We All Need Reminders to Spend Time with the Father

Every parent I know has had to deal with the “I’m bored!” syndrome. We look at our child, sitting in a room with enough toys, books and activities for a small third world country and we shake our heads. Depending upon your parenting approach you either say,

• “Look around you, there’s lots to do. There are starving kids in Africa that don’t have as many toys as you do.” (I know it doesn't make sense but we still say it).
• “If you need something to do you can clean your room.”
• “How about . . .” and you make suggestions until something appeals to them.
• You look at them with a raised eyebrow that says, “Really?” and basically ignore them.

It seems incredible children can’t see all of the options available to them. I've noticed a similar phenomenon with Christians that has to do with how often we spend time with the Father. When you ask people how often they pray or think about God most people sheepishly say “Not often enough.” Many well-meaning Christians can go through their entire day not thinking about God. Here are some common reasons why.

• We’re too busy. With work, school and family, and oh yeah, TV and newspapers and Facebook and . . . we don’t have time to spend with the Father.
• Our hearts aren't right with God. When we have sin in our hearts we don’t want to spend time with the Father because we’ll have to deal with it.
• Ignorance. Some have never learned how.

We all need help, reminders, mental post-it notes to help us with this. Here are some ideas about how to use things in your normal daily life to help you spend time with the Father.

6 Reminders to Help You Spend Time With the Father

1. A church or cross. Worship the Father. How many churches do you drive by each day? Every time you see a church or cross take a moment and worship the Father for one thing. Psalm 96
2. Aches and pains. Pray for help. Whenever you feel an ache allow that to prompt you to ask the Father for help. Ask for His help physically and for anything you need right then. Psalm 121
3. Hunger. Pray for spiritual growth. When hunger pangs hit tell the Father you want to grow spiritually, in grace and in how well you know Him. Psalm 42, 2 Peter 3:18
4. Crime stories. Confess your sins. Every time you hear or read a crime report take a moment, examine your heart and confess any unconfessed sin. 1 John 1:9 Psalm 51
5. Meals. Give thanks. Express your gratitude to the Father for the food and other blessings you've experienced since the last time you thanked Him. Psalm 138
6. Travel. Ask for protection. Pray for God to protect you when you drive or ride in a vehicle. Ask Him to protect you and your family spiritually and physically. Psalm 5

Take one or two of these and try it. You’ll find that it can quickly become a habit. It is so worth the effort. Spending time with the Father will enrich your life. How do you remember to spend time with the Father through the day? Please leave a comment or question below.