I plopped down on the sofa to rest my legs after folding my last load of laundry. What’s next? Oh yea–I looked down and sighed—connecting with Jesus…again. This “one goal” challenge of connecting with Jesus throughout the day was starting to wear on me.
I knew thanking and praising God would renew my communication with him again, but I didn’t feel like doing it this time. Plodding on through my tasks seemed easier.
I did it anyway.
“Thank you again for a roof over my head, food in the closet, family and friends.” I lifted my gaze to the ceiling.
Like wilted flowers revived with water, my energy returned and my spirits lifted. Hey, maybe I should try living with a grateful heart all the time.
But if connecting with Jesus was so easy and rewarding, why did I resist? Because I was bored with repeating the same old list of things I’m grateful for, and continually thinking up more things seemed like too much effort.
There must be more ways of connecting with Jesus. I thought about it for a few minutes and came up with a plan.
My “Connect with Jesus” Plan
- Each morning, I would read the Bible verses about the vine and the branches—John 15:1-17—and listen for new insight on connecting. I’d read from several translations to get even deeper insight and vary my routine each day.
- I’d set the devotional book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young in plain sight on the coffee table to read during an afternoon break. That would help me refocus on Jesus later in the day.
- I needed to get out and exercise more, so I’d try to take a daily prayer walk and talk with Jesus as I stroll around the neighborhood, weather permitting.
- And music—Christian praise songs have thanksgiving built-in. I’d make a point to turn on a praise CD from time to time, and listen to a Christian music station in my car.
- I’d still thank and praise God intermittently.
I took a deep breath. This plan seemed do-able. Practicing a continual attitude of gratitude would be good to try sometime, but for now I’d mix it up a little.
I’d love to hear your ideas on ways to connect with God. What do you do to draw closer to Jesus?
The Never Ending Gifts 
Hi Kris! I loved the video clip showing the flowers coming to life in the early morning sun 🙂 How do I draw closer to Jesus? I go to a quiet place, where there are no distractions and I have complete privacy (for our Father who sees in secret will reward us openly Matthew 6:6). This enables me to “hear” Him when He speaks or reveals things to me deep in my soul.
By: Christine on September 21, 2013
at 7:48 am
Yes, cozy one-on-one quality time with Jesus is a great way to connect. I need to make a point to try and sit still and do this more.
By: Kris Lindsey on September 23, 2013
at 3:42 pm
Hi Kris. Fantastic post! I am encouraged by your desire to connect with Jesus throughout your day. Thank you, cousin.
Most days for me are very full….working full time and raising kids. I have found that starting my early day with the Lord is very important. I find it very important to take the time to pray for upcoming day….for God to help me to be spiritually sensitive to His voice and direction, and, perhaps more importantly, to pray for the needs of others. Also, I purpose to take the time to look for insight and direction from His word…it is SO encouraging.
Also, watching and listening to my amazing wife and her walk with the Lord really inspires me!
By: Jon on September 23, 2013
at 10:14 pm
Hi Jon, thanks so much for dropping by my blog and taking the time to share how you connect with Jesus. Yes, morning is a great time to spend time with God and receive encouraging insight from the Bible. If I don’t, it’s so easy to start off running in my own direction. I like your idea to ask for God’s help to be spiritually sensitive to His voice and direction through the day.
Seeing Jesus working in the lives of other Christians does inspire us, and I agree that your wife and kids are amazing examples of that–as are you! Your family is a shining example of how beautiful life with Jesus can be, and inspires me!
By: Kris Lindsey on September 26, 2013
at 2:57 pm