I am one of those go-go-go people. Sitting still is really hard for me. I like having a full schedule and a list of things to get done. Even when I stand in line waiting to check out items at the grocery store or am watching ads during an episode of tv on a streaming service, I feel the urge to pull out my phone to send a quick email. It’s how I’m wired… or rather, it’s how I’m programmed by the world we live in. I don’t think I’m alone…
We live in a busy fast paced culture with information overload literally at our fingertips with a simple swipe on our smartphones. There is a price we pay for our digital overstimulation and instant gratification. Psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist Dr. Daniel Amen recently said in a podcast interview, “Smartphones make for dumb people.” (Fascinating episode by the way, which is why I provided the link for you.) I can only speak for myself when I say– that stings a little, but in my life it rings true.
Probably the greatest cost of always “being on” is our attention and focus. When we are overly stimulated and constantly busy, it’s impossible to focus solely on God’s presence. When our hearts and minds don’t have dedicated time and moments throughout the day to fix our gaze on Jesus, our thoughts are placed elsewhere, and for me that often looks like thoughts that lead me down the path of anxiety, fear, doubt, envy and contempt. I would like less of those in my life, please! Instead, I want to experience more and more of the fruit of the Spirit in my life— love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Yes, to that life!
Having a life filled with the fruit of the Spirit requires us to stay in step with the Spirit throughout the day. (Galatians 5:25) It demands that at the beginning of our days, during the work commutes, in-between meetings, at the end of the lunch break, when our toddler finally goes down for their nap, when standing in line at the checkout counter, when folding the laundry, when loading the dishwasher, when unwinding from the day and getting ready for bed, when reflecting on our day as we fall asleep… we turn to scripture, to worship, to pray, to thanksgiving more than we do our mobile devices or our screens.
Perhaps, this is what the Apostle Paul meant when he instructed us to “pray continually.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV)
Now if you are like me, you are probably wondering if this is really realistic. It’s one thing to create a spiritual rhythm of morning devotions, and to occasionally play worship music in the car, but how do we actually commune with God throughout the day? Especially when our days are full of to-dos and responsibilities. We aren’t living that monk life, so does that make us exempt from 1 Thessalonians 5:17?
Every major lifestyle change begins with small habits we form over time. It is possible to grow in your awareness of God’s Presence throughout the day and to commune with Him all day, not just for the time you set aside for Bible reading and prayer. Full disclaimer, I am not an expert on this topic; just someone who is experiencing what it means to walk more closely with Jesus throughout my day as I commit to one new habit at a time.
Case in point, just this week I implemented something new in our home. While I cook dinner, I now listen to praise and worship music to take time in the evening to reflect on God’s goodness. What I didn’t anticipate was how much my 2-year-old loved this new habit. My girl turned our living room into her own personal dance floor as she rocked out to some Elevation Worship!
I’ve stopped checking instagram and my emails at the end of the day. Instead, as I get ready for bed, I think about the good things from the day and thank God. I end my day telling God the Father that I love Him and then think about how much He loves me. It’s simple, but it’s changing my perspective. Peace is growing where anxiety once had a heyday.
You’ll find what works for you. The point is not to do a whole lot more things as much as it is to create habits for you to, as Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Not sure where to start? Here’s some ideas to get your creative juices flowing…
- Create a morning rhythm away from your smartphone. For the first 20-30 minutes of your day, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and sit down with your Bible and journal. If you are using a Bible reading plan from the YouVersion app, awesome! Then only use your phone to open that app. Read or listen to a passage of scripture, reflect on the scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Journal your notes, thoughts, or prayers from the passage. End your time by praying— meditating on God’s love, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you throughout the day, and praying for the day ahead.
- Listen to an audible or podcast during your work commutes that is focused around spiritual formation, one that helps you grow in your understanding of God, how to follow Jesus, and how to live like Jesus in your daily life.
- Commit to taking a minute to pray before every meeting you have.
- Talk to your kids about God at some point during the day. Depending on their age this could look like you reflecting on a scripture together, praying together, sharing what God has been teaching each other, or just pausing to admire an aspect of God’s character or nature.
- Listen to a praise and worship song at some point in your day.
- Write a Bible verse you want to memorize on a note card and carry it with you throughout the week. Find a time each day where you pull it out and meditate on it for a few minutes.
- At the dinner table, take turns thanking God for something that took place during the day.
- Keep a list on your phone of friends, family, and coworkers, and pray for one of them each day for a couple minutes. Set an alarm for the same time each day so you won’t forget.
- Dedicate some daily task– like making the bed or brushing your teeth or tidying up a playroom, as time to meditate on God’s love for you. Or pause to think about how you are feeling and what is concerning you and talk to God about it.
P.S. Are you a woman in ministry? I want to invite you to join my next Lead with Love Coaching & Cohort Online Program beginning this fall. Gain the coaching, community and resources you need to lead bravely and boldly without sacrificing your well-being. There are only a few spots left. Learn more and secure your spot here.