Seeking His Heart
Last week we talked about being still so that we could know God, draw strength from Him, and listen. I try to do this each morning with varying degrees of consistency. I’ll be honest though; it’s not an easy goal.
Yesterday, I practiced what I preached—sat down in my usual spot, looking out the window, just being still. Soon I had a wonderful time of praising and talking to God. Then, I opened the book I had been using for my morning devotions during this month. It’s titled “24/6” by Matthew Sleeth. Dr. Sleeth talks about our need for Sabbath rest.
When I opened the book, the next sub-heading read, “Be still and know that I am God.” I was amazed! I couldn’t believe that title was there in print before me when I had just written about it last week. I almost laughed out loud at God’s timing and His goodness to me. What a sense of humor He has. I couldn’t have possibly orchestrated such a thing. It’s an example of how he speaks to us and delights us with His presence and assurance.
Another day this week, I was looking for something in one of my desk drawers. There instead, underneath a stack of stuff, was a little card on which I had written a quote last year.
Are you so busy that you only get a glimpse of God instead of gazing at God?
Hmm, thought-provoking. Instead of having just a passing thought about our Provider and Lover of our Soul, how do we pause long enough to really take Him in and dwell with Him? Having a daily quiet time is one of many ways, but I believe it is a significantly needed way.
You’ve heard the usual—decide a definite time and a definite place and these are absolutely true. For me, it’s first thing in the morning. If I don’t do it first, it just doesn’t get done. That’s my first discipline. The sofa in my study is the place. I can position myself to look out the window. I need to see trees. It’s just my thing. Even if I close my eyes, I know the blue sky and trees will be there when I open them.
Now here’s the real clincher for me; I plan something that will make me look forward to my quiet time. I know it should be enough that I meet the Lord, but I’m so human and need a tangible reading to prod me along. For a season, I read a book of excerpts from C. S. Lewis’ writings. About a page a day was all I could muster because he is so deep and makes me think, but I found it stimulating.
At times I’m engaged in a group Bible study, so I use the homework as my study time. Another period of time I read portions of Liz Curtis Higgs’ book, “Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible.” She quotes a few verses at a time and gives her unique “Liz” interpretation.
Other times I’m on a certain Bible topic. For several weeks I read one of the Gospels looking for the times when Jesus was interrupted. I jotted down these interruptions, only to discover that soon He was the interrupter, intervening in the thoughts and behaviors of the people.
One day a week, I read my Sunday School lesson in order to be prepared for Sunday. Of course on the Sundays when I’m teaching, I have to spend extra time on preparation. Other times, I use a devotional book. The important thing for me (in order to be consistent) is to design my quiet time in such a way that I look forward to that time. Yours may look different, but I urge you to be definite about it and then the Lord will take it from there in His own way.
These are just a few practical suggestions of how it works for me. I’d be interested in what works for you. Perhaps I can post some of your ideas. I leave you with this thought:
[The lord says,] “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15
~ Joyce ~
Your reminder came at a great time. Thank you.
Thanks, Diana. I’m glad it met a need.
Joyce, I love this. I do my quiet time outside on the deck. I also need to see the trees and hear the birds. For a time now I’ve seen beautiful butterflies! I must have a host of them in my trees. There are so many. They thrill me, I love them. They just keep coming.
It’s as if God is talking trough them to me. Having the time to do this is one of the blessings of being retired! If the weather is bad, I read my devotional inside, but it isn’t the same. I feel close to God in nature.
Thanks for sharing, Janet. I feel the same about being outside in His creation.
Great article Mom! It was a good ‘morning inspiration.’ It is always interesting to see the different ways that this is practiced. You mentioned sharing other ways of ‘being still’ – There is a general way that seems to work for me. When the Lord will quicken a scripture or truth to me (when I say ‘quicken’ , I mean a truth or scripture that seems to have more life on it at that moment) I begin to drink, dwell, absorb, soak in that specific truth until I begin to feel the nature upon that truth. Once the nature comes, there is a true communion occuring between the Lord and I and it begins to change my nature into His specific nature that He is revealing. It becomes a time of transformation and I would trade nothing in the world for it! Thanks again for the reminder to ‘Be Still and Know’.
Those are sweet words to a mother’s ears. It is wonderful when the Lord impresses a Scripture on our minds and brings fresh meaning that hits us between the eyes or penetrates our hearts. Thanks for sharing, Jason.
I have a quiet time with God every day . I started it about 4 years ago and a life transforming thing. I encourage any and everyone to take that time. My God speaks to me almost every time through my bible reading or time in prayer with Him. Thanks, Joyce for being in tune with the Master!!!! Harry
It’s good to hear these replies and I know it encourages others. Thanks for sharing, Harry.