You Don't Think You Have Enough Time For Daily Devotions
We Often Make The Excuse That We Are Too Busy To Pray
The truth is we all have exactly the same amount of time each week 168 hours - and we spend that time on the things we think are important. So, it's not a matter of having enough time, but of having the right priorities on how we spend our time. What is important to you? When God is placed first in our lives, He will multiply our time and efficiency (Matthew 6:33). So, don't let anything rob you from spending time with Jesus. Preserve it at all cost.
Someone once said, "If you want to find out what a man is really like, find out what he is like alone with God." Martin Luther, the father of the Reformation is quoted as having said, "I have so much to do today that I must spend at least three hours in prayer." The busier he was, the more he prayed. If you are too busy to have daily devotions, then you are too busy, period. We must simplify our lives or we will lose untold treasures from God.
THE SOLUTION: Choose A Consistent Time
Always give God the best part of your day. Make sure you are consistent with that time, and that it is free from as many interruptions as possible. Don't try to squeeze the Lord into your already tight schedule, have a plan that provides a set time - put it on your calendar, if necessary. For most of us, early in the morning usually works best. In fact, Jesus often chose to pray and meet alone with the Father early in the morning (Mark 1:35) and so did king David (Psalm 5:3). Time spent with the Father is more important than an extra hour of sleep.
Pioneer missionary Hudson Taylor once said, "You don't tune up the instruments after the concert is over." How true! It's logical to tune your instruments up before you start to play. The same is true for our spiritual lives. If Jesus is really in first place, we ought to give him the first part of the day. After all, doctors tell us that the most important meal of the day is breakfast because it determines our energy levels, alertness, and even our moods. Likewise, we also need a "spiritual breakfast." When we start the day with the Word of God, we are beginning on a high note. We will often be able to share what we receive in the morning as an encouragement to others throughout the day.
However, whether you choose to spend time with the Lord in the morning, afternoon, or evening, remember:
1. Be consistent.
2. Look forward to it.
3. Don't stand Him up.
You might even consider having two daily devotions (morning and evening). Stephen Olford, a well-known pastor once said, "I want to hear the voice of God before l hear anyone else's in the morning, and His is the last voice l want to hear at night."
How Much Time Should We Spend With The Lord?
Aim to spend not less than fifteen minutes a day with God in your personal devotions. Out of the 168 hours we all have in a week that will only add up to one hour and forty-five minutes. That seems terribly small when you consider that you were created to have meaningful fellowship with God.
Here's a helpful hint: watching the clock will ruin your time with God, instead try setting an alarm.
Share this with your friends who struggle to find time in the Word of God: 