“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Putting God First
When we talk about giving our time to God, we need to recognize the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Him. Putting God first often means setting aside our busy schedules to spend time in prayer, worship, and study of his Word. We know how easy it is to let our day-today activities take over our lives, but when we intentionally prioritize God, we build a stronger foundation for our faith and life.
Exodus 20:8
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” – Exodus 20:8
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” – Psalm 37:5
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
The Gift of Time
Time is one of the most precious gifts we can give to God. When we dedicate specific moments of our day to engage with Him, we acknowledge His role as the creator and sustainer of our lives. It’s not just about attending church or participating in religious activities but also about forming a personal connection that enriches our spiritual life. This deliberate act allows us to grow and strengthen our relationship with God as we share our thoughts, prayers, and gratitude.
Psalm 90:12
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is a vital part of giving our time to God. Taking time to pray allows us to communicate with Him, express our thoughts, seek guidance, and offer praise. During prayer, we invite God into our daily lives, and by doing so, we align our hearts with His will. As we commit time to prayer, we strengthen our faith and learn to trust God more deeply, knowing He hears us and cares for each one of us.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 John 5:14
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14
Luke 18:1
“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” – Luke 18:1
Matthew 21:22
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” – Matthew 21:22
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
The Power of Worship
Worship is another beautiful way to give our time to God. It is in worship that we express our love, gratitude, and reverence toward Him. By setting aside time to worship, we allow ourselves to experience the fullness of God’s presence. Worship can revitalize our spirits and leads us to a deeper understanding of who God is. As we worship together with fellow believers or individually, we draw closer to God’s heart and strengthen our communal bonds as His children.
Psalm 100:2
“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” – Psalm 100:2
Hebrews 10:25
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:25
Psalm 95:6
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” – Psalm 95:6
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:24
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
Serving Others
Giving our time to God doesn’t always mean heading to our prayer closet. Sometimes it’s about serving others. By helping those in need, visiting the sick, or volunteering our gifts, we reflect God’s love in action. Serving others not only blesses them but also brings us closer to God. It is through service that we often discover our purpose and grow spiritually as we live out our faith in practical ways.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” – Matthew 25:40
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 4:10
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Resting in His Presence
Finally, giving our time to God can also mean resting in His presence. In our frenzied lives, we often forget that God desires for us to be still and know that He is God. Taking time to rest in Him rejuvenates our spirits and allows us to hear His voice more clearly. This peaceful time in God’s presence reminds us of His love and grace, helping us carry on in our lives with His strength.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Psalm 62:1
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” – Psalm 62:1
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Final Thoughts
We have explored the vital aspect of giving our time to God. It is about prioritizing our relationship with Him, spending time in prayer, worshiping, and serving others. Each of these actions reflects our love for God and our desire to live in accordance with His will. When we take time out of our busy lives to be with Him, we cultivate a deeper faith and experience His presence among us.
No matter how busy life can get, let us remember that our time is a gift from God. Reaching out to others and resting in His presence also help us to stay grounded. We can cherish every moment, making a difference in our lives and those around us as we align ourselves with His heart. Our walk with the Lord grows richer as we invest time with Him.
We encourage you to explore topics like fulfilling God’s purpose or fulfilling God’s plan in your life for deeper insights and growth in your journey of faith.