When We Struggle to Spend Time with God


"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." —James 4:8 (NLT)

Devotionals, quiet time, or whatever you want to call it is something we know we ought to do, but sometimes it feels like a chore, doesn't it? Or maybe you feel like you don't have enough time in the day for God. Or maybe it seems boring or like a waste of effort because you don't think you'll get anything out of it.

But spending time with God is extremely important to our spiritual growth and maturity—not to mention how it helps develop our relationship with Him.

If you never talk to God, then how can the relationship grow? God desires time with His loved ones, just like we like to spend time with our loved ones. So how can we consistently spend meaningful time with God?

1. Prioritize God

"Jesus replied, ''You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'" —Matthew 22:37 (NLT)

That might seem obvious, but you know how it goes. Many of us have very busy schedules. For example, I'm in band, show choir, piano, and involved in church activities, so I'm very busy most of the time. By time I get home from everything I have to do, I just want to zone out and do nothing.

But the Creator of Universe loves me deeply, saved me, and has great plans for my life. So I also need to make Him a priority throughout my day (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

2. Be Awake & Alert

Anytime we need to focus on something important, it's good to schedule that for a time when we're feeling awake and alert. If the morning is hard for you, then you shouldn't pick that time. If you get into bed, and you're asleep in two minutes, that's probably not a good time either. For me, the end of a busy day isn't the best because I'm exhausted after all my daily commitments.

If you're setting aside time in your calendar to read the Bible, schedule it for when you're most likely to be focused. When you're concentrating on reading His Word, it'll be easier to take in what He says and figure out life application. That said, prayer is something that can (and should) happen anytime!

3. Bible Study vs. Fellowship with God

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." —1 Corinthians 1:9

Bible study is definitely important to learn more about God's character, the story of His relationship with His Creation, and how to walk with the Spirit and follow Jesus. It's one of the ways He can speak to us! Equally important is fellowship with God.

Fellowship with God is when we connect with Him personally by talking with Him, listening to Him, and just enjoying His presence. And that's something we can do when we're busy, when we're commuting or working, when we're with others, and even when we're tired. Because we can pray and listen to God anytime.

There's so much value in just being aware of God's presence as we go through our daily routines. If we can keep Him at the forefront of our minds as we live our lives, we'll never have to "make time" for God—because He'll always be with us.

What if I get bored easily?

I get it. I've struggled with boredom too and continue to struggle daily. Sometimes the idea of setting aside a "quiet time" sounds more like something we're "forced" to do than a time for an intimate meeting with God. If you've ever felt that way, then be honest with God about how you feel. If you don't have a desire to spend time with Him but you wish you did, that's a start!

Pastor J.D. Greear once said, "A desire to desire is better than no desire at all." God cares about you, and He wants to be invited into your life every day—no matter what you're going through. Pray that you'll find the source of those feelings, and ask God to help you deal with them. Ask Him to increase your desire to spend time with Him and overcome whatever is getting in between you and Him.

If you feel too ashamed or too sinful to come before God, please put that far from your mind. Approach God like the "immoral woman" did with Jesus. She went up to Him, confessed her sin, and repented (Luke 7:36-50). God will not turn you away and will always forgive you (1 John 1:9).

How to Hang Out with God

"Quiet time" with God is really just hanging out with Him, talking to Him, and listening to what He has to say to you too. You can do that in a lot of ways. Here are just a handful of suggestions:

  • Read the Bible
  • Study a topical devotional
  • Worship Him through music
  • Listen to a Christian podcast and share your thoughts with Him
  • Write your prayers in a journal

There are many more ways you can spend time with God, but those are just a few ideas. It's YOUR time with God, so you can switch it up or mix and match what you want to do each time. If you try different things, then it won't become routine or boring.

For sure though, reading the Bible should be a regular practice as well. They don't call it the "Living Word" for nothing. God's Word applies to us yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Certain verses may affect us in different ways for different times in our lives, so it's important to keep reading!

God wants to spend time, with you every day and He loves you deeply. Come to Him daily and offer your time to Him. Be consistent. Prioritize reading His Word, and keep Him in the forefront of your mind throughout the day.

God can help you grow and mature in your faith as you spend time with Him. But remember, making new habits doesn't happen overnight. Give yourself time, patience, and grace, and your reward will be an increased understanding of your faith.

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TL;DR

God wants to spend time with you every day, and He loves you deeply. Come to Him daily and offer your time to Him. Be consistent. Prioritize reading His Word, and keep Him in the forefront of your mind throughout the day. God can help you grow and mature in your faith as you spend time with Him. But remember, making new habits doesn't happen overnight. Give yourself time, patience, and grace, and your reward will be an increased understanding of your faith.

Writer: Cameron

Cameron loves God, his family, and music. He lives in Kentucky and enjoys Show Choir, band, and playing the piano.

Writer & Managing Editor: Catiana (Cat)

Cat is the web producer and managing editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Cat is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two adult kids, six socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.

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