“What did you want to be when you grew up?” Everyone gave sensible answers to our small group leader’s question. I racked my brain and couldn’t recall one serious aspiration. I’d dreamed of being a female Peter Pan or Annie Oakley.
On my report card, my second grade teacher wrote, “Debbie does good work, but daydreams too much.” Didn’t all children carry fairies to school? Little did I realize these were clues to my personality and how I’d connect with God.
How we approach God
Do you feel like your relationship with God should look a certain way? Do you compare yourself with other people and chastise yourself if you aren’t like them?
The Psalmist wrote, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it” (Psalm 139:14, Living Bible).
We are not only complex; we are different from each other. God didn’t create a bunch of sock dolls from the same ball of yarn. He knit us together in ways that reflect His glory and display His creativity. If no two fingerprints are the same, why would we think God expects everyone to relate to Him in the same way?
I was a young nursing mother when another mom in our church shuddered to hear I had my quiet time with God at night. She straightened her shoulders, and said, “We are children of the light.”
My first thought, well, wasn’t exactly a nice thought. But my next thought was, I thought it was supposed to be darkest before dawn, the hours she boasted about meeting with God. Maybe she’d never read that God neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Maybe that is why I appreciated hearing a panel of women from different ages and stages of life share how they connect with God at a Knowing God luncheon last week. Here are some ideas from them and from others:
- A young mother and pastor’s wife who grew up dancing said music speaks to her. Today she uses music to direct her thoughts to God.
- A busy working mom listens to Bible teachers while she rides her stationary bike before dashing off to work. She uses car rides to share devotions with her teens.
- Another gal prays when she walks her dog.
- Being a romantic, my friend Marilyn views her quiet time as a date. She looks forward to spending time with the One who knows all about her and wants to share life with her.
- Another friend, who is a busy CEO, wife, mother, and volunteer in many ministries, starts her day with a Bible study and a kale/jalapeño smoothie! If she has to catch an early flight, she carries her devotional on the airplane.
- Sarah Bush created a journal to energize and guide prayer time.
- I enjoy the audio Bible at Biblegateway.com as I go through my morning routines.
Peter Pan and Bible Study
So what does Peter Pan have to do with Bible study? Daydreaming contributes to my joy of studying and teaching the Bible. When I began to share how I imagined biblical scenes, people told me those passages came alive for them.
God tells us to delight in Him. That is what you need to remember. Spend time with the Lord in the way that works for you and draws you to Him.
Don’t be afraid to try different times of day and formats. Just spend time with Jesus. You’ll be glad you did.
One last suggestion: If you haven’t bought a copy of my study, download a free sample of Give Yourself a Break, Discover the Secrets to God’s Rest on the right.
What’s one thing that keeps your time with God fresh? Comment here.
Blessings,
Debbie W. Wilson
I love how free and real you are about relationship with God and prayer. I clearly remember grabbing a few minutes of prayer and bible study at the oddest times when my children were small. I just trusted He would bless the time – even when it was just 5 rushed minutes because He saw my heart – and He always did and still does. I’m glad you didn’t let that legalistic lady make you feel what you were doing was wrong.
Thank you, Ann. I actually thought of lots of verses that disputed her rigid ways, including Psalm 139, darkness and light are alike to Him, and Jesus prayed all night. I feel sad when I hear the guilt too many feel about their relationship with God. Guilt doesn’t make you want to be close to someone.
I listen to scripture then write in my journal. Closing my entries with a prayer
Great idea, Sandi. Thanks for sharing!
Debbie, please don’t think I’m trying to promote myself by commenting…it’s just that your post speaks to something very personal to me. My devotion book, that will be released on February 10, speaks to this very thing…to connect with God creatively in a way that is unique to the individuality in each of us, but on a more creative level; like art journaling or mixed media using paint or markers. I have a note-taker’s Bible with extra-wide margins and sometimes I draw pictures or use fancy fonts to make a Scripture passage come alive. Some people might think it’s disrespectful to “mark up” my Bible this way, but God made me creative and sometimes that’s how I need to connect with Him.
Nina, thank you for letting us know about your devotion book. Please share the name and how to find it. I love your creativity!
Debbie, thanks for sharing how the different women connect with God. It’s always great to hear what works for different people, and to be reminded that there are different ways to connect with Him. God bless you!!
Thank you, Shirley. I’m sure you have a lot to share on that subject. I know every season of my life has brought changes, but He remains constant in His ability to meet us where we are.