Tips For Busy Mamas: How to spend more time with God
We live in a time where we seem to have no time.
Yet we also live in a time where we have so much information and so many Christian resources at our fingertips. Christian radio, television programs, movies and magazines have made it so easy for us, as believers, to enrich ourselves and move closer to God.
We have the resources but not the time to invest.
Here are a few tips to make time and to ensure the time you have with Him is quality time:
1. Wake up 30 minutes earlier to ensure you have quality time with God before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Starting your day off with a quiet time will help you in the day ahead because your mind will be renewed, you will be more focused, prepared, calm and centered.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
2. Read your Bible. Seems pretty obvious doesn't it? But read it out loud and try reading the different translations to fully appreciate the richness of what is being said.
3. Pray. To prevent your mind from drifting and getting distracted whilst praying, kneel beside your bed and close your eyes. It really does help, try it.
And make a prayer journal... Make a list of the thing you are currently praying for so that you can stay focused. Fast when you pray. Give up food or something that you love, like television or social networking and spend that time in prayer or reading your Bible instead.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:7
4. Make Jesus a lifestyle. Include Him at mealtimes. But not in a weird way. Have family discussions around the dinner table about what you are praying for and what amazing testimonies you have witnessed. Ask questions. Encourage your children to ask questions too. Make speaking about the Bible and God, and praying together at meal times, such a natural routine in your family, that your children don't become defensive when you mention Jesus. Teaching His Word should not feel like a trip to the headmasters office. Although as parents we are instructed to teach our children, we should be humble in doing so.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
5. Involve your children. You do not need to lock yourself away from your children just to spend time with God. And for many mothers (like me) the children are around 24/7. Get a childrens' Bible with beautiful illustrations and read to them. Teach them to pray. Encourage them to take turns saying grace at mealtimes and praying at bedtime and let them see that prayer is as simple as talking to God.
6. Give thanks in a "Things I am grateful for" note book. Last year January, after being inspired by the book, One Thousand Gifts by Anne Voskamp, I decided to carry a notebook and pen in my hand bag and write down all the small things that I am thankful for as I would observe them. Small things that I took for granted, like the smell of rain and the doves singing on my windowsill became apparent and I became so aware of all the miracles around me.
7. Listen while you are busy cooking or busy with chores. Get a radio in the kitchen or speakers for your phone. Listen to Podcasts of sermons or get them on C.D at your local Christian bookstore. Many Churches record their sermons and then allow them to be downloaded in MP3 format. YOUTUBE also has many sermons available.
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8. Memorize verses. Write them on little pieces of paper, or on a chalk board , mirror or on your fridge. Write it somewhere that you will see often. These verses are your weapons in spiritual warfare.
Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:2-3
There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs. Therefore a verse in Proverbs for each day of the month. Proverbs is the book of wisdom after all!
10. Christian-ify your media. Consciously decide what you and your family will watch, listen to and read. Choose Christian Magazines, radio and movies over secular ones and Christian children's programes for the little ones.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6.
12. Take a walk in nature. Marvel at all the beautiful things that He has created.
13. Make a list of miracles that have happened in your life and stick it next to your bed or in your car where you can see it daily as a reminder of all that He has done for you.
Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalm 103:2
But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." Jeremiah 17:10
16. Dance in the spirit. Dance for Him as if you were dancing before His throne. Let the spirit guide you and set you free.
Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. Psalm 149:3
17. Talk to Him. Continually. About everything. Run to the throne and not the phone. Jesus wants us to speak to Him. And He really does care about every detail of our lives.
18. Make a sin list and burn it. Write down all the things that you feel are sinful and that are holding you back from living in victory and BURN IT.
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:2
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