Y’all, I have been struggling lately. BIG TIME. I was doing really well with my daily quiet time and making it a priority. But as life does, things began to get busy and other aspects of my routine started to take priority. I’m sure y’all can relate!

I know that spending time with God makes everything in my life better. I appreciate the good things more. I’m just more thankful! The hard moments aren’t as hard because I find myself turning to Jesus for comfort and strength. But I also know that some days are just crazier than others! So here are my top 5 ways to connect with God on the busiest days! Hopefully you’ll find some of them helpful too!

1. Quick study

If you haven’t checked out my post of top five devotionals, give it a read! But on the days I don’t have 30 minutes to spare, I love turning to one of my quick studies! If you’re a book person, check out Jesus Today or Jesus Calling! They’re both small enough to throw in your purse. You can break it out in the carpool line, if you’re in a long line at the grocery store, or anytime you’ve got 5 minutes to spare. If you’d rather have an app on your phone, check out She Reads Truth, the First 5 App, or the Inspirations App! All contain a daily Bible verse along with a short devotional! My current fav is the First 5 App because it also contains links for further study and has a section for discussion!

2. Start each day with a grateful heart

I’m sure you’ve heard this phrase a time or two, right?! There are plenty of mornings that my mind immediately goes into overdrive. That list in my head starts adding up so quickly. And before I know it, I’m up and attacking the tasks. But when I just take a moment to be thankful, it’s amazing how my mindset changes. Stress starts to melt away, and I have perspective. I just quickly ask myself, “what five things am I most thankful for right now?” And then I thank God for those blessings! Sometimes it’s not even the first thing I do. Sometimes I’m in the shower, making breakfast, or even on a walk with my daughter. Whenever it comes to mind is a good time to be thankful!

3. Do tasks to the glory of God

One of the hardest things for me about staying at home with my daughter is the menial everyday tasks. The cleaning up the toys for the tenth time a day, the washing of the never-ending dishes pile, the trying to reason with a defiant three-year-old: it’s enough to drive anyone crazy!! But when I reframe those tasks in my mind as a way to serve God, I do them more joyfully. Sometimes I go on runs to the glory of God or even make dinner to honor Him.

Colossions 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.” So if I’m running, I run to honor God. I thank Him for my health and my ability to run. I might not be describing this the best way, but any task you complete, whether at work or at home can be done to honor Him! And now that I’m thinking about it, I should probably scrub the tubs to the glory of God because that is my least favorite task ever! 😉

4. Christian music / podcast

100% hands down this is my favorite way to connect with God. I keep my car radio set on the Christian station, and if all else fails, I know that when I get in my car, I am going to praise God. (For those of you in Richmond, check out 90.5 and 98.1!) I sing, off key and very poorly, I assure you. But I sing and I praise, and that is what matters!!

If you’d rather listen to a message, then check out podcasts! I have been listening to God-Centered Mom lately, but I also just subscribed to Cultivating the Lovely! (If you have any other recommendations, please let me know!!)

5. Ask

I don’t do this everyday, but it’s a goal of mine to improve because it really doesn’t get much more simple. I quickly pray, “Lord, please draw me closer to you. Let me know you more deeply and seek you throughout every part of my day.” It is simple but effective. Those days I pray those words are the ones I find myself seeking out His guidance, support, and strength more than ever.

Do you have any other tips? If you have any app or podcast recommendations, be sure to leave those for me!