Struggling to Make Time for God? How to Break Free from Busyness & Distraction
You want to spend more time with God, but between work, responsibilities, and exhaustion, the day slips away—so why does it feel so hard to make Him a priority?
Bible Verses on Time & Priorities
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
31.So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or “What shall we wear? 32. For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
28. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
My Personal Struggles with Making Time for God (And What’s Helping)
I want to be honest with you—I struggle with this, too. I’m not writing from the perspective of someone who has it all figured out but as someone who is actively learning, failing, and growing alongside you.
The birth of Eyes on the Lord came from these very struggles—my desire to make time for God while navigating life’s overwhelming demands. My journey has been filled with trial and error, constant learning, and moments of surrender. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: You are not alone in this.
Why Is It So Hard to Make Time for God? The Root of the Struggle
How Society Pushes Busyness—And How It Affects Your Time with God
In my 20s, life felt "easier," even though I was juggling three different jobs and attending higher education. I still faced struggles—because struggles are a part of life—but my responsibilities were clearer: work, school, friends, family, working out, and a few other tasks.
Then, my 30s hit. And now, in my 40s, it feels like everything has grown legs—no, scratch that, octopus tentacles. Tasks I once completed with ease now seem overwhelming. Cleaning my house used to be simple; now, it feels like an uphill battle. How did this happen?
I started to reflect and realized a few things:
- I have more stuff. My house used to feel spacious. Now, it’s bursting at the seams.
- I share my space. For eight years, I lived alone, and my expectations matched my needs. Now, I consider another person’s needs alongside my own.
- My work is more demanding. Before, work stayed at work. Now, either it follows me home, or my workload feels like a buffet—constantly refilling.
- I have more goals. My old list: spend time with family and friends, work out (to lose weight), and have fun. Now? My goals now feel like a highway with endless lanes.
Maybe you’ve felt this too. Maybe you’ve looked around at your life and thought, Why does everything feel heavier than it used to? If so, I want you to hear this: You’re not alone. Life changes, and as it does, the weight we carry can feel crushing. But God never intended for us to live overwhelmed.
So, the real question is: how much of this weight is from God, and how much is from society?
Society tells us that busyness equals productivity. That our worth is measured by how much we accomplish. That we need more—more success, more possessions, more hustle.
But what does God say?
God Provides What We Need, Not Excess
- A blanket for warmth is a need. But my personal obsession with blankets? Let’s just say I own more than I care to admit. God is generous—He provides for our needs. But society tells us more is always better—more possessions, more security, more comfort.
- And if I’m being honest, I’ve bought into that lie. I’ve convinced myself that just one more of something will bring me peace or joy. But when does “more” become a burden instead of a blessing? Maybe when it stops serving its purpose and starts weighing me down.
- God’s provision is enough. It’s me who struggles to trust that.
God Cares About Order, Not Perfection
- I’ve always been organized, but not necessarily clean. When I lived alone, I didn’t have a dishwasher, and I was okay with washing dishes when I needed to. It never stressed me out. But now? I feel pressure to keep up with an unrealistic standard—one that didn’t come from God.
- If I’m feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s because I’ve made an idol out of control and perfection instead of trusting His grace.
- And if you’re feeling that too? Give yourself permission to let go. God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s asking for faithfulness.
How to Shift Your Priorities & Make Time for God Without Overwhelm
As I go through my priorities, and being raw and honest, I will not make all of the changes above, or at least not right away. It is overwhelming to think about and feels like another step. So, to start, I am doing baby steps. First, and I know I said it before, pray. (I am not ready to give my blankets up, a few, but not many.) Lastly, give me gentle reminders— is this God’s expectation, mine, or societies? And if I don’t know, pray and ask Him. Is it in my control, or not?
Simple Steps to Start Making More Time for God Each Day
- Pray for the Lord’s Help.
- Lord, please guide me through the next steps. Give me strength, mind, and heart to make changes focusing on what You have provided versus my own expectations and society’s. Help me be honest and open my eyes. Please forgive me. Thank You for Your patience and love.
- Pause before making decisions and ask for God’s guidance. Brief thought: Is this God’s expectation, mine, or societies?
Not all busyness is bad or in our control. In my own reflection, I realize this is part of the struggle, it is to know when and what is. Here is a prayer to help through the differences
Dear God, thank you for being there to listen to my prayers. Please forgive me as I stumble through my busyness. I know I am surrounded by it, but I am not sure which is from you, the world or of my self-creation. Shine light on the path so I can see my way through it and back to you. Amen
Reflection Question:
If you were to take a quick second, what in your life is taking up a lot of time? Is it from God, society, or yourself? Is it in your control to change?
Not sure? – Here’s a quick prayer: “Lord, I am struggling to find what is taking my time away from You that is not from You. Please will You help open my eyes?”
You know? – “God, thank You! Please help guide me through this, on what changes to make so I can turn my eyes to You more.”
