He asked for a time to meet and have a conversation, but for all sorts of reasons, the response was always, “I don’t have time.” After weeks and months of the same response, he stopped asking.
The lack of communication spilled over into other areas. The relationship became strained and slipped away. He stopped coming home at his usual time. Until one evening, he didn’t come home at all.
Relationships must be built.
You can’t press a button, sit back, and expect them to evolve without investing time. Human relationships are built on a commitment to prioritize time together and making an effort to grow.
Likewise, our relationship with God requires time.
Throughout the Bible, God never pressed, pushed, or demanded that anyone spend time with Him.
The Lord knows our frame and understands how we’re made. He understands our inability to function fully without dependence on Him. God created us that way.
If you find yourself saying, “I don’t have time to spend with the Lord,” take a moment to breathe and be encouraged. You can start today to restore, strengthen, and deepen the most important relationship you’ll ever have.
6 Steps to Deepen Your Relationship with God
Every human on the planet is allotted 24 hours to accomplish all the activities we want and need to do, including sleeping and eating. However, sometimes we don’t use those hours wisely.
Moses likely had a reckoning with how quickly time moved, prompting him to ask God to “teach us to number our days” (Ps 90:12). Moses understood we don’t fully know how to manage our time.
We need help. Who better to ask than the One who instituted it? Let’s look at how 15 minutes can deepen our relationship with the Lord.
1 – Schedule the time.
You’ve heard it before: if you don’t schedule it, it doesn’t happen.
Schedule time with God like a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with your accountant.
Don’t worry about unplanned activities that sometimes arise. We can be flexible with this time and adjust it for any interruptions that come up.
But if commitment is the challenge you face, put time with God on your calendar.
Consider spending time with the Lord first thing in the morning. We often book important appointments early. When we start our days with the Lord (with a coffee, if needed), the rest of the day can take on a different meaning.
Find a place to be without interruptions. Write it in your planner or lock it in your phone calendar. Do it now.
2 – Set the atmosphere.
Complete solitude and quiet during time with the Lord can help you focus and be still.
If music adds to the atmosphere, go for it, but consider soft instrumental music so you stay on target during this time with God.
3 – Begin with gratitude.
Before opening your Bible (whether on a screen or hard copy), take a moment to give thanks for life, the day, and all God has prepared for you. Ask the Lord to keep you alert to what you read and focused during this time.
Once you start giving thanks, gratitude becomes easier. Watch and see with expectation. The presence of the Lord brings joy!
4 – Read the Bible.
A new calendar year is a great time to read in the book of Genesis and work through the Old Testament. Read 15 verses or one chapter straight through. If you prefer a more organized plan, find a Bible reading plan online.
Ask the Lord to reveal biblical truth from this passage. Remain curious.
Once you start, you’ll build anticipation for your next session. The time goes quickly, but stick to 15 minutes each day to develop consistency.
5 – Grab a journal.
If you’re not a journaling type, that’s okay. If a traditional journal doesn’t work for you, open a note in your phone or grab a sheet of paper and log thoughts or notes about what you read in the Bible.
Make a note of anything that jumps out as you read the Bible. Make a note of anything you don’t understand or question.
6. Meditate.
As you read, something may jump out for you to focus on more. Write this passage out. Read it aloud a few times and let it take root in your heart. Let the Lord speak to your soul.
Maintain Your Relationship with the Lord
God loves you and desires a relationship with you. His Word is true, and when you seek the Lord, you will find Him (Lk 11:9,10).
You may think you don’t have time. However, you can find time for anything when you intentionally schedule it and commit to following through with the plan.
A desire to deepen your relationship with the Lord requires a heart commitment.
You may need to ask someone to keep you accountable to regularly spending time with the Lord.
If you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. This time with the Lord should be a private time between you and Him. Avoid seeing it as obligatory so it doesn’t become a form of idolatry and lose its intended purpose.
Relationships are built and maintained through communication. Time should be set aside to communicate well.
Commit to building a deeper, stronger relationship with your Creator who is always waiting, listening, and ready to draw near to you.
Patricia Russell
Patricia is a writer, worship leader, songwriter, and speaker. She has been married to Wayne for 36 years. Together, they serve the community and their local congregation. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin, and make their home in Ontario, Canada. Connect with Patricia on Instagram and Facebook.
