The Fascinating Secret of Guilt-Free Quiet Time with God
We have the best of intentions to spend extended quiet time with God, and then it gets interrupted. Guilt creeps in. No more! Let’s follow Jesus’ example and allow grace to enter our quiet time.
I have a new puppy! She is adorable, don’t you agree? That’s a picture of her from the reveal of her to my nieces. Yes, I have a new puppy, and she has wreaked havoc on my quiet time with the Lord!
Just last week, my roommate and I figured out a schedule that gets each of us some semblance of our morning quiet time. But it is tenuous!
A few days ago, while I was reading a passage in Exodus, the puppy made an exodus of her own to another room. I followed her, without Bible in hand, and sat down on the floor with her. While we played tug-of-war, I tried hard to remember what God had been speaking to me and what I wanted to pray about. It wasn’t working.
Jesus also longed for time to connect with His heavenly Father. Look how diligent He was at it:
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35 ESV)
He got up early in the morning, while it was still dark, and left the house to find a quiet place to pray.
We often quote this verse out of context. It sounds peaceful and serene, doesn’t it? A desolate place. For us that might mean no TV, no phone, the children still sleeping, no puppies to keep from chewing everything in sight! A favorite chair, an unrushed countenance, the early morning sun shining perfectly, as if the very rays of heaven were lighting our Bible. Yeah, right.
Look at the very next two verses:
And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” (Mark 1:36-37)
It’s almost laughable. It didn’t take long for Jesus’ quiet time to be interrupted! So don’t fret if that happens to you. After all, it happened to Jesus!
. . .
We had played tug-of-war long enough. I lured my puppy back to my sitting room for three more precious minutes. I re-found my passage, re-engaged my thought process, and treasured the fleeting time with the Lord.
When do you have your best quiet time with God? Do you often get interrupted?
Together, let’s cherish our time with the Lord and then roll with whatever the day brings us.
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I encourage you to read the whole passage in Mark 1:35-39, which is printed for you below. Then reflect on the Digging Deeper questions.
Be sure to download your free printable that accompanies this series: How to Hear God’s Voice in a Busy World.
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Digging into God’s Word: Mark 1:35-39 (ESV)
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
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Digging Deeper: Finding Quiet Time with God
Treasure this time with the Lord. Reflect on or journal about the following questions, listening for what God has to say to you.
1. When was the last time you had a really great quiet time with God? What made it great?
2. What barriers do you face in setting aside quiet time to hear from God? List them and then choose one to problem-solve. What strategies might work to get around or through that barrier?
3. What is one thing you’d like to ask or say to God right now? Go ahead and ask or say it, and then take a minute to listen. (You’ve just had a mini quiet time!)
4. Make a plan! For many people, it works best to get up early and talk with Jesus before the noise of the day crowds out His voice. Not a morning person? No guilt! Find the time that works best for you. Make a plan now for how you will spend time with God tomorrow:
-What time will you set your alarm?
-Where will you spend the early morning time?
-What will you read or write? Set out any books, notebooks, or devices you’ll need.
-Mark your Bible at the spot where you’ll start reading.
5. Want to sing or worship? Try one of these songs:
Word of God Speak (MercyMe)
Holy Spirit (Jesus Culture/Kim Walker-Smith)
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Chris Rice)
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Be sure to download your free printable that accompanies this series: How to Hear God’s Voice in a Busy World.
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