Single Parenting

"Making Time to Connect with God"

  By: Kari West

For me, the battle begins each morning. The moment I open my eyes, sling my feet off the bed and into the day, something or someone clamors for my time and attention. Sometimes it's not until day's end that I notice my unopened Bible on top of the bed and realize that I didn't set aside a quiet time to be with God.

When is the last time you sat in stillness? No telephone. No noise from the television. No demands from the children. Seems impossible, doesn't it? Often life is too noisy and we are too busy for quiet reflection. If we aren't rushing off to work, we're flying around the house. With so much mind chatter and body movement, we can't hear our Father's saying, "Be still and know that I am God."

Is it any wonder that we are often frantic to be at peace? In our busyness, we leave the source of our peace behind. We are whipped to a frenzy and lose appreciation for what maintains and sustains life-breathing. Each morning inhaling a fresh breath of God. Throughout the day filling our hearts with His life force.

Daily being inspired by His Word. The word inspire emanates from the Latin word inspirare, conveying breathing upon or into. It means to fill with an animating action or influence; to guide or control the mind or soul by divine influence; to infuse life.

Our Creator designed us to live in His presence and off His presence. He longs for a daily relationship with us and to be Number One on our 'To-Do List.' God doesn't give a hoot about the clutter around us or the dust on our counter; His concern is our heart.

Perhaps it's been a while since you connected with God. If so, simply start where you are. All you need are a few minutes. Tonight, bathe your restless thoughts in warm remembrances of God's help in the past. Tomorrow morning, savor His creation in front of you-the sunrise, the rustle of tree leaves, a flower's fragrance, dogs bolting after cats. Turn your car into a sanctuary during the commute to work by shutting off the radio. Stroll around the block on your lunch hour. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, think about God. Leaf through the Psalms or Proverbs and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth. Then, breathe, inhale His love for you.

If you're grieving a loss right now, realize that one spiritual discipline that gets pushed aside is Bible reading. Take it from one who knows, study guides can be intimidating when you have little energy and no enthusiasm to look up the required verses. I remember feeling so rattled I didn't know where to begin. Then, I decided to hold God to His promises, a little like that pushy woman who pressed through the crowd to touch Christ's garment, believing she would get well.

I began by writing "List of Promises" at the top of a legal pad. In the left margin, I jotted down the current date. Then, I opened my Bible in what I call the Russian roulette style; meaning, on any page that opened, I looked for a verse. Next, I listed the phrases that caught my eye and underlined a promise I could apply to my life. Finally, I prayed for courage to believe it.

On those occasions when apathy and discouragement had me in their vice grip, I reread the promises I had previously listed. What an eye opener! I was astonished by God's faithfulness not only during the last few days but the past weeks and months. That tear-stained legal pad provided the proof I needed to keep willing myself to believe one more day that I could and would survive. It also documented my spiritual journey as well.

The Lord used those moments I set aside to spend with Him to breathe new life into my withered heart. In your confusion or hurt, God will meet you where you are. But it's up to you to make time to connect. [1]

1-Last three paragraphs (beginning with "If you're grieving") are adapted from Chapter 23, page 69 of "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again: Living With Losses of the Heart" by Kari West. Permission to use granted.