Spending time with God is necessary for my relationship with Him to grow. And I want it to grow, to deepen, to be a vibrant relationship.
But, the first time I heard the words, “spend time with God,” I was confused.
How does one “spend time with God?” How can that even be possible?? After all, He’s in heaven and I’m down here. Do I have to die to spend time with Him??
I just didn’t understand.
No one explained to me I could spend time with God while still on this earth, until I started attending a Bible study eighteen years ago.
It was as if a light bulb went off in my mind, and I “got it.”
I began to “spend time with God,” and to enjoy the time alone with Him.
You may be asking the same sorts of questions today.
In yesterday’s post, we talked about prayer and talking with God. That’s certainly one way to spend time with Him.
Let’s look at that and a few more…
5 Simple Ways To Spend Time With God
1. Pray
As we mentioned yesterday, prayer is simply talking with God in everyday, normal words. Sharing with God how you feel, your struggles, your joys, your challenges, what’s on your heart and mind. Thanking Him and praising Him, and giving Him your cares, concerns and problems. Praying for others and what they are going through. Any time of day… morning, noon, night.
2. Read The Bible, God’s Word
This scared me. The Bibles I grew up with used big words I couldn’t understand. As an adult, I purchased a Bible I could understand, and began to read it. Through Bible Study Fellowship these past eighteen years, my knowledge of the Bible has greatly increased. And yet, I still don’t know everything, and I won’t ever. Reading God’s Word and applying it to your life is life-changing, and is a great way to spend time with God.
3. Surround Yourself with His Creation
Take a walk in a forest, or on a beach, or in the country. Notice the beauty He created, just for us to enjoy. Just for you to enjoy that very day. Become very aware of the sounds, the smells, the sights. Not only did He create those, but He created you to be able to enjoy all these things.
4. Praise God in Words and in Song
This is one of my favorite things to do. I look at my life and praise God for the things He has done in it. I praise Him for making a way for me to be in heaven forever with Him through His Son, Jesus. I sing. I play Christian music, and let my heart soar in the words. It’s a refreshing way to spend time with God.
5. Keep a Blessing Journal
I used to keep a notebook by my bed, and each night I would write in it ten things that I was thankful for that day. I would thank God for each one of them before falling asleep. This reminds me I need to do that again. It blessed me so, ending my day in that way.
How do you spend time with God? Feel free to share your ideas below.
Spending time with God is another way to love Him. This Day 14 of 31 Days Of Loving God & Loving Others is a great day to spend time with the One who loves you the most!
(Linking up with the wonderful Holly Barrett for #TestimonyTuesday!)
Julie
I am so glad I made the decision to join a Bible Study Fellowship class as this is greatly improving how I spend my time in His Word which is improving how I spend time with Him. Pray is still one I need to ask Him to help me grow in. Great wisdom, Julie. Much love. xoxo
Beth, BSF certainly helps us spend time in His Word, and it has also enhanced my prayer life as well. So glad we’re sharing this Life of Moses study together this year! Much love to you too.
All good ways but I LOVE #3 and have more than 900 gratitudes listed in my blessings journal this year 🙂 Thanks, Julie.
Wow, Sheila! 900 gratitudes??!! That’s incredible! Thank you for sharing that here. We do have so much to be grateful for, don’t we??!! Have a great day!
I love these simple ideas for spending time with God! I wake up while the house is still silent, prepare my decaf latte, and spend time reading the Bible and writing in my prayer journal. I also adore spending time outside photographing the majesty of creation.
Thank you for sharing how you spend time with God, Anita! Love the ideas! I’m an up early gal, too! 🙂
All these ideas are so simple but wonderful! I love listening to music to spend time with God. Love the idea of having a gratitude journal! Might need to start one of those since I have several empty journals lying around. 🙂
Denise, it sounds like a gratitude journal would be perfect to begin. I’m starting a new one, too. I appreciate you stopping in and sharing. God bless the remainder of your week!
I love all five ways to spend time with God. My favorite though is #3. I seem to have the best conversations with God when I am outside in all His glory! Thank you for the reminders today!
Mary, I agree! I love connecting with God outdoors in His creation. Thank you for stopping by and sharing. Hope you’re having a great week, friend!
Love this post, Julie! I spend time with God in His word. It is where I hear His voice most powerfully and where I find the most comfort. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
Hi Holly! Yes, spending time in God’s Word! Thank you for sharing here today, and for hosting Testimony Tuesday. It’s a blessing to be a part of your community!
I love the five ways to spend time with God. I love your post. It really encouraging me.
Thank you! I’m glad it encouraged you! I appreciate you stopping by and sharing!