Time for God?

Could it be that not having enough time to read the Bible and spend time with God because of all of the things we have to do is a good enough reason to not do it?

What do I mean? Am I saying that because of how gracious He is and also because some of us have been "in the Faith" a very long time that there is no longer a need to intentionally read the Bible or spend a concentrated time talking to Him? It seems like that could be a disease that many of us have caught.

We ARE very busy aren't we? It is a sign of our culture. It is a form of greeting that we give each other. "I am so busy!", "I've got so much to do; I am so stressed!" I can't believe the work I have to do. I'm at least a week behind." So when we work up our daily task list we put everything in its place. We prioritize the most important things first. We make sure we put at the top those things we can't ignore. That paper with the deadline; or the contract that must be signed and researched. The potential property that must be built. All these things scream "ME FIRST!" And we believe that is what really matters.

On the other hand... God is not clamoring to be at the top of the list. In fact, because of our experience with Bible Reading and Prayer we feel like he doesn't even need to be near the top. After all we will be able to catch up with that stuff after the important things are done. We know that God will understand. And also, because of that transformation / Holy Spirit thing - I believe God will give me what I need when I need it even if I am not prepared. Thank you Lord for meeting me where I am.

Wait, Wait, Wait!!! No, this is not a relationship! This is some kind of Convenience Store. that's right a spiritual convenience store. When we don't have time to do the real shopping or real preparation, we rely on the WAWA to get the essentials. That is how we are approaching our relationship with God. But it is a relationship. As in any relationship it takes time, effort, time, focus, time, creativity. It would be absurd if I thought that my relationship with Carolyn, in the early days would progress by just spending 7 minutes a week with her. It took hours. And it was hours that I wanted to spend with her. And you know what it still takes hours - 30 years later!

So it is with the Lord, I want to spend time with Him. I get to spend time with Him. And magically as I spend time with God - I know Him better. I can hear His voice better.

It's not about being legalistic, it's about a relationship