Growing in Knowing God (When There Are Constant Interruptions)

Some days I don't read my Bible because it seems impossible to do so without being interrupted.

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Other days I read my Bible knowing I'll be interrupted, but that it's still worthwhile.

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Every day God and his Spirit are at work in my feeble attempts to draw closer to him.

Once upon a time there, was a college girl who loved to study Scripture. Her time in the Word was consistent and uninterrupted.

Then she got married and eventually had three sweet, noisy, and talkative daughters. The childless bubble of serene quiet times was broken. Quiet times were no longer quiet.

I used to think my devotional time had to be for at least thirty minutes. I also needed to be completely focused for that time to be worthwhile.

God in his kindness has since shown me that he is more than able to provide for me when this doesn't happen.

Here are four things that help me persevere in reading my Bible when it feels futile.

1. Remind myself of God's generosity.
It’s easy for me to think that my time spent growing in knowing the Lord earns me favor with God. It doesn’t. I need to remember daily how generous and welcoming God is.

"Come, everyone who thirsts,

come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without price.

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,

and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,

and delight yourselves in rich food.

Incline your ear, and come to me;

hear, that your soul may live;

and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,

my steadfast, sure love for David." Isaiah 55:1-3

2. Train my kids to play or read quietly by themselves.
Ok, this one takes work, but is completely worth it. This type of training helps teach our kids self-control and how to consider others. It also allows them to see us prioritizing God’s Word.

You need three things for this to work:

1. A cheap timer.
2. Designated areas for each child to stay in. Setting boundaries with a blanket or chair can be helpful.
3. A maximum of three books or quiet toys for each child.

Make your expectations clear to your kids and then set your own expectations low! Start with setting the timer for five minutes.

To begin with it won't be much time, but you need to keep the big picture in mind here. What a gift that God delights to help us in our weakness and that his Word will not return void!

Over the course of a few weeks, depending upon your children’s ages, you can build up to 30+ minutes. Faithfulness and constant practice are key here. Aim to do it at least three times a week, even if you have read your Bible already.

Give lots of praise and encouragement. And make sure you set your expectations low. Did I mention that already?

3. Prepare my own heart.

It's easy for me to skip reading my Bible because it's hard work. When I'm tempted to do so I need to cry out for help and remember that the Holy Spirit is praying for his children! 

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26–27

4. Read Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full.
So I know the thought of reading another book may seem like the straw that will break the camel’s back for you.

I promise this book is worth your time. With four kids of her own, Gloria Furman gets the constant craziness. As such she kindly kept the book short.

This is one of the few books I read at least once a year because of how it points me to Christ. Here are a few favorite quotes to whet your appetite:

“By God's grace I can resist the temptation to treat my children as interruptions to my will for my life. Instead, God enables me to treat my children as precious gifts he is using to shape me into his image according to his will for my life.” ~ Mommy Brain Chapter 

“What if God wants to fellowship with us right where we are - even in the commotion of ordinary life? Most assuredly, he does. Consider how the triune God is working to ensure that you behold his glory throughout your days and nights... Nothing - nothing happens without the sovereign Lord's ordaining it. He is trustworthy and praiseworthy in every moment in every circumstance.” ~ A Mother's "Call to Worship" Chapter 

“The tyranny of the urgent decisions is deluding... Mothers who feed their soul with the Word of God will thrive as their hearts are taught by God's wisdom. Theology is where practicality begins.” ~ Mommy Doesn't Always Know Best Chapter

Some days, no matter how well I have prepared myself and my kids, life happens and Bible reading doesn't. It's easy for me to become weary and to forget about eternity.

This is when I once again need to remember that my work is not in vain and my victory is guaranteed because of Christ. If you are Christ's child this is true for you too!

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:56–58 

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