“Good morning, sweet girl!” I forced a smile as my daughter crept down the stairs to steal my quiet time.
Bible study since the birth of my children has been an eight-year battle. I’ve done all sorts of things to avoid being noticed until 7 a.m.
There’s little time for formality after childbirth, but always time for Him. Though we may not be able to wrap our exhausted minds around how to fit one more busy thing into our lives; the Author of Creation can stretch our time.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20)
Bible study is not just possible for busy moms, it’s essential to living an organized life.
1. Wake up.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
The struggle of the snooze button is simplified by Jesus’ example. When we walk into the day without letting God prepare our hearts, it’s like forgetting to eat. Our minds aren’t as sharp without proper nutrition, and our bodies become susceptible to sickness and injury. The same is true for our souls. We’re promised to be attacked when we walk out the door each day. In five minutes, God can equip our hearts to face the day ahead.
2. Use your “time” wisely.
The first thing we all do is wake up and go… to the bathroom… and grab our smartphones on the way. Place a devotional book in there or an app on your phone, and snag some peace of mind before your kids hear you flush. God can work miracles in cramped spaces. Each fleeting moment given to God stacks a foundational block of faith.
3. Wait in line.
Many moms spend a major chunk of the afternoon waiting in the school pick-up line. In that 20 minutes of glorious, quiet space, read a book. One chapter a day turns into 20 books a year, and an opportunity to study the Bible. Christian authors abound with books on topics that meet busy moms where they are at with camaraderie, laughter, and tears.
4. Find people.
God did not intend for us to walk through life alone. People are placed in your space to help you connect to Him.
“It is not good for man to be alone…” (Genesis 2:18)
“Two are better than one…” (Ecclesiastes 4:19)
Sign up for a Bible study group, seek out groups of moms that meet to talk while their kids play, or just maintain friendships by scheduling lunch dates. It’s comforting just to go through life together.
5. Get in shape.
We can work out some soul stuff while we walk the dog, run down the road, clean the house, bike around town, cook dinner or lift at the gym. If there’s a scenic part of town, head to it. Stream some contemporary Christian music or listen to a sermon series. When we are willing to give God the time we have, He moves our hearts.
6. Put your kids to bed.
In the rush of shushing them to sleep every night, set aside time for a kids’ devotional book. A paragraph and a verse have the power to tie into the day you’ve had. Plus, it can take the burden of explanation into the capable hands of the Father that loves to guide.
During the days we can’t see past our business, have faith those extra minutes are there.
Please pray with me:
Father, We praise you for leaving your Word as a lamp to our feet. Creator of all, You are powerful to stretch the minutes of the minutes of our lives. Thank you for the free gift we have to read and study your Word in this country, and we pray blessing and peace over nations that do not share that privilege or know Your love.
Help us to honor You each day by seeking You in Bible study. For you promise, “… those who seek me find me.” (Proverbs 8:17) Thank you for the blessing of motherhood. Bless us with confidence from the strength Your Word provides, as we lift up overwhelming business to the capable hands that craft time. Bless us with strong faith and trust to know in our hearts that we are as precious to You as our children are to us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Megs is a stay-at-home mom and blogger at http://sunnyand80.org, where she writes about everyday life within the love of Christ.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: January 3, 2017