If your Spiritual life were a tree, would you water it?

What is effort? Really, think about it. Effort in my eyes is something we put forth to accomplish something we find worthwhile. Why, then, is it sometimes so hard to put forth effort in our Spiritual life?--isn't it something we can deem worthwhile? I will be the first to admit that I find my relationship with Christ very worthwhile--even if He had never done anything for me but save me from my sins (aka spare me from the awful pits of eternity in Hell), I would still be indebted to Him. But it's even more than just His salvation, but the fact that He's a constant companion (Joshua 1:9), that He desires to hear my heart's desires and to talk to me (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)..That's not something you get all the time in friends these days. We're busy, and don't make time for a lot of things, but God's never too busy for us (even though He's in control of everything--awesome, I know, it's like He's the Creator or something...). I find that when it comes to "devo time," "quiet time" or whatever you want to call it, sleeping or doing something more entertaining sounds so much more appealing sometimes. This is not without good reason. The Bible tells us that our flesh/sinful nature desires different things than our Spirit (Galatians 5: 16-17). But let's go back to the original thought--can we truthfully say it is worth the effort? If we believe that Christ has came and died for our sins and have made a commitment to serving Him, it should be an easy 'yes, it is worth the effort.' Now it's just applying it.

I have found throughout the course of my 12 years since I accepted Christ, that different people have different needs for quiet time and that, while it's important to spend time with God, there's no rulebook on how best to do it. At some points I have done the nightly devotion before I go to bed, setting it aside with my toothbrushing and other habits of the evening. I have found throughout the course of doing this though that I tend to be ready to sleep when I head to bed, and so, even if I put aside the time to do it, I had less energy, was more drowsy, and seemed to get less out of it/put less into it. Then, previously I had a schedule that allowed me to wake up in the morning and spend time with God before I went into classes. This worked really well because by the time I drove into school, I was awake, and it was a great starter to get me in the right midset for my day. Currently, I have decided to set aside a specific time at night (i.e. 10:00) where I do my devotion, whether I am going to bed immediately afterward or several hours later. This way, I have the time blocked off in my mind as if I can't do other things at that time--kinda like having a date with God.

As far as recommendations on what to read/resources/etc, I have also found myself going through different phases. I really enjoy Max Lucado's books--a good one to start you on getting your devo time into place is "Every Day Deserves a Chance"--it's about slowing down and appreciating things in a fast paced life. Other than that, I would suggest reading the book of Proverbs in a 31 day month also..a chapter a day gets a whole book done in a month. Perhaps pick up a Bible study and work through it (you don't have to have a group to do these great resourceful books--Beth Moore has been highly recommended by many, though I've never read her myself). Other ideas to include in your day are radio ministries. Although I believe it's important to read the Bible yourself and talk with God personally, sometimes listening to ministries like Chip Ingram's Living on the Edge (7 am, 94.7 FM), or Southeast Christians' The Living Word (7:30 AM, 94.7 FM) can be a good boost to the morning. Last fall, I listened to The Living Word on my commute in every morning, now I listen to it in the shower and while I'm getting ready. Talk to God as you walk, as you drive, as you shower..pray and communicate consistently and constantly, like it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

God wants a relationship, and though I know it's sometimes hard to find the time--remember, it IS worth the effort, and if you really desire to make time for it, God will provide a way--it may take change and sacrifice..but just remember, in the end, you'll make time for what's important to you. Need to revamp something in your life? That, my friend, is between you and God; something to which I do not have the answer. My advice: don't say no to the best friend you'll ever have (God).