Something that’s been on my heart recently is talking about finding deeper intimacy and building relationship with our Heavenly Father. I’m guilty myself of trying to push that away. It’s hard to start out.
How can we have a relationship with someone we can’t see?
Well, I’m going to talk about that. But first, we need to realize that we were created to have that deeper intimacy with Him. He WANTS that relationship with us, so he can speak to us and into our hearts. But, we tend to fill the voids in us with our earthly desires. And it’s because we don’t hear is voice. Which is why our relationship with Him is so important, he wants to lead us into our life with him. Each one of us is invited to have a relationship with him. We can’t let the things around us in life replace the sweetness of our intimacy with Him.
But where do I even begin?
-Start small.
Set goals where you set out a time to read your bible or pray during the day, or sit in worship.
For example, when I started out, I made myself wake up at a certain time so I could go and read my bible or journal for 30 minutes before I started anything else. Listen, your quiet time won’t always feel really fruitful. But that’s okay, it’s normal. The Lord just appreciates the time with you and loves when you just want his presence.
Another example could be just saying that you are going to read a chapter in the Bible a day. Or that you’re going to pray before you go to bed.
But, the reason I say to start small is because of how hard it is to make a routine. Eventually, you want an intentional rhythm with the Father. However, our flesh will kick in with excuses of “I’ll start tomorrow” or “I don’t have time.”
When in reality, we know we won’t be true to our own word, and it’s only because we are human. And we do have the time, we just don’t want to give up whatever is temporarily filling us during the day.
So, let’s set down the Netflix for 10 minutes. It’s easier to commit to small things then grow into bigger things. Remember, baby steps. Make your goal slightly bigger everyday. But, be honest with yourself when making these commitments.
-Push through your instinct
We tend to fall into places of complacency and make excuses. But, when you do this you’re only hurting yourself.
It causes us to make the promises we make to ourselves, not mean anything at all. If we can’t stay true to our own word, how can we stay true to others?
If you care, you WILL do it.
Think about the times you’ve given up before you even started. What if you saw yourself through? What will change?
Sometimes we make these things seem like not a big deal but really, they are a big deal.
Okay, I’m doing quiet time. What exactly can I do during this time?
Quiet time is finding a few minutes during your day to sit in the presence of the Lord.
Here’s some ideas for you.
- Journal. Just write out your thoughts, your prayers, anything. This helps process emotions and everyday life. Personally, this is what I like to do every morning.
- Worship Music. Turn on worship music. We become what we surround ourselves in. You can do this anytime you’re in your car. Here’s a few artists that are my personal favorites if you don’t know where to start
- Bethel music
- Hillsong worship
- Kari Jobe
- Will Reagan and United Pursuit
- Be creative. If you’re artistically gifted, use your gift to worship our father. Play some soft worship music in the background and just do what you love to do.
- Take a walk. Take a walk and listen to what’s around you. Be alone in your thoughts.
- Physical Activity. Workout, dance, do yoga, literally anything that gets your body moving. A lot of people find rest in these things.
- Read your Bible. Good books to read when starting out are the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). These are all about Jesus’ life and in those you can read about his character and who God is through it. Other good books are Acts, James, and Romans. Ask yourself questions when you’re reading! There’s tons of devotional online that you can find as well.
- Sit. This is kind of like taking a walk. Only sitting down. Sit and just talk to God.
Remember that God is not picky. There’s no right and wrong way to spend time with him. As long as you have the intention of spending time with him. Eventually, these things will become more natural over time. It’s hard to get started, but after the first few times of pushing yourself it becomes easier to do it. Because it becomes part of a routine.
