Three Reasons You’re Skipping Time With God (And How to Fix It)
We’ve all been there – skipping time with God despite our best intentions, but why does it keep happening? Let’s uncover three surprising reasons you might be missing out on precious moments with Jesus and how to fix each one!
If you’re a midlife Christian woman juggling work, teenagers, aging parents, and a million other responsibilities, consistent time with Jesus can feel like an impossible dream. You wake up determined to spend time in God’s Word, but somehow the day gets away from you, and you’re crawling into bed, realizing you never opened your Bible.
The good news is that once you identify these three reasons you’re skipping time with God, you can break free from them!
But here’s what I’ve discovered are the three reasons you’re skipping time with God, and more importantly, how to fix each one!
Reason #1: The Social Media Morning Trap
Oh girl, this one gets us ALL! 
You start your day with good intentions, but then you “quickly check” social media or email during breakfast. What begins as a 5-minute scroll becomes a 45-minute distraction that leaves you running late and stressed.
Before you know it, you’re rushing out the door, promising yourself you’ll spend time with God later… but “later” never comes.
The Fix: Keep your phone in another room until AFTER your Bible time!
I know, I know – it sounds scary at first. But trust me on this one! Prepare a simple “morning basket” with your Bible, journal, and devotional materials placed where you’ll have breakfast. This tiny shift removes the temptation and creates a physical reminder of your priorities.
Your phone will still be there after you meet with Jesus, but those precious morning moments with God? They set the tone for your ENTIRE day.
Reason #2: The “Just One Thing First” Mindset
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought: “I’ll just handle this one task and THEN spend time with God.”
Whether it’s responding to a text, starting laundry, or checking something off your to-do list, this “just one thing first” approach snowballs into a day where God gets pushed to tomorrow… again.
The Fix: Have a plan and recognize this thought pattern!
When you catch yourself thinking “just one thing first,” counter it with this powerful truth: “Nothing comes before my time with Jesus today.”
Ask yourself: What Bible study or reading plan will you follow? Having a clear plan eliminates decision fatigue and makes it easier to choose God first.
Because here’s what I’ve learned: that “one thing” will ALWAYS turn into ten things. But when we prioritize our relationship with Jesus first, everything else falls into place with His peace and guidance.
Reason #3: Perfectionism About Your Quiet Time
This might be the biggest trap of all! You believe if you can’t do a “proper” quiet time with deep study and extended prayer, it’s not worth doing at all.
On hectic days with early morning commitments or when you’re visiting your young adult children, this all-or-nothing thinking leads to consistently missed time with God.
But friend, can I tell you something? Jesus doesn’t need your perfect performance – He wants your heart.
The Fix: Incorporate a bedtime routine with God for days when mornings don’t work out.
Remember, sweet friend, God is WAITING for you with grace, not judgment. Some days your time with Him might be:
- 5 minutes reading one Psalm
- Listening to worship music while getting ready
- Praying in the car on your way to work
- Having a bedtime conversation with Jesus
The Beautiful Truth
Here’s what changed everything for me: God is STILL waiting for you. Not with arms crossed and a tapping foot, but with OPEN arms and endless grace.
He knows your season. He sees your busy schedule. He understands your heart’s desire to draw closer to Him even when life feels overwhelming.
Your relationship with Jesus isn’t measured by:
✗ How long you spend in prayer
✗ How many Bible chapters you read
✗ How perfectly you follow a devotional plan
It’s measured by your heart’s desire to know Him and your willingness to keep coming back, even after you’ve missed days or weeks.
Simple Steps to Start Today
Ready to break free from these three reasons you’re skipping time with God? Here are some simple ways to begin:
Tonight before bed:
- Set up your “morning basket” with Bible and journal
- Plug your phone in ANOTHER room
- Choose what you’ll read tomorrow (even if it’s just one verse!)
Tomorrow morning:
- Before reaching for your phone, reach for your Bible
- If the “just one thing first” thought comes, remind yourself: “Nothing comes before Jesus today”
- Start small – even 5 minutes counts!
Give yourself grace:
- If morning doesn’t work, try bedtime
- Perfectionism is not from God – consistency over perfection
- Every day is a fresh start with His endless grace
Your Invitation
If you’re ready to transform your inconsistent Bible time into a sustainable daily habit that actually FITS your busy midlife season, I’d love to help you!
My REFRESH Your Faith 7-Day Journey will walk you through simple, practical steps to connect with Jesus without the overwhelm. No perfect morning routines required – just real strategies for real women living real lives.
And if you’re ready to go deeper, our Sisterhood membership uses the H.O.L.Y Method to help you build lasting consistency with a community of women who truly understand your struggles.
Remember, friend – God’s not keeping score. He’s keeping His arms wide open, waiting to meet you right where you are.
Which of these three reasons resonates most with you? Drop a comment below – I’d love to cheer you on as you take your next step closer to Jesus!
P.S. Your relationship with God doesn’t have to be perfect to be precious. Start where you are, use what you have, and watch Him meet you with more grace than you ever imagined possible.
