If you’ve followed Jesus for any length of time, you know this: it’s possible to work for Him and slowly drift from Him.
You can preach, teach, lead worship, serve, give… and still neglect the most important relationship in your life.
Time with Jesus is not a luxury for super-spiritual people. It’s oxygen. Without it, your soul dries out.
Let’s make this practical.
1. Slow Down and Be Still
In Psalm 46:10, we read, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Stillness doesn’t happen accidentally. You have to choose it.
Turn off the phone. Close the laptop. Get alone. Early morning works best for many people because the day hasn’t hijacked your attention yet. But the key is not the hour — it’s the focus.
If you don’t slow down, you won’t hear Him.
2. Open Your Bible — and Actually Read It
Time with Jesus begins with Scripture. Not a quick glance. Not a random verse pulled out of context. Read it carefully.
The Gospels are a great place to start. Read a chapter from Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark and ask:
- What does this show me about Jesus?
- What does this show me about myself?
- Is there something to obey?
- Is there something to believe?
Don’t rush. One paragraph deeply absorbed is better than five chapters skimmed.
You’re not reading for information. You’re reading for transformation.
3. Talk to Him Honestly
Prayer isn’t performance. It’s conversation.
Jesus already knows your thoughts. So stop pretending.
Tell Him:
- What you’re grateful for
- What you’re worried about
- Where you’ve failed
- What you’re hoping for
In Hebrews 4:16 we’re invited to “come boldly to the throne of grace.” Boldly doesn’t mean arrogantly. It means honestly.
Real relationship requires honesty.
4. Listen
This is where most people struggle.
We talk. We read. Then we leave.
After you pray, sit quietly. Reflect on what you’ve read. Ask, “Lord, is there anything You’re saying to me?”
He speaks primarily through His Word. Sometimes through conviction. Sometimes through clarity. Sometimes through a gentle nudge you can’t ignore.
If you fill every second with noise, you won’t recognize His voice.
5. Obey What You Already Know
In John 14:15 Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
Time with Jesus is not measured by minutes. It’s measured by obedience.
You can journal pages of insights, but if you don’t forgive that person…
If you don’t apologize…
If you don’t change that habit…
You’re just collecting spiritual information.
The fastest way to grow is simple: obey the last thing He told you.
6. Worship Him Personally
Put on a worship song. Or better yet — sing without one.
Tell Him who He is. Thank Him for the cross. Praise Him for His mercy.
Worship shifts your focus from your problems to His greatness.
And something powerful happens when you praise. Scripture says God is “enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). Praise invites His presence into the center of your day.
7. Walk With Him All Day
Time with Jesus is not just a morning appointment.
It’s:
- Whispered prayers while driving
- Gratitude during a walk
- Pausing before a difficult conversation
- Asking for wisdom before making a decision
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we’re told to “pray without ceasing.”
That doesn’t mean kneeling 24 hours a day. It means living aware of Him.
A Loving Warning
If you neglect this time, your heart will cool. It happens slowly. No one plans to drift.
Ministry success cannot replace intimacy. Knowledge cannot replace communion. Activity cannot replace presence.
And here’s the beautiful truth:
Jesus wants to spend time with you more than you want to spend time with Him.
This is not about earning His love. It’s about enjoying it.
Start Small — But Start
If you’re not currently spending consistent time with Jesus, don’t aim for an hour tomorrow. Start with 15 minutes.
Be consistent. Protect it. Guard it like you would any relationship that matters deeply.
Over time, you’ll discover this: the sweetest part of your day isn’t what you accomplish for Jesus…
It’s being with Him.
And that changes everything.
