Break Out – Day 19

Recently, during a conversation, a woman admitted to me that due to her current busy work schedule, she struggles to keep regular quiet times with God. Besides her career, she has to juggle being married and having children to look after. Due to this guilt, she even started to avoid spending time with God whenever she could, as she feels too bad about herself. Can you identify with her? What is your routine around quiet times with God?

The enemy realises the power of believers spending time with God. He, therefore, tries to prevent it by making us extremely busy. The feeling of guilt can become even worse if we have a wrong perception that time with God should be limited to an hour before work or an hour before we go to bed.

The truth is, God is everywhere and we can ask him to be a part of every situation we might face during our day. How do we do it? If we need wisdom, favour or creativity in the workplace, we can ask him for it. If we want to burst from happiness and gratitude, we can thank him for it. And when it feels as if the pain and loss wants to overwhelm us, we can ask God to touch and comfort us, while lifting the burden.

In Psalms 139:1-3 we read: “O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.” In Hebrews 4:13 we read: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Even Jesus, in Matthew 28:20, with his ascension, said to his disciples: “I am with you always, to the end of the world.”

Of course, studying the Bible and having quiet times with God is of utmost importance in growing your faith, but God looks at the intention of our hearts and there is grace for the times when we are struggling to keep all the balls up in the air. After all, we read in James 4:8: “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”

Let’s walk away from unfounded guilt that the enemy tries to bestow on us and, rather, ask God to join us in boardrooms where important decisions are made, where we stand to clean our home, where we relax riding a mountain bike in the mountain or even while changing a baby’s nappy. He is everywhere and desires to have a living relationship with each of us. Acknowledge him in all your ways and he will direct your steps. Draw near to him and he will be there. God bless.