Aug 23

Aug 23 5 Simple Ways to Reconnect with God

The unpredictability of summertime can sometimes mean that our time with Jesus can become a little more sporadic as well. As we head into the Fall sometimes we need a little boost in overcoming the seasonal transition! In case you need a friendly li…

I’ve got a love/hate relationship with fall.

It’s mostly love. Though I soak up as much warmth as I can each summer, there’s something magical about fall. I revel in the joyful explosion of colorful leaves and the return to cozy, oversized sweaters.

But along with the things I enjoy, fall can also feel stressful. Back-to-school can be a big adjustment, especially when it comes to the calendar.

While I’m usually good at not overloading our schedule, summer is the exception. Between barbecues with friends, playdates at the park, and summer bucket list adventures, the season is a wild free-for-all.

The unpredictability of summertime often means that time with Jesus can become a little more sporadic, as well. Though the predictable fall calendar of school and work beckons, sometimes I need a little boost in overcoming the seasonal transition. In case you need a friendly little push, too, here are five simple ways to reconnect with God:

Choose a single word to focus on. Sometimes, we can get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information we encounter each day. Choosing a word or idea to meditate on for a certain length of time—whether it’s for the season, a month, a week, or even just a day—can help cut down on the noise.

First, choose a word like tranquility, peace, energy, or something else that speaks to a need you have or the tone you’d like to set in your home.
Next, search for specific Bible verses that feature the word or its topic.
Last, post the word and verses around your home or in your car.
Examples: Presence (You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 ESV)), Encourage (So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)), Invite (For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. (Matthew 25:35 NLT)).

Spend time in nature. Take cooling temps as an invitation to linger outside. Watching the sunset from the porch or kids racing around on bikes is a great time to write a verse on a Post-It note to meditate on. A walk around the neighborhood is an opportunity to spend time in prayer, choosing someone new to pray for each time you hit the end of one block and move to the next. Fall cleanup is a great time to listen to worship music.

Find places and spaces in your home to write out His Word. With three young children, I simply don’t have time to sit down and read my Bible for hours (or even, some days, for minutes). I love to find ways to “sneak in” God’s Word around the house:

Written on the chalkboard inside my pantry, next to my calendar and grocery list.
Tucked into the picture frame next to my bed.
Scripted with a dry-erase marker on the mirror.
Chosen as the image I use for the lock screen on my phone (specific verses are easily searchable online).
Written in chalk as I play outside with my kids.

Utilize technology while completing mundane household tasks. I often listen to podcasts as I fold laundry, wash dishes, or get ready for the day. Many churches post sermons online, and there are many faith-based podcasts (Mary Demuth’s Pray Every Day is a mere 5-6 minutes). I’m much more likely to look forward to tasks if I know I’ll be able to listen to something encouraging while I complete them.

Start small. Even five minutes each day can be an opportunity to connect with God. There are numerous 365-day devotionals available that offer a Bible verse, short story, and something to think about, and they’re only about 400 words. Another great option is to utilize an audio version of the Bible (the YouVersion app is an amazing resource; The Bible in One Year by Nicky & Pippa Gumbel is a personal favorite).

Most of all, don’t forget to give yourself grace. The transition to a new season can be challenging, and habits are developed over time. As our friend and father, God simply wants to spend time with us.

“Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”
Isaiah 55:3 (NLT)

Do you have a tip that helps you spend time with God? We’d love for you to share it with us!

Looking for additional encouragement in connecting with God on a daily basis? Kristin’s newest book, One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen, and Refine Your Faith, is now available for preorder (releasing October 5, 2021).