Do You Want More From Your Quiet Time?
I remember my favorite Valentine’s Day. Not because of the red tulips and the box of candy Bert bought, but because of the hugs he gave me.
His hugs were extra special – lingering hugs – as if he wasn’t in a hurry to let me go. I could tell Bert enjoyed being with me. Since then, we’ve often planned times together, away from distractions and outside demands. And we’ve made more favorite days.
Despite their demanding schedules, couples, families and good friends make the effort to get together. Eagerly. Regularly. Purposely.
What if we had this same attitude about the time we spend with God?
As I read the New Testament, I notice that even on days when people were clamoring to be with Him, Jesus constantly sought time to spend with His Father.
But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:16 ESV).
Why would Jesus, the Son of God, seek time with His Father? So He could check it off His to-do list? Or because He was fully aware of (and fully valued) His Father’s love for Him?
Similarly, how would it change our own quiet time (the time we set aside to spend with God) if we were fully aware and fully valued how much our heavenly Father loves us? Wouldn’t we naturally want to spend regular time with Him – Someone Who loves us perfectly, even when and especially when – we’re anything but perfect?
If we were to know, grasp and truly experience the love of our Father, wouldn’t this cause us to want to linger in His presence? Wouldn’t it change our perspective on quiet times altogether?
What if, during Lent (the forty days leading up to Easter), we did whatever necessary to minimize life’s distractions (even if just for short bits of time) so we could visit with God? Eagerly. Regularly. Purposely.
Then we needn’t be surprised when we have lots of favorite days as we’re awed by the greatest Love of all.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
- How would it change the time you spend with God if you were fully aware and fully valued how much your heavenly Father loved you?
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If you do not have Jesus in your life and have no quiet time w Him-you really have nothing.
So true, Michael. We miss out on so much when we don’t spend time with our Lord.
Beautiful, peaceful thoughts. Thank you.
Thank you, Marla, for your kind words.
Wonderfully written and especially we need quiet times and reflection during this season of Lent
Thank you, Melanie. I always appreciate your encouraging comments.
(We missed you at our Ladies Accountability Group last Monday.)
“Why would Jesus, the Son of God, seek time with His Father? So He could check it off His to-do list?”
Wow! Great observation! I think this may truly be a rut we often fall into while losing sight of its true purpose.
“because He was fully aware of (and fully valued) His Father’s love for Him?”
I certainly think that is always key. I’m also reminded of the scripture that says: “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” John 5:19
And we are to imitate Jesus, doing what the Father does. But do we even know Him? Is it His face we seek when we die or do we love someone else more. Who will we seek when we get to heaven? We will seek whoever we are seeking now. Do we seek the Creator or the creation? Do we love a human more than God? If the answer to that is yes then we need to ask God for help. Yes, we need to ask him for help to even turn our eyes towards Him and help us to love Him above the creation. That is praying according to His will and we can know that He hears and answers our prayer.
Today, let us seek the Father with all our hearts ♥️
I agree, Barbara, we can easily fall into a rut with our quiet time. AND I love the added perspective you gave! (Also, thank you for sharing this devotion on your FB page – and for dropping by the Today Can Be Different blog to leave a comment!)
Having some quite time with God and just being in his presence,helps in knowing Him more and be able to listen to Him when He speaks.My desire is to be at His presence and spent more time with Him because He is TRUE friend who listens to our problems and answers and who will never betray me,I just want to know Him more everyday
Amen!! I want to know Him more every day too, Linda!! (Great comment.)
Sheryl, your articles are all very special and always speak to my heart for what I may be going through that particular day and thank you for allowing God to work through you in your Christian walk with him.
THANK you, Gina, for your kind words. I’m honored – and humbled – that God uses my writing.
And it was great seeing you at our Ladies Accountability Group yesterday. You are a blessing!