How Much Time Should I Spend With God?

Joy filled his eyes as he rushed down the stairs to lay on my lap. Pressing in as close as he could get, he flopped his furry head against my chest and relaxed. Totally at peace, my Golden Retriever would have abided with me for hours. While I lovingly petted him, my thoughts were swirling with distraction..."I've got to get up now." "What do I need to begin next?" "Should I tackle this project first?" "Have I given my dog enough time?"

Sitting with my dog reminded me of the way we often devote time to our Heavenly Father.

How many times have you sat with the Father wondering how much longer the passage you were reading would last? Or maybe you wondered whether you've spent enough time in prayer. As my dog rejoiced in uninterrupted time with me, I thought of the way God patiently waits for us to release schedule and simply come rest in His presence. However, in our busyness, we often count the minutes until we can finish our time with Him.

How Much Time Does God Expect

The way we view our sovereign, holy God is different than what He deserves. Our scheduled days planned to the microsecond keep us at a pace that often leave no time for rest or solitude. Through the rush, we tend to think of God with a convenient one-size-fits-all mentality that makes us believe that we can "time in" and "time out" with Him, then continue our day with an "I've checked the box attitude" that leaves our spirit empty. Because we never fully commit to resting in His arms, we continue longing for the relationship our soul was crafted to crave, leaving emptiness where we could experience fullness with the One our heart desires.

In His sovereign holiness God requires fellowship that deepens and matures our walk with Him. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart."

Just as my sweet dog seeks me out no matter where I go in the house because he longs for time with me, when we purposely pursue God through relationship with His Son, the fruits of the Spirit are evident as they nurture and provide for every need within.

The Choice Is Mine (and yours)

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." My Golden retriever is simply content to rest in my presence. No matter the activity, if I include my dog in it, he remains by my side. In contrast, God is with us even when we don't include Him. While my dog nudges my hand with his head to gain my attention, God's voice is a whisper speaking to my spirit, showing me the Way, the Truth, and the Life, if only I heed His Word.

Just as Scripture says in James 4:8a, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you," our Father lovingly, patiently waits for us to seek Him. Unlike my dog, He is quietly present without forcing himself to be noticed. Yet, He calls for my spirit to receive Him.

I find that the more time I spend in God's presence, reading His Word, praying, conversing, and listening, the more my desire to be with Him multiplies. I stop asking, "How much longer do I need to read?" I no longer think, "How much time should I spend with God?" Or "Maybe I'll read the Bible later. I've got to get this chore done first." I find joy in being with God and it causes me to want to be with Him longer.

As I move toward nearer to God with intention moment by moment, I understand that He was already with me all along. Now, instead of walking behind or beside Him, I simply rest in His arms and allow Him to carry the load. The invitation stands for each of us.