How to Make Time for God When Life is Busy

Allison Dollison 

Let’s be honest—life is BUSY. If you’re not running late for work, you’re answering emails, keeping up with kids, attempting to drink enough water, and trying to remember what "self-care" even means. By the time you finally sit down, you're either half-asleep or lost in an Instagram rabbit hole, wondering why your life doesn’t look like that influencer’s perfectly curated morning routine. 

Somewhere in between the chaos, you want to spend time with God. But it feels impossible when your to-do list is longer than the book of Psalms. The good news? God isn’t waiting for a perfectly curated devotional moment. He just wants time with you—messy bun, leggings, and all. 

So, how do we make time for God when life is full-speed ahead? Here are some real-life, no-pressure ways to stay connected with Him (without feeling overwhelmed). 

1. Rethink What "Quiet Time" Looks Like 

Let’s get one thing straight—your quiet time doesn’t have to look Pinterest-perfect with candles, lattes, and an open Bible on a sunlit desk. (If it does, great! But for the rest of us? Not so much.) 

Here’s the reality: Some days, spending time with God looks like whispering a “Lord, help me” while trying not to lose your mind in traffic. Other days, it’s reading one Bible verse before bed instead of scrolling for 20 more minutes. 

Practical Tip: Find small moments in your day—morning coffee, lunch breaks, car rides—to pray, reflect, or listen to scripture. 

Pro Tip: Download a Bible app like YouVersion or Dwell to listen to scripture on the go.

2. Talk to God Throughout Your Day (Yes, Even in the Grocery Aisle) 

News flash: Prayer isn’t limited to Sunday mornings or a formal devotional time. It can happen anywhere—even while choosing between 12 different brands of almond milk. 

Talking to God doesn’t have to be fancy. You don’t need "thee’s" and "thou’s"—just be real. 

Example Prayers for Busy Women: 

● "Lord, give me patience before I say something I’ll regret." 

● "Jesus, please let this coffee kick in before my next meeting." 

● "God, I don’t know what I’m doing, but You do—help!" 

Practical Tip: Set phone reminders to pray at random times or whisper short prayers while doing everyday tasks (washing dishes, driving, folding laundry, etc.).

3. Swap Social Media Time for Scripture Time 

Let’s be real. If we have time to scroll for 45 minutes watching dog videos, we definitely have time to read one Bible verse. 

The problem isn’t time—it’s how we spend it. 

Instead of saying, “I don’t have time for God,” let’s be honest and say, “I traded my Bible time for funny memes and Amazon impulse buys.” (Ouch. Convicting, right?) 

Practical Tip: Swap 5-10 minutes of social media time for scripture. Read a Psalm, listen to a devotional, or reflect on one verse instead of doom-scrolling. 

Pro Tip: Try the First5 App—it sends you short devotionals before you check your notifications in the morning! 

4. Worship While You Multitask 

Who says worship has to be limited to church? You can turn daily tasks into worship time. 

Ways to Worship on the Go:

● Play worship music while cooking, cleaning, or driving. 

● Listen to a sermon or Christian podcast while walking or commuting. ● Sing your heart out in the shower (bonus: great acoustics!). 

Pro Tip: Create a “Jesus Jams” playlist on Spotify with worship songs that lift your spirit. 

5. Give Yourself Grace (It’s About Relationship, Not a Checklist!) 

Here’s some good news: Spending time with God isn’t about checking off a to-do list. It’s about growing in relationship with Him. 

Some days, you’ll feel super spiritual, diving into scripture like a theologian. Other days, you’ll be barely holding it together, and all you can manage is a quick “Help me, Jesus.” 

And that’s okay. God sees your effort. He knows your heart. 

Practical Tip: Instead of feeling guilty, focus on making God a natural part of your day—even if it’s in small ways. 

Final Encouragement: Progress, Not Perfection 

If you’ve been struggling to find time for God, take a deep breath—you’re not failing. Start small, be consistent, and remember: God isn’t asking for perfection, just connection. 

Challenge: Pick ONE small way to connect with God this week. Whether it’s a short prayer, a worship song, or reading a single verse—just start. 

Because the more time you spend with Him—even in the messy, busy moments—the more you’ll experience His peace, joy, and presence. 

Reflection Questions: 

1. What’s the biggest challenge keeping you from spending time with God?

2. Which small habit can you start today to invite Him into your busy schedule?

3. How can you turn an everyday task into an act of worship or prayer? 

Scripture References for Encouragement: 

Matthew 11:28 (ESV) – "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 

Colossians 3:2 (ESV) – "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." 

James 4:8 (ESV) – "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."