You know how some things are so private and personal that you don't talk about them even to your spouse? I was considering what to write about today and I felt my preach coming on😉 You've been forewarned.
Having a relationship with someone takes time, energy and commitment. If I want to have a good relationship with Paul we need time set aside just for us. Not a group date, not a family night, but one on one, two-way conversations. Same with God. Not just a church service, not just putting money in the offering, but time carved out of your busy day that is one on one with God.
Paul and I worked with youth under some amazing youth pastors. One night Pastor Jody talked to the teens about praying, making it real with God. He doesn't need you to use thee and thou. He wants to hear the real you. Start somewhere, give Him 5 minutes, but be real with him. If all you can say is, "God today really sucked. I could use your help." God can handle that, He can handle how you talk. Not only that, He's got answers for all your problems.
I'm not a morning person. I used to be late to first hour every day my senior year of high school. I would sneak in the back door to Mrs. Grabmeyer's child development class hoping she hadn't taken attendance yet. Literally I would roll out of bed, put some eye liner on and go to class.
I have gone from that to waking up at 5am so I can have time alone with God (and my cup of coffee). I'm getting addicted to this time, it's when I get perspective back. It's my time to come clean before God, to get humble and daily ask Him to forgive my hidden faults, keep me from willful sins. Commit to Him that I want the words of my mouth and what I think on to be pleasing to Him. (Psalm 19: 12-14) It's worth it. He's so worth it. He's not just the big guy in the sky, He actually cares about me, about you. He wants you. He desires time with you. So just make it happen. It's your choice.