Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to spend time with God

The Fine Art of Tuning into God's Frequency
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

—Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

Last week I tuned into my favorite Christian radio station, and instead of a worship song, I heard rap music playing on the same frequency. The raunchy lyrics and deafening beat reminded me how many things can interfere with my desire to listen to God.

When I get out of bed each morning, I fully intend to have my quiet time, but after I pour myself a cup of coffee and pull out my study Bible, my attention span gets hijacked by the notifications on my phone, the neon pink post-it notes on the table, my to-do list, and…you get the idea.

Friend, the enemy of your soul knows how threatening you are when you tune into God's Word, so he works overtime to put one distraction in front of you after another. You are of no use to God's kingdom when you have one foot in Satan's territory, tuned to one of his frequencies.

In today’s passage, God called Joshua after Moses died to lead His people into the Promised Land. But Joshua knew he would not have victory unless he meditated on the Word of God day and night. The same applies to us. We won't have victory over the challenges we face if we allow distractions to steal the blessing of spending time with God. Five minutes a day doesn't satisfy our need for His love, comfort, guidance, and peace.

That's why having a practical strategy gives you the best opportunity to eliminate unnecessary distractions so that you can make the most of your time with Him.

Here are some suggestions you might find helpful: 

• Find a prayer closet, a quiet place in your home where no one will disturb you.
• Ask a trusted friend to check in with you periodically and ask what you're learning.
• Try using a prayer journal, a devotional coloring book, or a Bible app.
• Subscribe to a devotional magazine or buy a devotional book.
• Find a podcast, a radio, or a television show that inspires and encourages you.
• Appreciate your efforts, however small at first. If you set the bar too high, your expectations can cause you to get discouraged and give up.
• View your time with God as your most important appointment and the best part of your day. Remember how much God loves you, and allow His grace to release you from the burden of perfectionism.

In our fast-paced culture, the distractions we face are endless, but with some practice, we can gradually put these strategies into place so that spending time with God no longer seems like an impossible feat.

The next time your feet hit the floor in the morning, my friend, remember you're not on this journey alone. God will help you redirect your attention so His frequency will be all you hear.

Let's Pray:
Father God, thank You for giving me Your Word so that I have victory over every challenge I face. As I walk through this day, help me set aside distractions and tune into Your eternal truths. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Part of Your Story” by Cheri Keaggy. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards.

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52