Have you ever been still? I mean really still. No cell phone, TV, or computer. No children running in and out. Complete and utter silence.
Imagine calmness filled only with your thoughts and God’s presence. If only we had the time, right?
Many things demand our time. And we give that time away and waste it freely, as though we have an endless supply. As Christians, we do—in eternity.
Meanwhile, here on the earth, if we’re to be effective disciples, we must spend time alone with God.
“…crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:15b-16.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35.
Many are unwilling to give God premium time—the time they’d rather be (or are committed to) doing something else.
So how much free time is enough?
“O Lamb of God, deliver me…”
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.
~Amy Carmichael
I often take inventory when life’s demands and deadlines seem overwhelming. I don’t know about you, but Amy Carmichael’s words challenge me. What do I allow to dim His Calvary? Whatever I find that to be—it’s not more important than spending time alone with God.
Rearranging our schedules to have quiet time—be still and know time—with God, is necessary as Christians. It’s during this time that we replenish our spirits.
When God has my undivided attention, inspiration and rejuvenation takes place. What is God trying to whisper to your heart today in the midst of chaos?
As we spend time in prayer for those who visit this blog and leave prayer requests, I’d like to remind everyone of the requests we’ve had in the last few weeks:
· Courtney, a young mother battling a brain tumor. She came through her gamma knife radiation surgery well, is continuing on chemotherapy, and will have another MRI to check progress next month. Please continue to pray for her healing and comfort.
· Betty and Tony request prayer for his job situation. He is interviewing but so far has not secured a job. They’d like continued prayer in this area, as well as lifting up of their finances and morale at this time.
· Tony’s cousin’s wife Karen is battling life-threatening leukemia. The family had been called in, the last I heard.
· Piper’s request to stay focused on God during tough times.
· Gail’s request for her health and time management.
· Marta and Lorena for their families.
· Confidential request (God knows the person and circumstance).
While you enjoy this song by Steven Curtis Chapman, “Be Still And Know,” challenge yourself to find some quiet time alone with God this week.
Please leave any prayer requests you have in the comments section or email me, if you'd like your request to remain confidential. May God bless you all!
It's so easy to get caught up with the urgent and forsake the important. As painful as it is to admit, the choice is mine. If I'm being honest, I choose the urgent for all the wrong reasons. Tending to the urgent makes me feel: valued, accomplished, important, needed, accepted. Answering the urgent call soothes my inner people-pleaser.
ReplyDeleteAs I say to my children, "You chose poorly. Next time, choose wisely." Thank You, God, for next times. Thank you, Laura, for this encouraging and covicting post!
May God give me His eyes to discern the important and the will to choose wisely.
Amen, Janey. Well said. I'm so thankful God gives us "next times," also.
DeleteWith so many time crunches it is easy to put God on the back burner but over time I have learned that is not smart. My day is much more joyful and productive if I take time to be with HIM FIRST. It doesn't have to be a long period, it's quality over quantity.
ReplyDeleteI agree, TC. I've learned that, as well. Thanks for stopping by.
Deletelaura it is always good to have this reminder. when tony was laid off we started having prayer and bible reading time together. we had wanted to do this for a while but never felt we had time. we have promised each other that when he is back to work that we will continue this practice BEFORE leaving for work. we are both finding that it is so important to put God first. i personally use to put prayer/devotional time off and there were many days that God got just a couple of minutes or nothing at all. thanks again for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteprayer requests:
some good news on karen. she is doing better and is awake. she has a new doctor that has found some things with her that were not being taken care of correctly and is in the process of correcting. also be in prayer for mike her husband - during all of this he was laid off from his job after 20 plus years at same company. he just found out a few days ago.
continue praying for tony a job. we are just at a loss at this point and neither of us know what to do next. we are both giving in to depression as the days past with no offers. all prayers are much appreciated.
so so long!
Praise God for the news on Karen! I'm glad some good has come out of Tony's layoff with you being able to spend time together in prayer and devotion. I pray daily that he will get a job soon, and I'll add Mike's job situation, as well. God knows the exact day it will happen. It's difficult to trust that when you're in the midst of a storm. But God answers in the storms (Job 38:1), and He will provide your needs (Phil. 4:19). Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Hang in there.
DeleteOur society has made it so hard to just be alone. I even take my cell phone to bed in case one of my kids calls in the night from college. Never a break. This is a tough challenge but one that is so essential to have a close relationship with God.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Shanda. Perhaps we were better off, to some degree, before cell phones and other technological advances were created to save us time. Carving out quiet time for God is as challenging as ever.
DeleteLovely post! Definitely some food for thought.
ReplyDelete"Rearranging our schedules to have quiet time—be still and know time—with God, is necessary as Christians." I am guilty of not rearranging my schedule to have quiet time. I must do better!
I also loved the video you uploaded, Be Still and Know. I played it several times.
Thanks, Jerralea. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit the message well, and it's a beautiful song.
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