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!
