5 Habits for a stronger bond with God in a busy world.
When 2022 ended I felt like I couldn’t breathe spiritually. I had overindulged in every way through the Christmas period and my soul was starving for God. I mean I knew that I needed to get to a place where I was walking deeply with God again. So I prayed and God answered. I felt it so clear in my heart that in order to do the things God was calling me to I needed to genuinely do something I had never dine before. So I was prompted to develop new habits that would allow me to do this.
In a fast-paced world, it can be challenging to maintain a strong connection with God. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can feel like there's never enough time for spiritual growth. However, developing a close relationship with God is essential for our overall well-being and fulfillment. In this blog post, I will unpack five things that can help you strengthen your bond with God, even in the midst of a busy schedule. This list is not exhaustive but rather is just a few things that resuscitated my heart for the things of God and new ways.
1. Pray like it matters. When was the last time you prayed like it mattered? Like your words to God make a difference? I’ve been thinking about that as I read the Psalms. “I know you hear me” pops up a lot. I realized that I had fallen into a way of praying that had no real faith behind it. Then one morning I prayed for wisdom with my kids and in my heart I fully expected God to grant it. I can’t tell you how amazing it has been to see these prayers answered. God is attentive to your prayer so let us pray like he is. I believe God rewards our seeking him with answered prayer. Often we pray when things are dire. Like we need a miracle and then we are disheartened when we don’t see the answer we want. I want to encourage you to pray before you’re in the mud. Pray today for his hand to give you wisdom today, to navigate tomorrows trouble.
2. Feast on the Word. I wouldn’t dare go a day without food. Even if I was in the middle of nowhere I would be on high alert looking for a place that is open where I could get something. Spiritually some of us feel like we are in the middle of nowhere. We feel like we just can’t pay attention enough, or have enough time in the day to read. I want to encourage you to binge on the Bible. I spent way too much time nibbling on his word for a little devotion and over the last month I have feasted daily on his word. Like biting big chunks that if I don’t do it on any given day my soul lets me know I’m missing something. I don’t want to under emphasize the importance of this. Your soul is hungry, don’t give it little bits but rather spend a season diving deeper than you have ever done. Feast on the good stuff.
3. Fight for Jesus space. I never have enough time. When I look at my work schedule, my school assignments, my family and my side hustles it just never seems like there is room for anything else. So I had to DECIDE to prioritize Jesus. There first thing in my day has to be Jesus. Like I said in the point before, not a little bit of Jesus. It has to be a huge chunk of Jesus. Time to dwell, to seek, knock, lament. Read, adore, praise! All those things need time but so does Jesus. I decided to wake up earlier and go to bed earlier to fight for Jesus to have adequate space in my life. You can’t enjoy Jesus without demanding the importance of room for him.
4. Eliminate excess. My mom visits us on her way to Africa from her home in Canada. We love having her over but one thing that always happens the process of weighing bags and eliminating excess baggage. This is a process I tell you. Excess baggage is expensive to carry with you especially on international flights to Africa. Deciding what goes and stays is always a thing and guess what? Only what matters most goes. What matters to you? What is the excess baggage that is refusing to allow room for Jesus to occupy the space he needs to in our lives. For me I decided that some nights Joel Embiid and the Sixers will have to be highlights that I see the following day. I had to say 9:30 I have to be in bed so that I’m ready early in the morning when that alarm hits. If your cup is full you have to dump some stuff out to make room for cream. Something has to bounce. You can’t cram God into a life that is already full.
Forgive: Especially Yourself. Finally, don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. When you miss a day or feel like you couldn't make it happen, forgive yourself. The pursuit of godliness should not be a source of stress, but rather a source of joy and peace. I hope that these things help you out and reignite your passion for Jesus.
Blessings upon blessings,
Rob