Have you ever been still? I mean really still. No cell phone, TV, or computer. No children running in and out. Complete and utter silence.
Imagine calmness filled only with your thoughts and God’s presence. If only we had the time, right?
Many things demand our time. And we give that time away and waste it freely, as though we have an endless supply. As Christians, we do—in eternity.
Meanwhile, here on the earth, if we’re to be effective disciples, we must spend time alone with God. Jesus modeled this for us.
“…crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:15b-16.
Many are unwilling to give God premium time—the time they’d rather be doing something else. And let’s face it, even when we’re willing, much of our time is committed to jobs and family. So what does this leave? Free time?
How much free time is enough?
“O Lamb of God, deliver me…
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings...
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me."
~Amy Carmichael, missionary
Rearranging our schedules to have quiet time—be still and know time—with God, is necessary as Christians. It’s during this time we replenish our spirits.
When God has my undivided attention, inspiration and rejuvenation takes place, which are imperative for me to effectively do His Kingdom work.
What is God trying to whisper to your heart today?
Laura Hodges Poole is a
freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in
publication. She is a 2014 ACFW Genesis
semi-finalist and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist
in Christian fiction. Laura is also an Associate Editor with Christian
Devotions ministry, as well as a ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is
encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole.
Woman in Wheat Field Image courtesy of Marin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
This is very good, Laura. We must always remember that time with God is the MOST important thing. It's so easy to get caught up in other activities or tasks, but it really is true. I love the quote that I heard said: "Go without your training for a day, get in the ring, and you'll know it. Go without your training for two days, get in the ring and your opponent will know it. Go without training for three days, get in the ring and everyone will know it." Devotional time with God is our training and life is our 'ring'. We CAN'T forget our training!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday everyone! I hope your week gets started out right. :)
Thanks, Amber. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Great analogy that applies well to our spiritual life. Hope you have a great Monday, as well.
DeleteLaura, what a beautiful post. We are so guilty of taking our time for granted or wasting our time but we should always remember that our time is precious and once it passes, we can't get it back. Let's use it wisely and always be thankful to God for all he has given us including our time .
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melanie. Time is so precious. I feel that more as I get older. You're right time is something we should be thankful for. We're not guaranteed tomorrow. God bless.
DeleteGod has nudged me for many years to give time to Him each day, I have never been that good about carving out time for Him. Recently, my church started praying at 1:07 everyday. The is based on 2 Timothy 1:7. This has helped me spend time everyday with God. I have set an alarm on my phone, which reminds to stop and pray. I was truly blessed with the invitation to attend a workshop and be a part of our new prayer team.
ReplyDeleteGod's work is amazing and I stand in awe of it.
That's a great idea, Dora! Maybe if we used a special verse as a reminder and made that divine appointment each day, as you've done, it might help. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteBeautifully written, as always, and a message we all need to hear. Spending time with Him is the only way to stay alive and growing in our faith. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy. I'm glad you were inspired. God bless.
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