It is so easy to let the day pass by without getting into the Word. Having a consistent quiet time was something that I struggled with even before getting married and having our first baby. With all of our responsibilities as parents it can be easy to let quiet time be one of those “optional items” that often gets missed. Recently, I have been convicted about how important it is for me to be spending focused time with the Lord each day. The Bible is our ultimate compass and parenting guide and if we want to raise our children to know and love the Lord, we can start laying that foundation by KNOWING his Word and growing to LOVE him more deeply in our personal walk. This may look a little different in each season, but here are some ideas to help create a more consistent time in the Word.

-PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for the Lord to give you an increased hunger for His Word and to give you more opportunities to get into scripture.

-Think through your day, and if possible try to pick a time and even a place that would work best for getting into your Bible. It may not always work out, but having a routine helps with consistency. Maybe you are a morning person and can get up a little earlier then your kiddos (even just 15 or 20 minutes), maybe after they all get to bed in the evening works best for you, or maybe you are in a season where you are home and can take advantage of a few minutes during naptime.

-I know many moms who are in a season where listening to scripture works best for them. Perhaps you drive to work each day (this is what my husband does) or can listen while you wash dishes or work on laundry. Personally, this does not work very well for me. My mind wanders and I often hear the next chapter starting and realize that I have missed over half of it!

-If you are having a hard time focusing on the word consider using a devotional and whenever possible read the chapter of scripture that is used in the devotional.  I recommend this devotional: Mom Heart Moments by Sally Clarkson (and all of her other books).

-You might be someone that learns better from scripture by answering questions and going through a bible study. This is what I have found  works well for me and while I am still working on getting into a routine,  I have found my excitement to get into the Word and spend time with the Lord grow since starting to work through bible studies more consistently. I highly recommend checking out The Daily Grace Co. I am working through one of their studies right now. They have topical studies, studies by book of the Bible, studies you can do with your spouse, and they often have great sales going on.

– Work on memorizing scripture. Being able to recall, meditate on and apply scripture without even opening your Bible keeps you grounded in the Word and makes it easier to hold your thoughts and actions accountable. You can place sticky notes with scripture different places throughout your house and work on memorizing them at that place. Or maybe having a 3×5 notebook or flashcards with scripture that you can keep close by (this is what I do) will work for you. I have found on days that I miss or don’t get a significant time in the word, I can draw my focus back to the Lord by going through the scripture I have memorized and taking a minute or two to ponder on that scripture.

-Finally, find a friend or a mentor with whom you can hold each other accountable. Check in with each other every once in a while, pray with and for each other, and share scripture with each other.

I’ve shared quite a few ideas with you and not all of them will work for you. Please don’t feel overwhelmed, rather take baby steps to start establishing good habits. Motherhood is an extremely sanctifying role and the Lord does not want us to do it alone. His Word is full of truth, encouragement, and A LOT of parenting guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; and LEAN NOT on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”