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From
the April, 2003 edition of The Doulos monthly
newsletter
by
Mike Hepler
Quiet
Time
There are few things I’ve learned since I trusted Christ as Savior, that have impacted my life like having a daily quiet time. Since the term “quiet time” can be considered a Christian buzz word used mainly among other believers, I’d like to define the term. Quiet time is simply a time set aside to be alone with God, His Word before you, in a place where you are least likely to be disturbed.
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The length of time can vary from person to person or even day to day.
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The place can vary as well, but in my experience, being in the same place each day helps me to be focused.
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The frequency should be regular and consistent. Once you establish a routine, I guarantee you will find yourself doing this daily.
The next thing to consider is where in the Word to begin. I’d personally recommend one of the gospels, as I love reading about what Christ taught the people and His disciples. The gospels are just teeming with directives and applications for our lives, not to mention the cross and the suffering Jesus endured for us.
I would recommend reading a book of the Bible in its entirety, rather than jumping around. That way you can read the Word in the context intended. The important thing is to just get started. Remember, all Scripture is God-breathed, and profitable for instruction and correction. As we seek direction from His word, God has a way of using what we learn in our daily lives.
The last consideration is getting started. I think you’ll find, as I did, that at some point your attitude will begin to change. What began as “Okay Lord, I’m trying to be obedient.” becomes what Mike Nichols shared at the
Mensfraternity.net meeting recently: “The Lord will be the first thought you think when you wake up in the morning.”
You might start out praying something like this, “Lord, it is the desire of my heart to be close to you, to be obedient and pleasing to you. Search my heart, Lord. Forgive me of any sins in my life so our communication may be unhindered. As I read your Word, give me direction, something to think upon today, or something to share with someone. Most of all Father, draw close to me. My desire is to be closer to you as I go through my day.”
The results of spending time with God like this are immeasurable. I guarantee it will change your life! A verse that has meant much to me over the years is
Colossians
2:7, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with
thankfulness.”
By staying in God’s Word we are living connected to Him. We are extending our roots downward, which makes us grow stronger. We are not easily shaken, which makes us thankful to Him for all He has done. This makes for a worship time on Sunday where we all come with full-to-overflowing hearts.
An illustration I once heard made a lasting impression on me. At that time I was depending on a pastor to fill my spiritual cup each week. He described the congregation as a group of Coke bottles and himself as a bucket of water. Some of us would come in on Sunday ½ full, some ¼ full, some full and others almost empty. As the pastor would speak from the pulpit, it was like he was tossing water out to us. Those of us who were ½ full would receive a little to keep us going for a while, the same for the ¼-full people, the people who came in full received just a drop, but were overflowing, and some would leave just as empty as they came.
Whether you are a new Christian or a seasoned one of many years, maintaining a consistency in our time alone with God is one of the challenges we all face. I hope I have been an encouragement to you, whether you’ve never established a quiet time, or even if you’ve been having yours for years.
If you see me in the hall at church, ask me how my quiet times are, and I’ll return the question….we’ll hold each other accountable! God bless you all!
In
Christ,
Mike
Hepler
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