I Choose Today to Make Space for God

I had a conversation recently that went something like this:

“You spend so much time in your study and quiet time with the Lord. Don’t you think you should be doing other things that are pressing, like writing content for the blog, the podcast, your speaking events, or your book?”

It came at a moment when I already felt overwhelmed by everything on my plate: ministry, family, household responsibilities, health. And here’s the thing: the one area I cannot afford to cut back on is my time with the Lord.

Because everything else I pour into depends on it.

If I stop prioritizing that time, every other area of my life becomes depleted even faster. I don’t pour out from my own strength, I pour out from the overflow of God’s presence in my life. And when the overflow dries up, I have nothing to give.

You can’t get water out of a dry sponge.

If I’m spiritually or relationally depleted in my walk with God, I won’t have anything fresh to offer you. Nothing rooted in Him. Nothing with His breath on it. I wouldn’t be able to hear His voice the way I do when I intentionally make space to sit with Him, to listen to Him, and to let Him tend to the places I don’t even know need attention.

And if I can’t hear His voice… what good am I to anyone reading or listening to what I share? What good is ministry without the One who called me to it?

When I talk with God, it can’t be a one-way conversation. Not when I’m seeking answers, insight, wisdom, direction, or guidance. Think about it this way: if you went to a counselor for help, poured out your heart, and then walked out the door without waiting to hear their response, what would that solve?

Jesus modeled a different rhythm. He said He only does what He sees and hears the Father doing. And Scripture shows us that He often slipped away to be alone with His Father in prayer, because that time wasn’t optional. It was vital. It equipped Him for the day ahead.

And the same is true for us.

“Give us this day our daily bread…” (Matthew 6:11). That’s what I’m seeking every morning, not yesterday’s bread, not tomorrow’s, but today’s. I want what He knows I need so I can encourage you and glorify Him.

We need Jesus more than we need food and water. Even the breath in our lungs comes from Him. My soul isn’t nourished by productivity or accomplishment or even ministry. Those things can leave me feeling empty.

My nourishment comes from Him alone.

My fulfillment comes from His presence, His voice, and His Word.

And without Him, I wouldn’t have anything to give you at all.

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Today’s Step:

Before you do anything else today, open your door and make space for God. Give Him ten unrushed minutes. No to-do list. No pressure to “produce” something. Just be still. Ask Him to give you your daily bread—whatever He knows you need for the people you’ll encounter today.

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A Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being my Source, my strength, and my daily bread. Teach me to slow down, listen, and sit with You before anything else. Fill what has been emptied. Restore what has been drained. Nourish what has been neglected. And let everything I pour out today come from the overflow of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.