Devoted: All InSample

Yesterday, I asked the question bomb: when was the last time you were desperate for God?

It's hard to be ALL IN if you're not spending time in God's presence.

We can't just think about meeting with God; we actually have to do it. Every day, day in and day out. In the midst of troubles or when you're having the time of your life, every moment is a good time to meet with the Lord.

Messed up pretty bad recently? Great time to meet with God.

Things going splendidly for you and yours? Awesome–take time with the Lord to give thanks!

Do you have trauma with your dad, so you don't understand what a Good Father looks like? Perhaps you have great parents, but you've never made a conscious effort to set aside time with your heavenly Father. Maybe you are new to this whole loving God thing. All of these situations are the perfect opportunities to spend time in his presence.

To make spending time with God a habit, you need to create a space in your calendar and your home. It doesn't matter if you're a night owl or a morning lark; set aside a specific time each day to meet with God. I enjoy meeting with the Lord over coffee when I first wake up. I sit in my favorite chair in my closet, and God meets me there.

I'm usually groggy, and I definitely have some bed-head going on. But I can pour out my heart to Him, study His Word, and spend time quietly soaking up His presence. It's the best part of my day. Now that I'm in the habit, it feels weird not to make the time.

Making space to spend time with the Lord is not a new concept. Matthew 6:6 reminds us, But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father who sees everything, will reward you.

For today, make a plan to meet with the Lord about the same time and place each day. Where will you meet? Prepare that place, maybe with a cozy blanket or special notebook. Perhaps you will meet in your car or in a quiet corner at work. The place doesn't matter as much as your commitment to make time to spend with God.

Prayer: Abba, Father, Creator–you made me to spend time with you. Forgive me for not making that a priority, and help me from this point on to make time and space for our conversations. Teach me in the Secret Place, and let me experience the warmth and peace of your presence today. I want this to be my new habit–help me to search you out and spend precious time with you continually! In Jesus' name, amen.