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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. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Mark 1:35-37 (NIV)
Jesus was very busy. He travelled from town to town, taught his disciples and others about God, healed the sick and ministered to the needs of others. Yet he knew that his relationship with God was top priority. Jesus rose early and found a solitary place to spend time in prayer and fellowship with
God.
I feel like most mornings I wake up to find that “everyone is looking for me.” If I busy myself with the responsibilities of the day then the entire day can pass without spending that precious time with God. Those days are usually hurried, chaotic and not very well focused on God–the One who empowers me to handle the day effectively. On my own effort, I easily run out of patience, joy, peace, and self-control. I am not as sensitive to hear God’s voice speaking to me.
I have to be very intentional in scheduling my time with God. Creating a ‘quiet’ place where my bible, pen and journal await me and a time when I can focus on God’s Word are a vital part of growing in my relationship with Him. It is in these times of quiet that I learn about the God who fills me with peace when I am anxious (Philippians 4:6-7). I learn about the God who will direct my path if I acknowledge Him in all my ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). I learn about the God who loves me so much that He would sacrifice the life of His only Son so that I can spend eternity with Him (John 3:16). As I learn about God and trust His Word with all my heart, He fills me with the fruit of the Spirit and gives me wisdom and strength to endure the challenges of the day.
Just like Christ, I want to make my relationship with God my top priority.
Questions to ponder:
What time will I designate to spend praying and reading God’s Word today?
Where can I create a solitary place to seek God?
Where can I set out my bible and journal so they are ready for my time with God?
August 25th, 2007 at 10:23 am
That personal devotional quiet time with God is one of my 6×6 goals. I have been waking up early, but I haven’t been taking advantage of the time to read and listen to God. I have been spend that time praying, so I am moving the right direction.
Lord, ignite me. Ignite others through me.
August 25th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
I’ve found that making that ‘quiet place’ has been very instrumental in keeping quiet times. The place I sit is actually centrally located in my home. When I run along to do something else, I see that spot and God calls to me. “NOW will you make time for me? I’m here…I’m waiting. What will you choose?” He asks me. I literally have to say out loud somedays - “Yes Lord!” and stop everything I’m doing and in obedience to Him sit down in that seat. It’s then that I thank Him for not letting go of me. I want to be faithful like He is faithful to me!