Relationships take work, effort. Our relationship with the Almighty God is no different. We must take time, quality time to be with Him. To listen and be still.

Many times I have found myself distracted as my husband shares about his day or explains some new techy thing. I am caught up in whatever…making dinner, caring for the baby, my own desire to share about my day, my phone. Anything and everything can distract me if I let it. When I neglect to listen to my husband I am neglecting our relationship. I am putting others things or myself first.

The same is true with God. When I am so consumed by the tasks of the day I am not listening. I am not attentive to His Spirit.

Back when My daughter was a newborn I struggled with time. Life seemed consumed with caring for her. At times I was overwhelmed. I remember sharing this with a friend, confessing to her that I felt like my relationships were fading. Even my relationship with God. She gave me advice that I still hold onto. She talked about how my relationship with God might look different now because my life changed. She told me I just needed to get creative with how I spent my time.

Years ago as a new Christian, I had made the habit of having quiet time in the mornings. Now with a baby that proved impossible. So this friend encouraged me to find other times to meet with God. When I was up in the middle of the night feeding my daughter, be still, listen and, pray.

That is the beautiful thing about our relationship with God. While holy and sacred it is also personal and without boundaries. We don’t have to be alone at a restaurant to talk to God. We don’t have to reach Him through a cell phone. He is available. 24/7. God is always listening.

Likewise, we can train our hearts to listen always. To be still. To be in His presence. Always. God’s Holy Spirit is inside of us, after all!

John 14:16-17 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. NLT

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. NKJV

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! NKJV

Matthew 26:41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! NLT