How to Make Time for God in a Hectic Life and Find Rest
In the modern world, where demands on our time and energy seem endless, it’s no surprise that many of us feel disconnected from our spiritual lives. With work, family, social obligations, and personal ambitions constantly pulling us in different directions, finding time for God can feel nearly impossible. Yet, the call to make time for God is not merely a suggestion; it’s a vital necessity for those of us who want to experience true peace and rest in our souls.
How can we carve out time to commune with God amidst such a chaotic, high-pressure life? How do we find space for quiet reflection and prayer when the noise of the world is so overwhelming? The Bible teaches us that God desires to restore us, not just physically, but spiritually, through His presence. In this article, we will explore actionable steps for making time for God in the midst of your hectic life and discovering the rest He promises to give to those who seek Him.
1. Understand the Importance of Prioritizing God in Your Life
As human beings, it is easy to allow life’s demands to dictate how we spend our time. But Jesus gave us a profound principle in Matthew 6:33 when He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This verse is an invitation to recalibrate our priorities. When we make God the number one priority in our lives, everything else—our jobs, relationships, personal well-being—falls into divine alignment.
For many of us, this might mean reevaluating how we spend our time. Prioritizing God doesn’t mean neglecting our responsibilities; rather, it means recognizing that He is the source of all that is good. The moment we place Him at the center of our lives, He provides clarity and guidance for everything else. It is this trust in His sovereignty that leads to rest. In essence, God offers us peace when we commit to seeking Him above all else.
2. Carve Out Time for Quiet Reflection and Prayer
In a world that glorifies busyness, it is incredibly important to make time for quiet reflection and prayer. These practices are not just nice additions to our daily routine; they are essential for maintaining our connection with God. Jesus Himself modeled this behavior, taking time out of His busy ministry to retreat into solitude. In Mark 1:35, it says, “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.”
The quiet moments in our day are powerful opportunities for renewal. Whether you wake up early to spend time with God before the demands of the day begin or carve out moments throughout the day, these times of prayer and meditation restore our souls. We don’t pray just to ask for things; we pray to listen, to draw near to our Creator, and to be reminded that we are not in this world alone.
Start by setting aside a specific time each day for prayer—whether in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. And during those moments, shift your focus entirely to God. Don’t rush through your prayer; take the time to truly listen and reflect on His Word. In doing so, you will find peace and strength to navigate the day ahead.
3. Embrace the Gift of the Sabbath
One of the most beautiful and life-giving gifts God has given us is the Sabbath—set apart as a day of rest. In a world that celebrates nonstop productivity, rest can seem counterproductive. But the Bible tells us that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). If God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to rest, we too must understand the importance of taking time to step away from work and simply be in God’s presence.
The Sabbath isn’t just about taking a break from work—it’s a time to reconnect with God, reflect on His goodness, and refuel spiritually. For many, the idea of taking an entire day to rest might seem impossible. But even if you can’t take a full day off, carve out time every week to unplug from the busyness and focus solely on God. Set aside time for prayer, worship, and quiet reflection. In doing so, you acknowledge that God is in control and that you are not defined by your work or responsibilities.
The Sabbath is a divine act of trust, where we surrender our control over time and place our faith in God’s provision. Through this rest, we are reminded that God works in our lives even when we are not working. When we make the Sabbath a priority, we invite God’s peace to rule over our lives.
4. Set Healthy Boundaries and Declutter Your Schedule
One of the biggest barriers to finding time for God is overcommitment. We often say yes to so many things—whether out of obligation, guilt, or desire to please others—that we end up neglecting our relationship with God. But setting healthy boundaries is key to making time for God and finding rest.
Jesus modeled setting boundaries throughout His ministry. In Mark 1:38-39, after performing miracles and healing many, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us go somewhere else, to the nearby villages, so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Even when people were seeking Him, Jesus knew when it was time to move on and focus on His mission. He did not allow the demands of others to dictate His time.
We must do the same. If you find that you are constantly overextended, consider what commitments you can release. Ask yourself: Are these obligations aligned with God’s will for my life? Are they helping me grow spiritually or are they draining me? Declutter your schedule and make room for time with God. When we make space in our lives for what truly matters, we make room for God’s rest and peace.
5. Practice Gratitude and Worship in the Midst of Chaos
The beauty of gratitude is that it transforms our perspective. When life feels chaotic and overwhelming, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our problems to God’s faithfulness. Psalm 100:4 reminds us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Worship is a powerful way to invite peace into our hearts.
Even in the midst of busyness, we can worship God. Whether you’re driving to work, walking to the grocery store, or taking a break from a hectic day, offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Acknowledge the goodness of God, His provision, and His faithfulness. Worship is not confined to Sunday services; it is an ongoing act of recognizing God’s sovereignty in all circumstances.
Gratitude opens the door to peace. When we focus on God’s blessings instead of our burdens, we experience His presence in a new and profound way. Worship in the midst of chaos isn’t about escaping reality but about confronting life with the assurance that God is with us through it all.
6. Trust in God’s Promise of Peace and Rest
Lastly, we must trust in the promises of God. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers a beautiful invitation to rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
The rest Jesus offers is not the absence of work or struggles, but a deep, spiritual rest that transcends our circumstances. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds, even in the midst of life’s chaos. When we feel weary, we can turn to Him and trust that He will provide the peace we need.
Finding Rest in the Midst of a Hectic Life
In a world that never slows down, finding time for God can be a challenge. But by prioritizing God, carving out time for prayer, embracing the gift of the Sabbath, setting healthy boundaries, practicing gratitude, and trusting in God’s promises, we can find the rest we desperately need. True rest comes not from escaping our responsibilities but from drawing near to God and finding peace in His presence.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands? Do you long for rest and peace that only God can provide? Visit www.holyspiritencounters.com today to discover resources that will help you draw closer to God and experience true rest. Sign up now for articles, prayers, and spiritual insights that will refresh your soul and strengthen your relationship with God.
