1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
New International Version (NIV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
When I first heard this verse many years ago, I didn't understand it. The idea of praying or talking to God 24/7 seemed unrealistic. What am I supposed to do if I need to pray while I am driving? Pull over to the side of the road and get down on my knees?! I didn't understand how I could easily incorporate this formal idea of talking to God into my daily life.
Over the past few years I have learned something- having a solid relationship with God does not mean going through the motions of our faith. Some people may take time every day to formally get down on their knees and pray to God. But if it doesn't mean anything other than formality and you are not looking to build a relationship with God, then why do it? I have learned that it is about having a desire to spend that time with God, to get to know him to love him. Not just shooting up a formal prayer every once in a while because we know we have to.
My view of talking to God has completely changed over the past few years. I now view my relationship with God kind of like texting our friends. At any point during the day I will just be like "Hey God! Thanks for making today so beautiful, you are amazing!" It doesn't have to be long, it doesn't have to be formal, but it is necessary for life.
As Christians, we all go around saying that we need our Jesus time, or else we just wouldn't be able to make it. But how many of us "forget"? How many of us rarely pray or read our Bibles? We say it is necessary for life, but somehow we are living without it almost every day. It is like saying "I haven't drank water in over a week, but I just can't figure out why I am so thirsty." We are saying I can't stop worrying/stressing about this, and I can't figure out why. When we take time each day and take a time out with God, our lives will improve SO much!
So here is my challenge for you this week- Take a time out with God at least once a day. It may be reading your Bible, praying, listening to Christian music etc. But take that time and spend it with Him. It may be while you are walking to class or before you go to bed. No matter how much time you take, you won't regret it.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
New International Version (NIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Over the past few years I have learned something- having a solid relationship with God does not mean going through the motions of our faith. Some people may take time every day to formally get down on their knees and pray to God. But if it doesn't mean anything other than formality and you are not looking to build a relationship with God, then why do it? I have learned that it is about having a desire to spend that time with God, to get to know him to love him. Not just shooting up a formal prayer every once in a while because we know we have to.
My view of talking to God has completely changed over the past few years. I now view my relationship with God kind of like texting our friends. At any point during the day I will just be like "Hey God! Thanks for making today so beautiful, you are amazing!" It doesn't have to be long, it doesn't have to be formal, but it is necessary for life.
As Christians, we all go around saying that we need our Jesus time, or else we just wouldn't be able to make it. But how many of us "forget"? How many of us rarely pray or read our Bibles? We say it is necessary for life, but somehow we are living without it almost every day. It is like saying "I haven't drank water in over a week, but I just can't figure out why I am so thirsty." We are saying I can't stop worrying/stressing about this, and I can't figure out why. When we take time each day and take a time out with God, our lives will improve SO much!
So here is my challenge for you this week- Take a time out with God at least once a day. It may be reading your Bible, praying, listening to Christian music etc. But take that time and spend it with Him. It may be while you are walking to class or before you go to bed. No matter how much time you take, you won't regret it.
No comments:
Post a Comment