It doesn’t matter if you’re a stay-at-home mom, work-at-home mom, or work outside the home, parenting isn’t easy!
As mothers, we are master chefs, secretaries, project assistants, uber drivers, and master treasure hunters for our families.
Our days are filled with laundry, dishes, and tiny humans (sometimes big tiny humans) that demand our love and attention.
Most of the time you feel like you don’t have room for anything else on your already busy plate, but there is always one person you should make room for…God.
Today, I’m going to share with you some tips on how you can make time for the Lord, even with all the gazillion things you have to do as a mom.
Why You Should Make Time For the Lord?
Make time for God?
What exactly does that mean? And what does it look like?
As a mother, it is easy to neglect yourself and your relationship with God because you’re being pulled in so many different directions.
What does it mean to make time for God?
Traditionally when people say you need to make time for God they are talking about having a quiet time routine.
I don’t have a problem with this definition, I firmly believe that in order to grow in your faith you need to have dedicated time to read, study and pray.
However, I also believe that it’s a narrow way to think about what making time for God looks like, especially in motherhood.
So then what does it mean?
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33,” But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Proverbs 3:6 tells us, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Making time for the Lord is more than just simply boxing off time in your day to read and pray. If we are acknowledging him in all of our ways and seek His Kingdom, making time for the Lord becomes something we do throughout our day.
It’s taking time to thank Him for the little things, praying throughout the day, meditating on scripture, talking about him with your children, and so much more.
Making time for God means we are being intentional about including him not just in one part of our day, but throughout the day.
Importance of Making Time for the Lord
As Christians, I believe most of us know that spending time with God is important and something we should be doing. But it’s seen as more of a recommendation, than a necessity.
Just like we know that eating healthy and exercising are important, we still grab a burger and binge-watch Netflix instead.
Why is making time for God necessary?
1. Keeps You From Becoming Lukewarm
Being a mom is tough. Especially, when you’re trying to raise godly kids in a world that wants nothing to do with Him. It’s easier to “go with the flow” and indulge in the things of this world.
Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. How do you renew your mind? By reading and meditating on the word of God.
In Revelations, God tells the church that he would rather they be hot or cold, but because they are lukewarm he will spit them out of his mouth.
If we hope to raise godly children, then we can’t afford to be lukewarm.
2. We Don’t Have to Carry the Weight
The world constantly tells women that they should be strong, fearless, and independent. In order to be a good mom you need to cook healthy meals, have a spotless house, limit your kids’ screen time, and heaven forbid you must never raise your voice at your kids! **gasp** All while being a super sexy boss babe with flawless hair and makeup!
And even though you know these standards are ridiculous and impossible to meet you still try to live up to them. In the end, you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and dissatisfied. Motherhood becomes a burden instead of a blessing.
Matt 11:28-30 says”Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. “
When you make time for God you can cast all of your cares and the burdens of motherhood on Him. Instead of trying to meet the world’s standards, you can keep your eyes on His.
3. God Wants to Speak to You
When we read the Bible we see that God spoke to his people.
He spoke to Adam and Eve, Abraham, Noah, Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah, etc.
God’s original plan was and still is for us to have a relationship with him. That’s why he gave us the Holy Spirit and why he left us His word.
4. God Wants to Hear from You
God is our Father and like any good parent, he wants to hear from his children.
Whether you believe it or not God cares about you and he loves you more than you can think or imagine.
He is interested in you and is constantly calling you into dialogue with him. Don’t ignore that still small voice calling you to prayer, calling you to praise, calling you to read his word.
He wants to hear from you.
10 Practical Tips to Making Time for God
I wanted to know how other’s moms made time for God so I asked for a few tips from the ladies in a few of the Facebook groups I’m in. I’ve arranged the tips in order from the least popular to the most popular tips.
10. Post Scripture Throughout the House
One of the ways God talks to us is through His word. The best way to read the Bible daily is to post scriptures around the house.
As you go throughout the day, read the sticky notes until you’ve gotten all the verses memorized.
When you’ve memorized one, replace it with a new one.
9. Take Advantage of Nap and Quiet Time
Before washing dishes, doing laundry, or watching Netflix during nap or quiet time take a few moments to pray or read the Bible.
You can also pray, sing, or meditate on scripture while you are doing these things.
8. Reduce Your Time on Social Media
I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent more time on social media than I want.
The average adult spends about 4 to 5 hours a day on social media.
Instead of mindlessly scrolling through Tiktok and Facebook, open up your Bible.
7. Leave Your Bible Open
Are you familiar with the saying, “Out of sight out of mind?” The same goes for your Bible.
If it’s hidden somewhere in the house you won’t think about it. Instead, leave your Bible open and out on a counter in your home.
As you go about your day take a moment to read a verse as you pass by.
6. Have an Accountability Partner
A few of the ladies shared that they have a reading partner or a group of moms that they discuss the Bible with.
One of the benefits of being a Christian is having a group of believers you can fellowship with.
The Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up..” Ec 4:9
If you’re struggling, find an accountability partner you can meet with regularly to discuss life and your walk with Christ.
5. Keep it Manageable
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you’ve never had a quiet time or you’re schedule is crazy don’t try to do a 30-minute quiet time.
Start off small and simple. Start with 5-10 minutes a day. That’s enough time to pray and read a few Bible verses.
Create a quiet time bin where you can keep your Bible, pens, etc. so you don’t have to search for them later.
Put verses around the house that you can read during the day.
Write a few verses on index cards and put them in your purse or diaper bag.
The point is to start small and then build from there.
4. Read with Your Kids
Instead of excluding your kids from your quiet time, include them.
Pick a small passage of the Bible and read it with them, then discuss the passage with your kids.
If you have toddlers you can try giving them a kid’s Bible and let them “read” along with you.
Children are smarter than we give them credit for and there are many ways to study the Bible with your kids.
3. Use a Reading Plan
The next two tips tied for third place. One of the easiest ways to develop quiet time with God is to follow a reading plan.
Reading plans help take the guesswork out of what you’re going to read for the day.
Some Bibles have reading plans in the back or you can use a Bible app to find a reading plan that suits your needs.
3. Wake Up Early/Stay Up Late
Many of the moms I surveyed said they got up early or stayed up late.
This tip works best for moms who have older kids that sleep throughout the night or have regular sleep schedules.
However, even moms of newborns can use this tip when they combine it with the next one.
2. Listen to the Bible
I’m more of a reader. I’ve never been a fan of audiobooks. However, if you don’t have time to sit down, listening to the Bible is a great substitute for reading the Bible.
You can download the Bible app on your phone and listen to the Bible while you wash dishes, drive, or while you’re nursing your baby.
You can also listen to podcasts and worship music as you go about your day.
1. Make It a Priority
The most popular tip was to make God a priority. When you believe something is important you will make time for it.
When you love something or someone you will make time for them.
As believers, our relationship with Jesus should be our top priority.
In Luke 12:26 Jesus says,”If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.”
Jesus doesn’t literally mean we have to hate these groups of people, but that they shouldn’t be more important than he is.
The best way for you to love and serve your family is to have a strong relationship with Christ.
When you consistently spend time in his presence you will show up differently for your family.
My challenge for you today is to take action and put God on your schedule.
I hope you enjoyed this post and learned some valuable tips.
I’d love to hear from you in the comment section.
What was your favorite tip? Is there one that you’re going to try and put into action today? Let me know in the comment section.
As always, keep Jesus in the center of everything you do.
Your Sister in Christ,
Eboni