Do I have to think about God 24/7?

No. It would be impossible to think about God 24/7—especially since we're sleeping part of that time! However, that doesn't mean that we ought to choose to never think about God or that we shouldn't keep Him close to our thoughts.

While we should definitely set aside time in our day to read the Bible, pray, and meditate on God and His word, it would be impractical to do that ALL day. We have school to attend, jobs to go to, people to spend time with, etc. There's homework and housework and errands and meetings and birthday parties, and so many other things in life. Putting our focus elsewhere, such as on a task or a conversation, is perfectly OK. God understands that being a human being who lives in this world requires us to think about other things.

This is why it's important for us to regularly spend time with our Creator. When we make time for Him often, we can maintain a God-focused mindset. He will always be at the back of your mind so that when you see something beautiful or experience a blessing, your automatic response is to thank and praise Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Or when you encounter a challenge or a trial, the first thing you think to do is to talk to Him and express your needs to Him, trusting Him to answer (James 1:2-4, 12). (Also see Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 6:25-24.)

Practical Ways to Keep God Close

Hide the Bible in Your Heart

Reading and memorizing Scripture is a great habit because it "hides" His Word in your heart, and the Holy Spirit can bring those passages to mind when you need them most (Psalm 119:11; John 14:26). Learning what the Bible says about God is one of the best ways to get to know and understand God better!

Practice Spiritual Discernment

Another way to help keep your mind focused on God is to use spiritual discernment about what media you consume during the day (e.g. music, TV, movies, social media). While you don't have to exclusively listen to Christian music or read Christian books, those things CAN help keep your thoughts on the things of God. There's a lot of media that can pull your thoughts away from Him and His ways, so examining how the media you're consuming affects you—both emotionally and spiritually—is an important part of your spiritual growth.

Talk to God

You can also pray for people throughout the day (Psalm 145:18). If you see a friend struggling at school or work, say a silent prayer for God to help that person. If you hear of people suffering across the world, pray that God would bring them peace and relief. Praying for things in your life and the lives of those around you helps remind you that God is with you—and He hears you (Psalm 116:1-2).

These are just a few ways to think about God throughout the day and keep Him close—even when you aren't able to sit down and stop everything to spend time with Him. I hope this helps! If you have any other suggestions for keeping God close to your thoughts, please share them in the comments below (Proverbs 27:17).

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." — Romans 12:1-2

ALSO SEE:

What is prayer?Why is it important to spend time with God?Making Time for God in Your Busy LifeWhy does God love us?How do I love God?Why should I pray?What's the right way to pray?How can I have a passion for Jesus?What does the Bible say about overthinking?How do I stop thinking of God as imposing and angry?Why do I feel like I'll never be good enough for God?What is the grace of God?What does the Bible say about legalism?