start out my day! I've been going to church since I was little, but didn't get saved till 3 yrs ago and have been studying a lot because I want to grow in God's word! I share a lot of this with my kids too! I want to raise them more biblical! Another personal experience I had my daughter was really sick this winter for about 3 weeks! I missed church and didn't study as much I felt like I was backslidding and lost getting tossed back into the world's way of things! I study to grow stronger in his word! Just my suggestions from my personal experience! My kids like veggie tales and they teach a lot of good manners/morals etc with scriptures.

Heather - posted on 04/18/2010

My youngest are two now, but I remember well when they were babies... I have twins... Looking back I made it through by the grace of God. They are two now, and I am still tired most of the time, but at least they sleep through the nights (usually).

One way that you might be able to get time to read or do a devotional is at breakfast. You can put your baby in the highchair, and either read while you feed, or offer some cheerios for them to snack on while you read. Just a thought...

Amy - posted on 04/18/2010

Talking to God during the day is a great way to start thanks Diane and Heather for that info... I appreciate that you do that... it's harder for me that but I have prayed about 2 times more daily than I do because of your advice and I am getting through TEETHING WHICH IS SOOOO DELIGHTFUL I WANT TO SCREAM.. Prayer is so great, as well as all of your ideas. My four month old is rough.. she had colick and she needs me 24-7 MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY...so that's where I am at right now in terms of tiredness. I love what Jill said about pushing thru...I AM SO TIRED. Josslyn you are so right... but when I am on the loo I just stare out into space..I have put a bible by the pot tho... so that God can be more the center of my life, I loved that you said that Anne. Carey I am so on the wrong path I am angry most of the day and drained I am hoping all these things will get me doing good habits just like I have been taking care of myself so well lately phisically so Gina I love food... I gave that a try and because I am breastfeeding it was HARD but I am sure that I will remember now! I do feel much better now that I am reading about every three days...I am trying ladies...... do any of you have children under 4 mo? I am so tired..is this normal?! :)

Joy - posted on 04/16/2010

While I agree that God should have a place in our lives all of the time, I have to admit that my prayer time and devotional time are not nearly as long as they used to be! Having 2 little ones now gives me little to no free time during the day and at night I am beyond exhausted. I try to wake up 15-20 minutes earlier than my 1st child wakes up so that I can read and pray before my crazy day starts...it doesn't always happen but I also have "little talks" with God throughout the day. I also do a daily devotional that is not that long but it gives me some scriptures to read and then a lesson for the day! Make the time...He will give you the strength you need to get through your day and I promise...you will feel "Full"!!!!!!

Gina - posted on 04/16/2010

Oh! I was going to say also that if I don't put some kind of energy/effort into greeting God when I get up and start my day, it's a WHOLE lot easier to put Him on the backburner for the rest of the day...

Gina - posted on 04/16/2010

The best advice I ever heard was a man who made a rule for himself & a promise to God that he would never eat "breakfast" until he'd spent SOME time with his Bible. He called it his: "No Bible, No Breakfast" policy... He said that he'd missed breakfast a couple of times but as lunchtime began to approach he'd be getting SO hungry he'd hide somewhere so he could soak up some of God's word & talk to Him!

Technically that makes it a "No Bible, No Food" kind of rule... But hey... It worked for him!

Carey - posted on 04/14/2010

I do agree with getting a daily devotional and reading the paige a day.I have four kids and that is something to get you on the right path,also everyday there are diffrent readings.It will motovate you a little more for the diffrence of everyday.Hope this helps.

Diane - posted on 04/14/2010

I use to make prayer time conversations with God all day. I would talk to Him like He was with me. I know He is with me but I mean physically. In the car I would talk to Him, tell him what I was thinking, thank Him and praise Him.......etc. You can do that everywhere you go. As for Bible studies, or reading.....get one of those daily devotionals and read one a day.

Jill - posted on 04/13/2010

you must push through your tiredness ... we all feel the same sometimes... sometimes i am too tired to pray but i do it anyway... God loves you and wants to be involved in everything you do,.... talk to him during the day ... while making dinner ,doing the dishes, driving the car.... it doesn't have to be a set time... i do my bible study in bed after the kids are asleep... give Him 5 minutes or 5 hrs... the more time you find to do it the more you will want to...He deserves the time

Anne - posted on 04/13/2010

When our daughters were little I tried to get up anywhere from 30 min. to an hour earlier than every one else so I could get in my quiet time. I found that if I did not do this at least during the week more often than not I would get so "Busy" I would not talk to God, or read His Word until my day had either gone from bad to worse, or I was tired could not keep my eyes open. I also did keep a small Bible in the bathroom and some days if things were really wild I would take a 5 minute break to read a Psalm or two. For me it was not about being a "Perfect" Christian, it was about keeping my relationship with God alive. I hope this helps.



I do agree with Heather we need to put God right in the Center of our life. The easiest way to do this is to start your day out with Him.

Josslyn - posted on 04/12/2010

Only God time I get is on the loo, in the bath and while I'm lying in bed at night before I fall asleep. Know the feeling. It's very difficult to do everything with God involved but that's what he wants us to do so we should try. I don't get it right every time either, but the key is to keep trying.

Heather - posted on 04/12/2010

I don't believe that we should try to fit God into our schedules... I believe that God should be in every aspect of our lives. He should be there when we are studying or caring for our kids, washing the dishes or folding clothes. It isn't as simple as having 15 minutes to spend with Him, He needs to always be with us. I do find that I have better days when I get up before the kids and spend some alone time with God, reading a devotional, or praying, or both. I also try to read my Bible each night before bed. But the most important part is having God in my day. I have Scriptures written on note cards and posted around my house, and in all of my notebooks, this way I have a little bit of God's word everywhere. It is so helpful and encouraging to read Gods word while changing a diaper, or folding clothes. Say short prayers when something good happens, or when something bad happens.