In a month where love is the theme, I want to challenge you to focus on the One whose love is greater than any other. God loves us in a way that no other person can. When God first describes Himself in Scripture, this is what He says:
The Lord, the Lord God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth. — Exodus 34:6 (NASB, emphasis mine)
“Hesed (HEH-sed), translated here as “lovingkindness,” has no single English word that fully captures its meaning. This word carries the qualities of loyalty, faithfulness, goodness, mercy, love, and compassion. At its core, it is love expressed through faithful relationship.”*
The love God has for us is the foundation of our relationship with Him. It is also the kind of love we are called to show to others. The only way we can love with loyalty, faithfulness, goodness, mercy, and compassion is by investing in our relationship with God more than any other.
I was in middle school when I first began learning how to intentionally invest time with God. Over the years, what started as a short routine has grown into time where I can lose track of the clock while reading, studying, and talking with Him. My prayer is that these practical ideas will help you move from something that may feel routine—as it once did for me—to a time you truly look forward to sharing with God.
Here are a few practical ways to invest time with Him:
Put It on Your Calendar
Just like you plan time with friends and family, be intentional about spending time with God. He is always available—you can talk to Him, read His Word, and worship anytime. But there is something special about setting aside intentional one-on-one time with Him, just like you would with a close friend.
Choose the best time of day for you. Pick a time when you are most alert and least likely to be interrupted. If you’re a morning person like me, don’t choose the evening when your energy and motivation are lower.
Find Your Spot
Choose a place where you want to meet with God—your back porch swing, a comfortable chair in your room, a neighborhood park, or even a coffee shop. Wherever you go, aim for a distraction-free environment.
This looks different for everyone. If you can focus with activity around you, that’s great! Personally, I do best in a quiet place, and if I’m outside, somewhere I’m not likely to run into people I know.
Choose How You Will Spend Your Time
There are many ways to spend time in God’s Word. Here are a few options:
* Devotionals A short daily devotional is great for those just getting started, new in their walk with the Lord, or in a busy season but wanting to keep God a priority.
* Bible Study A structured Bible study is helpful if you’re ready to be more challenged. The daily material is usually longer than a devotional and requires more time and focus.
* Scripture Study Studying Scripture on your own can feel intimidating, but it is incredibly rewarding. This allows you to grow as you discover truth directly from God’s Word with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour or more, you can do this. If you’d like help getting started, check out the Study the Word Blogto learn how to use inductive Bible study to explore a verse, passage, chapter, or book of the Bible by letting Scripture interpret Scripture.
Gather the Essentials
Keeping your materials together makes it easier to be consistent. The most important essential is your BIBLE.
You might also consider:
* A devotional or Bible study * A journal or notebook for notes, reflections, applications, and prayers * Pens and highlighters (no-bleed works best) for marking key verses * Sticky notes or tabs to organize thoughts or mark passages to revisit * Noise-canceling headphones if you’re easily distracted or in public spaces * A worship playlist to focus your heart at the beginning and respond in praise at the end
Two Final Challenges
Begin and end with prayer Start by asking God to prepare your heart and teach you. End by thanking Him for what He showed you and bringing your requests to Him.
Protect your time The busyness of life will try to crowd in and take this time away. Guard it. Don’t let anything else take its place.
*Michelle, Krista. In Her Shoes: Walking In Virtue. Kindle Publishing, 2020.
