The Importance of Quiet Time For 2020

Quiet time. Devotional. Whatever you call it. It has often been such a beautiful time in my life. I have dealt with feelings. Gained perspective. Thickly and truly known relationship with the Lord. In these times, I could truly sing with Nicole Mullen “I know my redeemer lives . . . I spoke with him this morning!” 

I have rejoiced and I have cried. I have lifted people up in prayer. And have cast weights and cares I didn’t know I was carrying. 

On the other hand, there have been times that I have felt hurried or distracted or both. I have felt like it was a waste of time and resented the notion of one more thing to do. One more thing to do on a list that is already way too long . . . . A busy person among of multitude of others.

But the to do list never ends does it? We will never feel like we have done everything we need to do or everything we want to do. We will all die with things still on our “to do” list. Our obligations should not stop us from having a relationship with our Lord and savior because they will never go away.

The amplified bible says in Psalm 1

The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

1 ^[a]Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of ^[b]scoffers (ridiculers).

² 

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

³ 

And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season;

Its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].

⁴ 

The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God’s law] are not so,

But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away.

⁵ 

Therefore the wicked will not stand [unpunished] in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

⁶ 

For the Lord knows and fully approves the way of the righteous,

But the way of the wicked shall perish.

Isn't it great that God wants to prosper us like that. God’s words and counsel nourishes us and make us fruitful. So much so that everything we do will prosper. God is not a liar. He is faithful. (Numbers 23:19) So, we must persevere because we trust in him and his word more than our limited perception and point of view. Just like exercise - it pays off with commitment and perseverance.

I was just talking to my husband the other day. When I was in elementary school, I used think that some people were just athletic and others were not. I was not involved in sports and led a pretty sedentary childhood. I erroneously thought that those with athletic abilities just had talent. But, as an adult I learned that all it takes to gain success with your athletic performance is showing up day after day. Let the talented have their talent. I have seen many people with natural talent put their talent on the shelf and choose to be lazy instead. It’s perseverance and discipline that truly pays off.

As we go into the new year, I know plenty of people are making a commitment to losing weight and their health. That is a great commitment to make. But what are you going to do to draw near to the Lord? Maybe there are people with gifts or knacks or insights . . . but if you just show up day after day, you will be a spiritual athlete. Or, better yet, you will gain a deep relationship with the Lord.

Maybe it has been a long time and you have let life get in the way of seeking a relationship with God. That's okay. Hebrews 4:16 KJV says "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Go, get what you need! Make 2020 a year that you developed a deeper relationship with the Lord.