Exclusive Time With God
When you were younger did you ever have a secret hiding place just for you and a friend or a sibling– a place where you could “disappear” for a bit and be alone? Or maybe you had a secret handshake or made-up language only you and the other knew?
Have you ever thought about doing something similar with God? Now it may not be a secret language or handshake but what if you had something that was specifically reserved to you and God?
Sometimes we can get discouraged or feel guilt for not giving God enough of our time but what if there was something we could do just for God? Sure, at times it’s good to go the extra mile and do things like spending an extra hour in The Word or even watching an extra sermon online to catch a message you needed to hear but what if we were able to do a little something every day that was dedicated to God– something that you not only love to do but would enhance your time with God personally?
Having a daily practice of intentional time with God is a great way to express your devotion, gratitude, and reverence toward God. It serves as a tangible and symbolic way to engage with God and can even help in taking what could begin to feel mundane and entering into a sacred space. A special, disclosed act with God can deepen our understanding of His presence, provide a sense of peace, and create opportunities for personal growth.
Choosing an Activity
When deciding on a special activity for your time with God, it's important to consider your individual preferences- do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors? Do you like your environments to include other people or do you prefer to be in a quiet space alone? Do you prefer novelty or consistency?
Consider your interests- are you into nature or working with your hands? Are you artistic or technical? Are you interested in learning from others or are you more interested in coming to your own conclusions?
Also, think about your passions- do you love to write? Read? Maybe you enjoy singing and dancing? Think about what really brings you the most joy.
It may also help to think back to a time when you felt God speak to you or a time when you most felt His presence.
Here are a few examples of different activities or ways to go about enjoying your exclusive time with God, daily:
Nature Walks or Meditation:
Take regular walks in natural surroundings, immersing yourself in God's creation. Use this time to meditate, reflect on scripture, or simply talk with God while taking the time to take in and appreciate the beauty around you. This practice can foster a sense of awe, gratitude, and a deeper connection with God.
Journaling:
Set aside dedicated time for reflective writing, allowing you to pour out your thoughts, emotions, and prayers. Not only can it be incredibly healing, but it can also be such a blessing to be able to look back and see what God has brought you through. I know I personally can forget where I’ve been or even find it hard to see how far I’ve come, and having a journal to remind myself of this is so important to my walk with God. Through journaling, you can deepen your self-awareness, seek guidance, and document your journey with God.
Acts of Service:
Something about connecting back to childhood makes things more rich to me, maybe you can relate? Having something to sort of “gamify” an activity can amplify your experience. Try creating a “game” with God to set a goal or prompt to engage in acts of kindness and service towards others as a way to express your love for God. Throughout your day try to find ways to show love and grace to others and take God along for the ride. “Lord, I’ll find 3 people to go out of my way to make them feel seen and You bring 3 people across my path and nudge me to find something to complement them.” When we think of “loving our neighbor” what might come to mind are things like volunteering, sharing a meal, or donating to charity but we can do just as much good through small acts of service. By serving others, you honor God and deepen your relationship with Him (making it a game helps to build a friendship with Him too 🙂).
Incorporate Something You Love:
Whether you are a painter, gardener, chef, or engineer, you can use your gifts and talents to include God in your worship and time with Him. Whatever it may be, dedicate the time to God. Create a painting “Just for you, God” or tend to your garden while dedicating its beauty back to God. Allow this time to be a conduit to intentionally connect with God every day.
Incorporating special activities into your spiritual practice can be a powerful way to cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Whether through nature walks, journaling, music, or acts of service, these practices provide a tangible means of expressing devotion and connecting with the Father. By making these activities a regular part of your life, you can experience spiritual growth, find solace, and develop a profound sense of connection with God. Remember, the key is to approach these practices with an open heart and a willingness to explore new dimensions of your faith. May these special activities be a source of inspiration, renewal, and transformative encounters with God, ultimately leading to a deepening and flourishing relationship that enriches every aspect of your life.
Xoxo,
Tera