As Christ followers, the most treasured thing we have here on Earth is time with our Maker. Whether it’s 10 minutes listening to worship music or an hour deep in the word, precious, set aside time with God each and every day is something we should be striving for. Our hearts should long for it.

I know just as well as the next person that this isn’t always the easiest thing in the world. We get busy, sidetracked, and some days, we flat out don’t feel like it. Despite all of this, our souls need it. The better we get to know God, the better we get to reflect Him and His truth.

Many people refer to this time as a “quiet time,” and this time can look different for each and every person. Every relationship with God is unique as we are all His unique children, but just like with all relationships, communication is key. I’m not just saying this because I am a communication major, I am saying this because, without it, nothing can flourish, the relationship grows stagnant, and we get distant. Without communication with God, our relationship with Him can quickly turn into something we check off of a list rather than something we tend to out of the longing of our hearts.

If we want our relationship with God to be present in our daily lives, we need to meet with God daily.

1. Set a time and a place.

You are much more likely to do anything if you designate it a set time. Whether it be when you first wake up in bed with coffee, as you eat lunch on your break, or before you go to bed at your desk, if you consistently meet with God at the same point of time in your day, it will quickly turn into habit.

2. Read a Bible passage.

Devotionals are great, journaling is the best, and worship music is my absolute jam, but if you aren’t actually reading from the word of God, how do you expect to hide the word of God away in your heart? Devotionals and songs may be inspired by scripture, but they are written by people. Faulty, sinful people. All scripture is God-breathed and should be our main source when seeking God’s words.

3. Read thoughtfully and thoroughly.

This not only applies to scripture but if you are doing a devotional, take the time to really dissect it. It’s so easy to go through the motions, but if you truly meditate over what you are reading, actively seeking to know more about God, He can and will reveal to you how He wants you to live each and every day. He wants to guide us, we just have to let Him. If you are looking for a devotional, I would highly recommend Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. My Utmost For His Highest is actually what inspired me to write this article.

4. Journal to help you remember.

It is important to remember the truths God is trying to teach you and the insights you learn from scripture or your devotional. If we just read-only to immediately forget, how can we expect to grow? We must deepen our knowledge in order to deepen the relationship. It's also really cool to write out your prayers and prayer requests. This way, as God answers your prayers in His will and timing, you can go back and see how faithful He has been to you and everything He has done in your life!

5. Take time to pray.

As you have finished reading, listening, and journaling, it’s so important to take the time to talk to God. You can speak out loud, write it all down, or just say it to yourself. It really doesn’t matter how, God just wants to hear from you. The Bible says to present not most, but all our requests to God. He cares about your individual heartaches and hallelujahs the same. He wants to rejoice and mourn with you. He is always listening, run to Him!

As you go and grow throughout this year, I hope you place God as the highest priority in your life. Let His Word encourage you, challenge you, and give you comfort and hope. There is only so much you can do with 2018, but if you give it to God, anything is possible.