Spending time with God is essential for our spiritual growth. As I share how I spend time with God please understand there’s no right or wrong way to utilize this time. As you develop your own personal relationship, you’ll begin to develop your own routine. In the beginning, it has taken me awhile to develop what works for me. Do not feel pressured to develop a routine immediately. It’s all about trial and error. The key is making time with God a priority.
I prefer to spend time with God first thing in the morning. Does this always occur, not at all. I prefer the mornings because it provides me with direction and sets the tone for the rest of my day. Now there are days where I don’t wake up when I need to. Yes, I over sleep or I’m so exhausted from going to bed late (working, graduate school and mommyhood will do that to you) I don’t get up when I need to. When this occurs, I make an effort to spend time at my work desk before getting my work day started. If I’m bombarded with work as soon as I arrive, which occurs frequently, I end my day with spending time with God. Do not become so hard on yourself if you miss a day or two or three. I understand life happens but get back to it immediately. You want to begin to make time with God a priority in your life and spending time with him is vital.
My time with God consists of the following:
- Praying
- Reading Scripture
- Writing notes the Holy Spirit has given me from the scripture I read
- Journaling my thoughts
Praying
I don’t speak to God with a holier than thou tone. When I speak with God it’s as if he’s my best friend because he is. I ask that he provides me with a word through the scripture and time I spend with him. I tell him what I’m up against, speak what’s on my heart, where I need clarity, what is bothering me etc. This is the area where I release all of my cares and worries onto him. Don’t worry about keeping anything from God or being afraid to share your emotions. He already knows, and he can handle our frustrations. Praying is your time to speak with God and verbalize everything that’s on your mind and your heart!
Reading Scripture
Beginning 2019, I created a bible reading plan that I will follow for the year. Prior to this, I would open my bible up to the first scripture I seen and begin there. There’s no right or wrong way. Maybe you have a particular subject you wish to focus on for the week, therefore, you may want to read scriptures on that topic alone. Do whatever the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Writing Notes from Scripture
I currently use the Life Application Bible New International Version (NIV). This bible has notes applicable to the scripture read. It goes into more depth to apply to everyday living. As I read each line, thoughts begin to cross my mind. I apply the scripture to my life or a situation I’m currently facing. Sometimes the scripture doesn’t apply directly to me but to someone I know. Therefore, I never put a limit on God and neither should you. The scripture may not apply directly to me but may apply to someone I know or work with. Never believe a message from God doesn’t mean anything. You may just not understand it in that moment.
Journaling
Lastly, Once I finish reading the scripture, I utilize the time to journal. I don’t have a process when I journal. I just write. Sometimes it doesn’t make any sense, but I place my thoughts down on paper. I have two journals. A prayer journal and a journal I use for my ideas and aspirations.
The ultimate goal with spending time with God is to develop, nurture and grow your relationship with him. Many ask, “Where do I begin?”. My answer, ANYWHERE IN ANYWAY! You don’t have to have an elaborate system for spending time with God. He just wants to hear from you and for you and him to have a genuine relationship.
Should you have any questions, prayer request, or just need words of encouragement, please don’t hesitate to email me jalisa@aqueenwithpurpose.com.
Blessings,
Ja’Lisa
