3 reasons being open to doing spontaneous things can bring you closer to God

Your schedule is just so busy. You’re trying to meet goals at work, in your personal life and, maybe, throw in a relationship or two. You’ve got goals everywhere you look, and you’re not sure what you have to show for it. Do you ever feel like your goals are actually boxing you in? Do you feel suffocated and like you just want to do something different? Having goals is great, but so is allowing room for spontaneous things to do. 

If you’re a Christian with a goal to grow closer to God, having an overly full schedule can actually be a hindrance.To be clear, as Christians, we should all have a desire to grow closer in our relationship with Jesus. We’re not saying you need to throw caution to the wind and do every single thing spontaneously. Allowing room in your life plan for spontaneity may actually help your relationship with Jesus. Here’s how being open to spontaneous things can help you grow your relationship with Jesus. 

It allows room for you to hear God

Picture this: You’re in a noisy, crowded room and someone is trying to whisper something in your ear. You’d really like to hear what they’re telling you, but there’s so much commotion that you can’t make out the words. That’s what it’s like when Jesus is trying to communicate with us and we’re too distracted by the hustle and bustle of life. Sometimes, to hear effectively, we need to be still and quiet. 

Being spontaneous doesn’t always have to revolve around a big adventure. Sometimes spontaneous looks like taking a down day and just being quiet and spending time reading your Bible. 

It encourages growth

Think of a plant and all its roots. Specifically, think of the plants you buy at the store when you pull them out of their tiny containers — you see all the roots squished together with nowhere to go? That’s what happens when we don’t allow space for spontaneous things to happen. We get squished and eventually stop growing. In order to grow, we need space. Your schedule needs space. 

So, break free of those constricting schedules and carve out time to be with God and see where that leads. You may be surprised at how God chooses to fill your new empty space. 

It creates opportunity to refill your spiritual cup

We all need rest. God created the world in six days (see Genesis, Chapter 1). On the seventh day, He rested. You’ve probably heard that point a few times as a reason why we, Christians, should rest once per week. 

That seventh day — also known as a Sabbath day — is designed for rest and worship. Many times, that second part gets left out. We were made to worship. Going to church for one hour per week on Sunday doesn’t really fill that bucket, either. Sunday should be a day for you to refill your spiritual cup.

Sure, you have a designated rest day on Sunday, but don’t get caught up in that schedule. Allow flexibility in your schedule for God to change your plans. He may orchestrate a conversation with a co-worker that will encourage you and fill your spiritual cup. 

It’s not all about doing spontaneous things

You want to be spontaneous. OK. Will doing spontaneous things help your relationship with Jesus? Potentially. The truth is that the only true way to grow your relationship with Jesus is to abide in Christ, meaning to live your life for Jesus. John 15:4 (ESV) lays it out pretty clearly for us: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

If your schedule is too packed, ask God to help you thin it out. Ask Jesus to reveal to you things on your docket that don’t glorify Him. 

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website. 

Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.