Making Time for God

Mark 1:35-39

Today’s reading could not have come at a better time for me. My alarm went off this morning at 5 am and I desperately wanted to stay in bed. I leave for work at 7, but my time between 5 and 6 is for the Lord. I know that if I ignore this part of my day everything else suffers. I know that spending time in God’s word and in prayer sets my day on a path filled with peace and patience I don’t naturally possess. Spending time with God centers my heart and my mind on what truly matters. Still, my flesh is weak and often very tired. In those moments between sleep and the obligations of the day, I can think of very little besides how comfortable my bed is and how sleep deprived I feel. But… there is power in God’s word. There is power in the presence of God. There is strength when we do what God calls us to do. There is comfort in prayer… direction… peace… power.

Jesus knew the drain of life. He understood what being tired meant. Everywhere he went, people demanded answers and miracles. Still, he knew the importance of spending time with his Father. Mark tells us he got up “very early in the morning” to pray. He knew that once the house woke up, he would not be afforded time to go off alone and pray. In fact, as soon as Simon and his friends woke up, they immediately went to go and look for Jesus. Every parent can understand. As soon as my children’s eyes pop open, they demand my attention. Every person who has obligations can understand. As soon as a hard work arrives at work, they have a responsibilities pulling them and commanding their day. Life is filled with distractions, but we must follow the example of Christ. We must carve out time for what is truly important… even if that means getting up before the sun or stealing away for a lunch break alone with our Savior. Making time for prayer and study of God’s word must be a priority.

Prayer and reading the Word directs our day. After Jesus prayed, he was focused on what he needed to do. He directed his disciples on the next step. The same is true for you and me. When we detach ourselves from God’s Word and His presence, we begin to do what our flesh feels is best. Our focus shifts to worldly things. Our pride forgets how desperately we need God in every situation. Our path begins to stray. Let us not begrudge a little loss of sleep or a change of plans if that is what is required to make time for God. Our souls need food as much as our bodies. So set that alarm and resist the urge to hit snooze five times. If you have to schedule time for God, schedule it as the most important part of your day because it is. Life without the Lord is simply going through the motions. We need His direction. We need His presence or we are simply wandering through life.

(Written by Keegan Harkins.)