“Sorry guys, I gotta go…I have a Skype date with my sister!” This could be heard being said by me, many times in the past four years. Since living in Asia, Skype has become my saving grace. It allows me to stay connected to friends and family, across oceans and time zones – for free!
One night, when I was racing home to make it on time for one of these sacred Skype sessions with my best friend from home, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said,
“Ali, you think you could squeeze me in for a Skype date?
His words got my attention. God wanted me to value connecting with Him as much as my loved ones back home. I would drop anything to make sure I didn’t miss those calls. I would even wake up at odd hours to make sure we were on at the same hour.
I realized that having an intimate relationship with God requires this same kind of constant and consistent communication. Me and Him. Alone. Quiet. Disconnected from the world and connected to His Spirit.
That was the beginning of my regular “Skype dates” with God. I picked a place in my apartment where God and I could meet each morning—a white leather love seat in my living room, facing the window. Nothing fancy, just a special place for God and me.
I committed to waking up at least a half an hour before I had to be anywhere. And with my big, fluffy, black robe on and coffee in hand I began the daily habit of meeting God for a special “Skype session” of a heavenly kind. I would greet Him saying, “Good morning God, how are you today?”
The cool part is that over time, these sessions turned from a nagging discipline to a necessity I crave in the early morning hours of each new day. It is from this special place that God draws me into the deeper side of His heart and plans. Whether through worship, prayer, studying His Word, or simply being silent, He comforts, consoles and gives me words, visions, and directives for my future. He lets me in on intimate secrets that are meant only for my own heart and soul.
My Skype dates with God now happen on a daily basis in my very own living room. We both show up at our special meeting place. In my opinion there is no better way to start out each day.How’s your connection?