As a counselor and life coach, people often ask me what’s the best way to get their lives and marriages back on track. My answer often leaves them less than satisfied.

I always say—it’s connecting with God and His word daily. 

It’s as if they can’t quite see the connection between a vibrant and growing faith and a vibrant and growing marriage. They want some formula, steps to follow, or a more direct correlation to the issues plaguing their marriages.

If you’ve visited Messy Marriage at any point over the past few years, you’ve seen me make a case for Scripture informing our lives. Scripture and prayer even go even further, transforming our attitudes and actions in marriage.

But all of that can sound more like “blah, blah, blah” until you experience it for yourself.

Because I feel so strongly about this, I feel it’s only fitting to give you some tips on how to make time for God each day. After all, I know that many of you will be trying to do better in this regard in the New Year.

So allow me to share …

4 Crucial Tips for Making Time for God Each Day

1. Pray about this endeavor! 

I’ve found that unless I pray about a matter before I begin it, my ability, attitude and perspectives will not be as God-empowered as they can be. This is true for uncomfortable conversations, a challenging day ahead, and/or the strength/resolve to make time for God.

We desperately need to invite God into this effort or we will be doomed from the start!

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

God says no to some requests because they are not according to His will or asked out of wrong motives. But this is one prayer God will answer in the affirmative every.single.time!

2. Discern the best day and time for meeting with God.

This too needs to be discerned with prayer and not just a glance at your schedule. Ask God to make it clear to you when would be best. Then ask Him to give you the power and motivation to make it happen each day at that particular time.

Practically speaking, it’s always best to choose the same time each day whenever possible. This way you’ll be more inclined to remember to do it. If your schedule is really packed full, you might even want to put it on your calendar so you never double-book!

3. Enlist a good, same-gender friend to hold you accountable.

I talk a lot about accountability here … because it works!

When you ask people to check in on you each week, you’ll be much more prone to stick with your plan. Besides, it encourages you, making you feel less alone in the pursuit of your goal.

Just be sure to ask God who you should choose since He always knows better than you do (Prov. 3:5-6).

4.  Pick a Bible study PLAN.

I don’t suppose I have to say this again, but I will! Ask God to give you discernment on what plan to start. Because you always need a plan in place if you hope to make this work.

This could be anything from a Bible study book to a reading plan. Just don’t close your eyes and drop your finger on a text in your Bible, letting that decide where you’ll read for the day. Let God lead you with His word rather than relying on your finger to guide you.

What is your biggest hurdle in creating the habit of meeting with God?

What tips do you have for others who struggle to make this a priority?