“Come, follow me,” is Jesus’ invitation we can indulge or ignore.
When I was in third grade and walked to my grandparent’s apartment after school, I got to decide whether or not I would stop to visit my mother’s uncle’ on the way home. As a doorman, he regularly received tips from residents going in or out of the building. When I stopped by, he always gave me a quarter. Always. Back then, a quarter carried some weight—enough to buy a candy bar. If I wanted a snack, I stopped to visit.
Time with God can be a snack or a feast or a refuge. It all depends on our emotional and spiritual condition. But God doesn’t evaluate our motives for meeting with him. He welcomes us. And while there are reasons NOT to spend time with God, here are five reasons we should.
Just Do It—Reason 1—Jesus modeled it
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Did I have you at “Jesus”? Reason 1 sums it up. If Jesus—King of Kings and Lord of Lords—considered spending time with his father a good investment, we should, too.
Just Do It—Reason 2—We need it
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)
It’s counter-intuitive, but life is so busy we must add one more item to our full schedules, especially something that can shape and determine our mood, our actions, our words, and our perspective. If we believe we do not have time to spend with God, we are too busy. Instead of deleting time with God, consider what else you can eliminate from your schedule.
Just Do It—Reason 3—Our soul craves it
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)
We are quick to respond to a growling stomach. We feed it quickly, often, and with great enthusiasm. And when we are wise, we choose foods carefully, we prepare lunch for school or work, and we try to eat healthy snacks. We need to do the same for our grumbling soul. Set aside time to feed and nurture it.
Just Do It—Reason 4—It’s a wise decision
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
There’s only so much the TGIF culture (Twitter, Google, Instagram, Facebook) can provide. It can entertain and inform, but it can also deform and distort. Forget about the latest post or headline for a few minutes and be still before God. Let God lay a foundation and defuse TGIF.
TGIF culture (Twitter, Google, Instagram, Facebook) can entertain and inform, but it can also deform and distort.
Just Do It—Reason 5—God invites us
“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (Exodus 33:11a)
Many of us are fearful and imagine the worst when we hear that the principal/boss/pastor wants to talk to us. God will not guilt us to spend time with him. Nor will he condemn us. God invites us. He calls us into his arms and welcomes us as friends.
There’s no perfect way to spend time with God. In future posts, we’ll explore a myriad of ways to do so. But the primary goal is turning our attention to our heavenly father and saying, “Here I am, Lord.” That can be done morning, noon, or night in formal or informal ways, just as you would do with a friend you are getting to know. Let’s follow Jesus’ example and accept God’s invitation and allow him to feed and fuel our souls.
Looking for a quick way to respond to this post? Read Psalm 1 and meditate (think deeply about) the idea of what it would look like to “delight” in God’s law from verse 2. How is that different from how we usually approach reading the Bible?
QUESTION (leave a comment below)
What’s another reason you think we should spend time with God?
I am so grateful for the constant reminder to make time for God. Life truly gets to busy and in my world God often goes to the bottom of the list. I do pray everyday and listen to a christian radio station but rarely do i take the time to really give him my full attention. These reminders make me aware of how important it is to make him the priority. Thank You!!!!!!!
Thanks for your honesty, Lisa. On days you are not able to read your Bible, use your time in the car to worship God. After a song that particularly connects with you, turn off the radio and talk to God about the lyrics and truths you heard in it. God will love hearing from you in this way!
Love this!!! Each 5 reasons brings out the importance of spending time with God…though simple,they’re a great reminder how we need Him to talk to and to sit quietly and wait for His voice..
Sometimes we need simple. We tend to complicate things that are meant to be easy. 🙂 Keep spending time with God and enjoy it!