Hanging Out with God

Episode 33: “Hanging Out with God” Just as a car's fuel gauge lets you know when you're running low on gas, there are signs when your spiritual life is running on empty. Anxiety, frustration, stress, anger, and depression can be indicators that you need to refuel spiritually. Daily habits, such as time spent in God’s Word and in prayer, are essential to keeping your spiritual tank full. Who we are is shaped by the commitments we make and habits we develop. The good news is you can start new habits that will transform your life, and I believe one of the most powerful habits you can develop is spending time with God.  The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippian church: “Therefore my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence, but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13) To “work out your salvation” means to be on a path of growth.  Are you on a path of growth? What steps are you taking? An authentic Christian will develop the habit of spending time with God.  Paul is saying, “When I was with you, teaching you, leading you, you were growing. Now that I’m gone you must continue to grow even though I’m not there.”  We can’t just depend on Sunday mornings. It requires more.  Some Truths about Spiritual Growth: Your relationship with God is meant to grow. Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. Developing spiritual habits helps you grow on your own. The Habit of Having a Daily Devotion: If the only time you eat is on Sunday, you’re going to be a starving Christian. You must be able to feed yourself spiritually. Hanging out with God is consistent time in His Word and in prayer.  What Happens When You Hang Out with God? He changes your heart. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) He gives you direction. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105) He offers His presence during your problems. “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4) Practical Tips: What to do when you sit down with your Bible. Manage your expectations – Change happens over time with consistency. Start with Prayer – Ask God to open up your heart to the truth. Read the Bible – There’s no set amount; the important thing is that it’s consistent. Ask Questions: What do I learn about God? What do I learn about myself? What is God telling me to do? Close with Prayer – Make the Scripture personal by praying it for yourself. Resource: “How to Pray,”  a seven-session online course on how to develop your prayer life. Available at trentstewart.org. PETS Acronym: P – Promise to hold on to E – Example to follow T – Truth to put into action S – Sin to confess I hope this episode inspires you to develop the habit of spending time with God. This simple practice is going to fuel your faith in ways you've never imagined.