Quiet Time

Quiet Time - Be Still and Listen
Quiet time could refer to those precious moments after the kids are in bed, but for Christians, a quiet time is more than that. Quiet time, or devotion time, refers to our daily appointment with God, when we shut out as much outside interference as possible. During our quiet time, we may sing praise songs, pray, read Scripture or daily devotions, meditate on God's Word, or simply be still and listen. Making that appointment is one thing; keeping it is something else entirely!

Quiet Time - The Outer Challenge
Quiet time is a goal that sounds simple, but which meets with greater challenges than many physical endurance contests. In America particularly, we live in a world of noise. Everywhere we go, even in our own homes, there is some kind of noise to distract us, from telephones to TV to traffic. But making time for daily devotion is critical to hearing God!

If we stop to think about it for a moment, we recognize that we live in enemy-occupied territory, so constructing an ideal spiritual surrounding is nearly impossible. Satan, our chief opponent, does not want us to spend quiet times with God. In fact, it is his goal to prevent that in any way possible. He knows that the more time we spend with God, the more like God we will become and the more we will be accomplishing God's goals on this earth. Satan does not want us to succeed.

God wants all people to be saved, but Satan wants us all to perish. Praise God because His plan is greater! Satan is no match for God, but he can trouble God's children, and he does. The next time you are finding it difficult to get away from the noise and get alone with God, remember who is standing in your way. Then remember who is greater!

Quiet Time - The Inner Challenge
Quiet time involves an inner state of being, as well as an outward condition. Have you ever noticed that when you sit down to read your Bible or pray, your mind begins to wander or you suddenly remember what you needed at the grocery store? Inner "noise" can be just as troublesome as outer noise when it comes to having quiet time with God.

Our own human weaknesses combine with the enemy's efforts to keep us from God. There is a reason he is known as the Prince of the Power of the Air! But again, God is greater still. Defeating the inner noise can be done, but it requires commitment and discipline.

Quiet Time - What's the Big Deal? Why Is It Important?
Quiet time can be so difficult to prioritize. It's tempting to make excuses or just not bother. Preparing our hearts to hear from God requires a focused effort. Noise, whether outside or inside, distracts us. If we fail to understand the importance of having a regular, committed quiet time with God, we are not likely to hear His voice…the one that whispers, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).

God longs to spend time with us. Consider what He was willing to do for us, in order to reunite us with Him. Is it asking too much that we devote daily time to Him?

Jesus set the example for us concerning quiet time. He took time to connect with the Father regularly, as the following Scriptures tell us:

"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray'" (Matthew 26:36).

"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).

"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16).

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