Being Still, Connecting with God

Connecting to God has looked different for me through the years. I’d like to share resources and hopefully some encouragement if you desire to spend time with God.

I first started having what some would call a “Quiet Time” when I was in college. It was a discipline I had to learn. I heard the quote, “Your discipline will become your delight.” That was very true for me. It consisted of reading a small portion of the Bible daily, sometimes just a few sentences, then prayer. I would write down names on a notecard of people I knew that needed prayer or had asked for prayer. Then I would pray.

Spending time with God became easier and easier. I went through the “Experiencing God” workbook with a campus Christian director at the small two-year college I attended. The one on one discipleship time was very helpful and encouraging to me. A lot of my questions were answered and I finally understood how to have a relationship with God.

A Tough Season; A New Beginning

This all continued pretty consistently until I had my first child. The lack of sleep, the demands of motherhood, the lack of time for myself all seemed to push the time I had with God to the side. Also, I had a lack of accountability at the time which I now realize is very important for my personality type. I need others around me, they help me grow.

One day I came to a realization that I was not as close to God as I wanted and I was willing to work to change that. I started very small as I had initially with reading a few Bible verses and continuing in that chapter the next day until little by little I finished the chapter. Then I would move to the next chapter. I got out a clean note card and again listed the people and things that needed prayer.

Other times I would use a Bible devotional rather than reading chapter by chapter. Some I’ve especially enjoyed over the years are the Unglued Devotional and the Jesus Calling series. If I find one I really like I’ll repeat it several times sometimes in a row. Also, if this is all new to you this is a great article that goes into detail on how to have a quiet time.

Connecting to God as a Busy Mom

Nowadays I’ll read the Bible bit by bit or some days I’ll use the First 5 app, a devotional app made by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Other days if I’m short on time I’ll just read the verse of the day from the Bible App. Somedays this is at home while my family is around. Other times it’s in the car at school drop off.

The goal here is not perfection. The goal is to connect with God. My notecard prayer list has turned into a prayer journal. Sometimes I spend thirty minutes in Bible reading, prayer and journaling. Other times I only spend five minutes. I try my best to connect with God before I spend time on social media. That is an easy way for me to personally ensure that I spend time with the Lord.

When I’m struggling with anxiety and feel overwhelmed I’ve noticed it really helps when I can sit still, without distraction with God and pour out all my concerns. I use a journal for this. Listing everything that comes to mind and handing it over to God, trusting that He has it and I don’t need to control it. Memorizing Bible verses and listening to worship music also help in this area. This is a song we recently sang at church that I thought was very fitting to this topic.

I’d love to know how you’re doing in connecting with God. What is one step that you could take today to help you feel closer to Him?

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