Are You Too Busy For God?
5 Simple Steps For Drawing Closer to God in a Fast-Paced World

I talk to a lot of people about what they do to strengthen their relationships with God.  The response is usually the same:  they have the desire, but don’t have the time.  I’ve said this myself.  We’re all so busy and by the time work is over we may be too tired to engage in the Bible.  So, if things can’t be dropped from our schedules (like quit our jobs and move to a monestary) then we have to find some other option. Here are a couple of simple steps we can do to build a stronger relationship with God.

5 Easy Steps

1.  The first thing I read in the morning is the Bible.  When do I do this?  On my commute to work. 

I’m not really a morning person.  I try to get up early, but I’m not always successful: resulting in getting up with just enough time to shower, get dressed and run out the door to catch my train.  So, I read the bible on the train to work. 

I read Proverbs (31 chapters, read the chapter corresponding to the date).  Sometimes I’ll read some additional scripture.  As I read, I pray for God to open my eyes to see what He wants me to see.  Then I’ll highlight any scripture verse that jumps out at me and try to come back to it during the day.  

2. Don’t worry about setting a maximum amount of time.  Chances are, if you’re really busy, you won’t reach the goal.  Instead, set a minimum amount of time that you honestly feel you can do.  For example, if you feel you can only do five minutes a day - then start there.  And give God your full attention for five minutes.  And then if you feel like you want to go longer… then you do.

3. Also, try reading a bible verse or two during your lunch time and when you say ‘grace’ do more than just thank God for your food.  Take an extra 30-60 seconds just to draw close to Him.

4. Everybody has to use the bathroom!  When you go to the restroom for a longer visit… Take the Word of God with you. :-)

5. You can download the bible to your ipod or mp3 player.  Then you can listen while you’re on the go.

The Bottom Line

It helps to remember the bottom line: building strong relationships with anybody takes time.  Don’t forget the benefits of spending time with God:  love, peace of mind, direction for the day, strength for tough situations, a better understanding of your purpose, joy, etc…

We make time for the things we truly want.  So, if we don’t ‘have’ time in our busy schedules, then we need to ‘make’ time.  And as we make time to spend with God, God will begin to open our eyes to new ways to increase our time together.