As a mum, I find I am rarely alone. Especially now that I have a preschooler who doesn't nap and wants to know what I'm doing at all times, spending time just meditating on the bible and praying is quite a challenge. But one thing for sure, if I am not deliberate in making time for God, it will most definitely not happen by chance. The problem is, this is the time that I need God's Word and guidance the most. I am responsible for two little souls and I need all the wisdom and strength that I can get. So I decided I will have to be smart and creative in the way I can be fed from God's Word. Here are some ideas that have worked for me.
1. Use a Daily Devotions book
I realised a lot of time is wasted looking for the bible, figuring out what passage I am going to read, then finding that passage in the bible. So I use The Daily Reading Bible from Matthias Media which is compact and has the daily bible passages printed in it with some questions to ponder upon. I leave this on my bedside table so I can grab it first thing when I wake up in the morning. If my kids miraculously stay asleep till 7am, I even have time to write some of my thoughts on a notebook I keep on my bedside table as well.
2. Listen to the Bible
If I missed my morning devotions time because the kids woke up before I did, I try to get at least five minutes alone to listen to the bible. YouVersion Bible is a great app that you can download on your phone to gain access to a huge range of bible translations on the go. I've subscribed to a bible reading plan through this app and like to listen to the day's reading through my phone. You can also listen through your computer if you don't use a smartphone.
3. Listen to Christian Music
Sometimes, I leave the kids with my hubby and go for a short walk in the mornings. I find listening to worship songs during these walks very helpful in meditating on God's character and His grace. I've compiled a playlist on Spotify that I can listen to during these walks. Even if it's just 15 minutes I find it very uplifting and inspiring.
4. Read the Bible to Your Children
Children's bibles have become quite sophisticated these days with beautiful pictures and meaningful messages. Our favourites are Jesus Storybook Bible and The Gospel Story Bible. There have been several times when I've learnt something new or was able to look at a bible story from a new perspective while reading these bible to my children. Talk to your children about what you can learn about God through these stories and what that means for us so both you and your children can have a chance to meditate on the passage.
5. Meditate While Colouring-in
I find it hard to concentrate on the bible in the evenings as I'm already so physically drained. That's why Lorien Illustration's Meditations colouring-in book has been a huge help in meditating on a few verses while helping me relax. You can enhance the atmosphere by turning on some christian music while you colour-in.
My next challenge is to find time once a week to really study the bible for at least an hour. I have a feeling it will involve something like physically being removed from my children. Do you have any creative ideas to stay on top of your daily devotions?
No comments:
Post a Comment