32 Bible Verses About Making Time For God (With Cross-References)

In our fast-paced world, making time for God can be a challenge. However, the Bible encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Him. The following verses remind us of the importance of dedicating time to God and the spiritual benefits that come from doing so. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and worship, we strengthen our relationship with Him and gain the wisdom and strength needed for our daily lives.

Bible Verses About Making Time For God

1. Matthew 6:33 – Seek First God’s Kingdom

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

Cross-References

Luke 12:31 – “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

Colossians 3:1 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

2. Psalm 46:10 – Be Still and Know

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” – Psalm 46:10

Cross-References

Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Isaiah 30:15 – “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

Mark 4:39 – “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

3. Isaiah 40:31 – Renew Your Strength

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Cross-References

Psalms 103:5 – “Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalms 37:9 – “For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”

Psalms 84:7 – “They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”

4. James 4:8 – Draw Near to God

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Psalms 73:28 – “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”

Zechariah 1:3 – “Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

5. Philippians 4:6 – Present Your Requests

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Cross-References

1 Timothy 2:1 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

6. Mark 1:35 – Jesus Prays in Solitude

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” – Mark 1:35

Cross-References

Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Matthew 14:23 – “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.”

Mark 6:46 – “After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.”

7. 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Cast Your Anxiety

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7

Cross-References

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Psalms 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

8. Romans 12:12 – Be Joyful in Hope

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 1:11 – “Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”

9. Luke 10:39-42 – Mary and Martha

“And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:39-42

Cross-References

Psalms 27:4 – “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

10. Joshua 1:8 – Meditate on the Word

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8

Cross-References

Psalms 1:2 – “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

Psalms 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

11. John 15:4 – Remain in Me

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” – John 15:4

Cross-References

John 14:23 – “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.'”

John 15:5 – “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.'”

1 John 2:27 – “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”

12. Hebrews 4:16 – Approach God with Confidence

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:12 – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

Psalms 34:5 – “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

13. Colossians 3:16 – Let the Word Dwell Richly

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:19 – “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

1 Corinthians 14:26 – “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

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14. Matthew 11:28-30 – Rest for the Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Cross-References

Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, “We will not walk in it.”‘”

Psalms 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Isaiah 11:10 – “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.”

15. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Cross-References

Psalms 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”

Jeremiah 17:7 – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

16. Hebrews 10:25 – Do Not Give Up Meeting Together

“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

Cross-References

Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

17. Romans 8:28 – God Works for the Good

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Cross-References

Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

18. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray Continually

“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Cross-References

Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Luke 18:1 – “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

19. Isaiah 55:6 – Seek the Lord

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” – Isaiah 55:6

Cross-References

Psalms 105:4 – “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”

Amos 5:4 – “This is what the Lord says to Israel: ‘Seek me and live.'”

20. Psalm 34:4 – He Delivered Me

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4

Cross-References

Psalms 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

21. 1 Chronicles 16:11 – Look to the Lord

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Cross-References

Psalms 27:8 – “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

Psalms 119:2 – “Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”

22. Jeremiah 29:13 – Seek and Find

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 4:29 – “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

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

23. Psalm 119:11 – Hide the Word in Your Heart

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 11:18 – “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”

Matthew 13:52 – “He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.'”

24. Romans 12:2 – Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:23 – “To be made new in the attitude of your minds.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

25. Psalm 37:4 – Desire of Your Heart

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

Cross-References

Psalm 145:19 – “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”

Proverbs 10:24 – “What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.”

26. Exodus 33:14 – My Presence Will Go with You

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” – Exodus 33:14

Cross-References

Isaiah 63:9 – “In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”

Matthew 28:20 – “‘And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”

27. 2 Corinthians 4:16 – Do Not Lose Heart

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16

Cross-References

Colossians 3:10 – “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

28. Psalm 119:105 – Lamp for My Feet

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105

Cross-References

Proverbs 6:23 – “For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.”

John 1:4 – “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”

2 Peter 1:19 – “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

29. Matthew 26:41 – Stay Awake and Pray

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Luke 21:36 – “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

30. Proverbs 8:17 – I Love Those Who Love Me

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” – Proverbs 8:17

Cross-References

1 Samuel 2:30 – “Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.'”

31. Galatians 6:9 – Do Not Grow Weary

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Cross-References

Hebrews 12:3 – “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

2 Thessalonians 3:13 – “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”

James 5:7 – “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”

32. Psalm 63:1 – Earnestly I Seek You

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” – Psalm 63:1

Cross-References

Psalms 42:1 – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

Psalms 143:6 – “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”

Isaiah 26:9 – “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.”

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, making time for God is essential for nurturing our spiritual lives. These Bible verses remind us of the profound benefits of seeking His presence regularly. As we prioritize our relationship with God, we find strength, peace, and guidance amidst life’s challenges. Taking time daily to engage with Scripture, prayer, and community worship imbibes us with the wisdom and joy God offers us.

Let us be deliberate in setting aside moments throughout our day to seek His face, becoming more attuned to His voice and purpose for our lives. As we make time for God, we do not only experience His profound love and peace but are also transformed into vessels of His light and love to those around us, bearing lasting fruit for His kingdom.

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