No matter which Christian environment I am in, I always hear the same old line: "Set apart some time each day to pray, read the bible or talk with God." I would never follow the "set apart some time," rather I would just do those things when I found a few minutes of free time throughout my day. Whether that be in the morning, after lunch or before bed.

Then came the morning when I had a large cup of coffee and started reading a daily devotion through an app on my phone. There is something about the happiness of the morning, before all the chaos of the day begins that allows my mind/heart to be fully devoted to the Lord. I am not yet worrying about other things or racing off to work or class.

It is relaxing and it is peaceful. It left my heart feeling full all day long. The devotion I read stuck with me throughout the day. Each time I was feeling impatient at work, I found myself silently rehearsing Proverbs 14:29: "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick tempered displays folly."

This early conversation and devotion allowed me to then chat with God before bed reviewing the things I had spoke with him about that morning. It built a foundation for the day and didn't leave me trying to squeeze in some devotion time in the middle of a hectic day.

C.J. Mahoney summed it up best by saying: “We make time for what we truly value. We build habits and routines around the things that really matter to us. This is an important principle to understand as we seek to build our lives around the gospel. Do you want a cross centered life? A cross centered life is made up of cross centered days.”

No matter how chaotic life can get, we should never have to find ourselves "squeezing" God into our daily routines. Throughout the busyness of college and work - it is easy to do. It is easy to forget Him completely for a day or two. Don't let it happen anymore, prevent it. Wake up a little earlier. Turn the TV off while sipping on your fresh cup of joe in the morning and open your bible.

If I haven't convinced you yet, maybe the words of the Lord can assure you.

"Does a young woman forget her jewelry? Does a bride hide her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have forgotten me." -Jeremiah 2:32

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." -Romans 12:2

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." -James 4:8