As life becomes busier and busier, it often seems impossible to stay afloat with work, family and church commitments. How do you squeeze God time into your day when you’re already struggling to get everything done?
Making a few small changes to your daily routine will help you keep your focus on God during the busyness of the day and may well give you the strength and peace you need to get everything done without burning out.
- Start the day well. You won’t have time to read the Bible from cover to cover before breakfast, but invite God into your day right from the off. Give to him any concerns you might have about the day ahead and commit to walking with him even while you’re at work.
- Take advantage of your commute. If you take public transport to work, why not read the Bible or a devotional en route? If you walk, you could use the time to pray for your colleagues or for opportunities to work out your faith during the day. If you drive, why not stick on some Christian ministry or worship music to help you keep your eyes on God throughout the day? Finally, if you work from home, set aside set times in the day to seek God and listen to his voice.
- Set aside one coffee or lunch break a week. Use this time to pray, either alone or with Christian colleagues or friends. Keep a prayer journal so you can look back and be encouraged by answered prayers in the coming weeks and months.
- Get to know your colleagues better. Spend time with your colleagues (or clients if you work alone), finding out what their interests and worries are. Ask God to show you ways to serve and encourage them and, if the time is right, to share your faith with them. Sometimes the small details, like making their favourite cup of tea, can make a big difference.
- Finish the day well. Whether you’ve had a dull day or a breathtaking breakthrough, take time to thank God for being with you through it. Talk to him about the high and low points, asking for wisdom in all that you do. Pray for good sleep so that you’re primed and ready for the next day!
You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes when you start involving God in your nine-to-five. Don’t banish him to Sunday mornings or evenings and weekends. Seek his presence whenever you can and you will notice a big difference in your work life and beyond.
And if you really can’t find the time to talk to God during work hours, perhaps it’s time to look for a new opportunity…
