Whether you call it quiet time, abiding, being alone with God, etc…most followers of Jesus agree: having a consistent “God Time” (as we call it here at Hope Church) is absolutely essential for having a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ.

But what qualifies as a “God Time?” When can I say I’ve had it, on any given day, and when do I know I haven’t?

The list that follows are several things that must characterize my “God Time” or else I don’t feel like I’ve pursued/abided in the Lord on that particular day. (Keep in mind, in no way, shape, or form are these legalistic measures you need to adhere to. Your “God Time” may look totally different than mine. These are just things I know must take place for me.)

Intentional. Did I set out, proactively, to invest time in my relationship with Jesus Christ today?
Biblical. Was a significant part of that investment of time reading, listening, and considering a specific portion of God’s Word?
Prayerful/Worshipful. Was another significant part of that investment of time praising, posturing myself in humility, petitioning, and preparing myself for the temptations of the enemy (the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer) in a worship-based conversation with God?

Not mindlessly scrolling through inspirational devotional thoughts on Instagram. Not multi-tasking and listening to Christian sermons or podcasts. Not reading a Christian book. Not “enjoying Christian fellowship” and talking to someone else about God. Not even listening and joyfully singing along to my favorite songs of worship. (These are all great thing that I do and love doing!)

They just aren’t the things that I want to build the foundation of my ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ on.