Some days I feel more panic over my to-do list than wonder at the reality of Christ’s presence with me. Jesus promised to be with us always, but in the busyness of life, we tend to crowd Him out. If Jesus knocked at the door of my heart today, I’d probably mutter, “There’s no room here,” just like the innkeeper at Bethlehem. Then I’d get back to my mile-long list. How to make room for Jesus when daily life is so overwhelming?
We can be knee deep in life with hearts far from One who gives us life.
Sometimes we’re so caught up working, serving our families, and even volunteering at church that we neglect the most important thing: making our hearts a dwelling place for Jesus. Taking a few minutes in the morning to draw near to God and read Scripture get our day off to a good start. But how to make room for Jesus in our thoughts all day long?
Here are some ways to make room for Jesus throughout the day:
Quiet Our Hearts
Taking just five minutes to be quiet and focus on our Savior can change the landscape of our hearts during a stressful day. I love Eugene Peterson’s translation of the “Be still and know that I am God” verse. Remember this when you’re at a crowded grocery store or stuck in traffic:
Come Clean
Women today face the pressure of trying to do it all: spend quality time with our families, succeed at work, cook healthy meals, and decorate our homes with creative flair. (And don’t forget the laundry.) These things bring joy, but when I try to do them all at the same time, I start to fret and get snappy. A layer of frustration and resentment builds up inside before I know it. Nothing frees my heart like taking a few minutes—whether I’m driving my car or working in my kitchen—to humble myself, confess my sins, and ask God to cleanse me.
Invite Our Savior to Come in
One of the most intriguing miracles of the New Testament is Jesus making his home in our hearts. What if we get intentional about opening the door of our heart? Ask Jesus to come and show himself to you today. Draw near to him for fellowship as you go about your everyday activities. Invite Him into your work and trust He’ll give you the wisdom you need. Open the door of your home to Jesus and make Him the center of your family, by praying together often and talking about your faith with your husband and kids.
Ask God to Heal our Broken Places
The challenges of life can weigh heavy on us. If you are struggling through prolonged singleness, divorce, a dysfunctional family, or the loss of a loved one, God sees you, my friend. He longs to show Himself close to you. God is waiting right now for you to pour out your heart and tell Him how you feel. Here’s a promise we can count on:
Ask God to Renew our Hearts
You may be dragging a weary heart around as you push through the endless activities and responsibilities of parenting. Maybe a long, draining year at work has robbed your strength. Stop for a few minutes with the Shepherd of your soul to reflect on this:
Whether our hearts need to be quieted, cleansed, healed, or renewed, we can rest assured that Jesus knows everything about us and loves us anyway. He will meet our need as we draw near to Him. Will you join me in setting aside a few minutes today to make room for Jesus in your heart? When you invite Him in, He will come. He wants your heart for His dwelling place.
Now it’s your turn: Do you ever feel like you crowd Jesus out of your life? What helps you make room for Him in your heart?
Are you facing the challenges of life on an empty tank? Need help renewing your relationship with God?
The startling reality of God with us never gets old to me. I take him for granted in so many ways, and yet he remains faithful and desirous of fellowship. Amazing gift! Amazing truth!
Yes, it is an amazing blessing. I’m reading through Genesis and am struck by how often God says, “I will be with you, and I will bless you.”
It’s so necessary to slow down and listen to God’s voice. Thanks for the reminder, Betsy!
You are so welcome, friend. Happy weekend!
I tend to be knee-deep in life many days, then I question where my wonder has gone. These suggestions are so good. I think I will concentrate on the one that tells us to aks Jesus to come into our hearts. This is such a wonderful practice to incorporate into each day. Thank you!
Blessings, Laurie! I’m praying now that Jesus will be more real to you in your everyday. (Breathing a prayer for myself in that area as well!)
These are such simple, yet deep, and helpful reminders. We want more of Him and yet keep our hearts so crowded. Thanks for the gentle nudge again – to not only invite Him in but to make the most room for Him!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jennifer. I appreciate your obvious desire to make more room for Jesus. (Believe me, my heart gets pretty crowded.) Praying now for both of us!
The prevailing way for me to for me to make room for Jesus in my heart is to break away in spirit – sometimes in body, too – and pray. Praying turns my focus to God and breaks the tyranny of frustrations.
Oh yes, I love that thought about breaking away. Thank you!
Thank you for these five practical ways to make room for Jesus. I needed the reminder of renewing my heart today. Jesus knows everything about me and loves me anyway. Truth for my heart.
May He renew your heart day by day, my friend!
beautiful and oh so necessary, Betsy.
these steps you’ve laid out one by one.
and our need to continually clear our hearts for our Savior’s presence.
bless you.
Blessings to you as well, my friend!
Besty,
Yes, I do crowd Jesus out. The best way for me to stay close is to start my day with Him. However, I need more of Him all day long. My goal for the year is to seek God in everything. It is helping me to stay close to closer to Him.
That is a great goal for the year, Maree! You are inspiring me, friend.
“Some days I feel more panic over my to-do list than wonder at the reality of Christ’s presence with me.” Oh yes! Can so relate. Love your tips, especially number 2. It heads off a lot of later trouble.
Glad I’m not the only one, since you can relate, Theresa. Thank you.
“Come clean…asking God to heal the broken places” – those two seem hard for me at times. It is the humbling of this whole me that both require. Surrendering is a continuous lesson for this one! Thank you for such a wonderful lesson, reminder.
I know what you mean, Linda. This requires humility. Repentance isn’t easy, but I’ve noticed in my own life it’s a key to breakthrough.
I love these reminders. Besides the things you’ve mentioned, I like to play Christian music off and on throughout the day to draw my thoughts to Him.
I love that idea, Barbara. I do that as well, but not as much as I’d like to!