24 hours is a very short time. Considering most people sleep 6-8 hours, and then have either school or work for another 6-8 hours that doesn't leave much free time in a day. Oh, and don't forget about sports practices, music lessons, time spent with a significant other, friend time, family time, lifting weights, running, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, and so on. No matter what we do we never feel like there is enough time in the day to accomplish all of our tasks. Currently, I am working 40 hours a week, mowing private lawns on the side, going for runs 2-3 times a week, playing in a tennis league, and trying to fit in time for my family and friends along the way. I'm a busy guy, but there are people much busier than I am. I have my 2 or three hours of free time a day where I know some people have 10 minutes and some have 10 hours. Being busy is a good thing, but where do we fit God into the mix? Are we so busy that we forget to read our Bible or pray to him? Are we so busy that when we get free time we spend it selfishly doing whatever we want instead of spending time with him? To put it bluntly, do we use our business as an excuse to why we aren't we aren't spending our time with God?

I know it is tough. There are days I make the excuses and end up not praying or reading my Bible or spending time with God in any form. With that being said, those days are always the days where I feel the least amount of joy. Those are the days that I fall into sin, get irritable, and just become a less flattering version of myself. On the flip side, When I'm in God's word and praying to him throughout the day I get a glimpse of his love, mercy, grace, and goodness. I see how he is working in my life and how I can honor him with my life. This brings joy and contentment, and enables me to be the best version of myself. We See proof of the importance of spending time with God in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as it states, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (NLT).

So, since we are busy people here are some tips on how to make time for God even when our schedules hardly allow it:

1. Wake Up 30 Minutes Early

Ewww that is early! Yes I know it is, but think about what you could do with an extra 30 minutes before you even eat breakfast. You could pray, read a chapter of the Bible, or even a short devotional and still have a couple minutes to spare scrolling through Facebook or Twitter to see what you missed from the previous night.

2. Create a Set Time To Read/Pray

Okay, this one is for all the organized people out there. If you are the kind of person who needs a set schedule for the day, then schedule time in for God too! You can easily get into a routine that works for you so well that it becomes second nature. Be sure to schedule extra time just in case God reveals something awesome to you so you can take your time and really let his holy spirit work in your heart :) Examples of times are morning, evening, lunch breaks, before work, after work, before bed, etc.

3. If You Drive a Lot, Listen To Christian Music, Sermons, or Audio Books of The Bible

If you are a person who has to drive a lot this can be a very good use of your time. Instead of wasting time sitting aimlessly while you cruise down the highway, use the time to worship in song or hear the truth of God's word through sermons and audio books.

4. Cut Back On Activities

You don't have to quit everything that is enjoyable, but maybe if you are doing an activity every single day cut it down to every other day or just reduce the time per day.

5. Don't Be Afraid To Pray In Public or During Other Daily Routines

Whether it is at a restaurant before a meal or during a sporting event you are playing in, be willing to pray to God thanking him and giving the glory to him. One time a day that I pray in public is when I am at work on the lawn mowers. I just focus on God and having a conversation with him to reflect on things while I mow. Think of moments during your day that you can fit in just reflecting with God in prayer.

6. Don't Think Of It As a Chore!

This is by far the most important point. If you think of spending time with God as a chore then one of two things are going to happen. The first thing that could happen is that you flat out don't do it, and the second is that you rush through praying and reading just to check it off of your list of "to dos" for the day. God doesn't want us to read the Bible and pray to him just to see if we are obedient, but instead he wants us to read it because that is how we grow closer and more intimate with him!

Just think about this for a second: When we pray and read God's word we are given access to communicate with the God of the universe. We should YEARN for these opportunities because through them we are able to grow in our Christian faith, and more importantly understand the love of our heavenly father more deeply.

So next time you go to spend time with God have your mindset fixed on how incredible of an opportunity it is! Seek his will and run toward him in all you do!