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Quiet Time - What's That?

by Elizabeth Marks  
1/06/2007 / Devotionals

Genesis 18:1 KJV
And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre; and he sat in the tent door in the heat of day;

Abraham was sitting quietly in his tent door. Perhaps he was meditating or praying. We dont know for sure. However, we do know to sit means to be fairly still and not moving around.

Notice how the Lord appeared to Abraham when he was still? How often are we still? Do you allow stillness into your daily routine? It is within this stillness you can hear the Lord speaking to you.

You may find it hard to quiet yourself at first, especially when youre not used to it. You might find your mind racing through a mental TO DO List of all the things you need to get done. If those thoughts plaque you when you try to have a quiet time, heres a helpful hint: Keep a notepad and pen close by. Write down every distracting thought so you can deal with it later.

So with the distracting thoughts written down for later, what exactly do you do in a quiet time? No two quiet times are the same. Each one is different based on how God shaped the person. By sharing what I do in my quiet time, perhaps it will give you some ideas for yours. Please kind in mind this is not a formula to follow, its just an idea of what you can do in your own quiet time.

1) I like to journal my prayers. As I pour out my prayers with thanksgiving, praise and worship of God Almighty, I feel my heart opening and turning towards God. After some time of praise to God, my prayers switch to praying for others (those close to me, those who point me to Christ, those in authority, those who are in need etc) and finally I pray for the concerns on my heart at the time. What I like most about journaling my prayers is how God sometimes answers those prayers as I write them. Its also neat to have a record of what I prayed for and how God answered it. It can be very encouraging to read when you find yourself spiritually low.

2) After journaling, I like to sit quietly and focus my thoughts on God. Thinking of what He has done for me already and remembering His promises straight from Gods Word, the Holy Bible. Heres a few I like to meditate on:

a. John 3:16 NKJV 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

b. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

c. Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

d. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

3) I read Gods Word. It doesnt matter really where you read. Ive read through the Bible from beginning to end. Ive also read a New Testament book and then read an Old Testament book, alternating back and forth. Sometimes a few Psalms. Other times I read Proverbs. Im currently reading through the whole Bible again in KJV, hence the reason for todays verse. The point is READ GODS WORD. Read it regularly. Its God Word to you.

4) I write down everything I feel the Spirit has prompted me to write. Sometimes this is a way to handle a certain situation I was facing. Other times its an idea for a devotion or article to share with others. Then again, it can be a deeper understanding of Gods character. It also can be an awareness of some sin in my life. When this occurs, I repent and ask for Gods forgiveness.

The result of having a quiet time is a deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationship with God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Spending this time is like developing assurance and confidence in God. The more time you spend with Him, the more you know with certainty He is who He says He is and He does what He says He will do. God used my quiet time to strengthen my faith and reassure me of His love for me.

Whether your prefer quiet time outside walking in nature or studying Gods Word in your den, spending time with God is how you draw closer to Him. So when you quiet yourself and think on God, you will find Him closer than you think. As Psalm 46:10 NKJV says 10 Be still, and know that I am God; being still and reading His Word are ways to know more of God.

Lord, I thank You for being all You say You are and for doing everything You say You will. I thank You that You want a relationship with me and desire me to draw closer through quiet times. Help me to prioritize my schedule to include those special moments with You. In Jesus name Amen

Copyright Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions, has a heart for encouraging believers with God's Word. Please visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com for more devotions, bible studies, book reviews and more!

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