How to Make Time for God When Life Feels Too Busy: 3 Habits to Get Started

The Struggle Between Doing and Being

Life moves fast. Between work, family responsibilities, and the endless to-do list, finding time for spiritual reflection can feel somewhat impossible. We wake up to notifications, rush through the day, and by the time we finally slow down, we’re exhausted. Can you relate? It’s easy to let time with God take a backseat, not because we don’t want it, but because life just feels too full. If you can relate, you’re not alone.

Deep down, we know that busyness doesn’t always mean productivity, and a full schedule doesn’t always equal a full heart. The truth is, when we don’t make space for God, we often feel more drained, anxious, and disconnected. So, how do we balance the demands of life while making room for spiritual reflection time with God? The key is being intentional. Sounds simple, but it’s not easy.

First, let’s explore some practical ways to invite God into our daily routine and then we’ll take a look at three habits that can help us grow closer to Him, even during those busy seasons of life.

Rethink What “Time with God” Looks Like

One of the biggest roadblocks to spiritual reflection is the assumption that it has to look a certain way. An hour for quiet time, read 1-3 chapters of the Bible each day, or long moments of stillness. While those are all great things, they’re not the only ways we can connect with God.

God isn’t waiting for us to clear our entire schedule before we meet with Him. He’s present in the in-between moments. On your drive to work, during a walk, or in the quiet of the morning before everyone in the house wakes up. Instead of feeling guilty for not having enough time, start seeing spiritual reflection as an ongoing conversation with God woven into your day.

Here are a few small shifts you can try:

• Turn your commute into worship or prayer time.
• Pause for 2-3 minutes of silence before meals to reset and thank God.
• Use small moments (e.g., waiting in line) to reflect on a verse or whisper a prayer.

Identify Time Wasters and Create Breathing Room

Most of us feel too busy, but if we’re honest, we’re probably spending a lot of time on things that drain us and don’t reenergize us. Scrolling social media, binge-watching shows, or constantly checking emails can eat up hours without us even realizing it. These things aren’t bad, but when they take priority over our spiritual health, they can leave us feeling more distracted than refreshed. It’s crucial to understand how the things fighting for our attention affects us daily and to recognize what we give our attention to matters. If it doesn’t enhance your life, why keep it?

If you want more time with God, you have to be intentional about protecting it. That means identifying what’s stealing your time and replacing some of those moments with something life-giving.

Here are a few small shifts you can try:

• Set boundaries on phone use. Try a 30-minute tech-free morning.
• Schedule “sacred pauses” in your day where you stop, breathe, and refocus.
• Instead of reaching for your phone first thing, start the morning with a short prayer or scripture reading.

Build Spiritual Reflection Into Everyday Habits

One of the easiest ways to balance busyness and spiritual reflection is by pairing it with things we already do. Jesus often taught in everyday settings. While walking, eating, or working. We can follow His example by inviting God into the routines we already have.

Rather than trying to “add” another thing to an already busy day, you can integrate spiritual reflection into your normal activities. Making it more sustainable while keeping your heart aligned with God throughout the day.

Here are a few small shifts you can try:

• Pray while doing daily tasks (laundry, dishes, exercise).
• Listen to scripture or a devotional while commuting.
• End the day with gratitude, reflecting on how you saw God at work.

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3 Daily Habits to Grow Closer to God

Beyond making space for spiritual reflection, small habits can help keep us anchored in faith. Here are three simple but powerful habits to consider:

1. Start the Day with God

Instead of aiming to read multiple chapters daily, which can lead to discouragement when life gets busy, start with short readings and gradually increase reading time. Before checking messages or diving into work, take five minutes to center yourself in God’s presence. A simple prayer, reading one verse, or journaling a quick reflection can set the tone for the day.

Example: Keep a Bible or devotional by your bed to make it easy to grab first thing in the morning.

2. Practice “Breath Prayers” Throughout the Day

A breath prayer is a short, simple prayer you can say in one breath. It helps you stay connected to God, even in a busy schedule.

Examples:

• “Lord, give me peace.”
• “Jesus, I trust You.”
• “God, help me love like You do.”

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, pause and pray in the moment. Those short breath prayers can realign your heart with God in seconds.

3. Reflect and Release Before Bed

Before ending the day, take a few minutes to reflect. Ask yourself:

• What went well today? Where did I see God at work? Thank Him.
• What burden am I carrying that I need to surrender?

Ending the day this way helps us rest in God’s peace rather than stress over what’s unfinished.

Progress Over Perfection

Balancing busyness with spiritual reflection isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating intentional moments (building small habits) where we let God into our every day. It’s about progress, not perfection. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to check a box but to create a rhythm of connection with God.

The beautiful thing? God isn’t asking for hours of uninterrupted time. He just wants your heart, your awareness, and your willingness to invite Him into your daily life.

As you go about your busy schedule, remember: He’s with you in every moment. You don’t have to slow life down to experience His presence, you just have to notice Him right where you are.

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