Our fallen, human nature is one that will inherently return to self-focus if we do not actively turn our minds onto something else. 

Now we can read a plethora of books put out by great people telling us what taking time to do this looks like and how often to do it. But I think a lot of the “how” is a personal thing. We all have different personalities and styles that God created us with, and it is important to acknowledge and accept that. We are also in different seasons of our lives and we all know that different seasons make things look different!

But for this week, I would like us to focus on just taking some time consistently to be still and know that He is God. To slow down, quiet our environment and our thoughts, and listen to Him. How long?

That is up to you.

If you are like me, you might think…I don’t have time. I have such a busy life, kids at home, work, church, family, people….etc…. But the truth is, we make time for what is important.

Case in point…my day today is crazy busy. I am teaching a ladies Bible study from 9am – 11am, then I need to attend a hearing at the courthouse at noon, visit a someone in jail at 12:30, and a meeting at 1:30.

This is all followed by dinner and snow tubing with our teen group at 5pm. I won’t be home until around 11pm tonight.

And I’m guessing that looks like most of y’alls days too.

As I am typing this right now it is 6am exactly and I have been up for an hour and a half. I got up early because the ladies Bible study meets at my house today. I wanted to go over our teaching and change some things up. As I am doing this, I am thinking…I don’t really have time to sit with Jesus today like I might normally have. It is just a busy, busy day.

But the truth is…I have chosen to give my time to trying to straighten up what I am going to teach today instead of spending time with Him. I already have the lesson done, but I want to put finishing touches on it. You know, make it sound better.

And when I am done here, I plan on putting on a few dishes to wash and making sure things are picked up before they all arrive.

Do you see what I am doing? I am putting their opinion of me and my ability to teach and keep a clean house over spending time listening to God…over my desire to be with Him.

I am willing to get up at 4:30 in the morning to do what I can to cause them to have a positive opinion of me, but am I willing to get up this early to just be with Jesus?



Now, please understand that I am in no way saying that everyone should get up at 4:30am. Because as I just illustrated, you can get up at 2am and still not choose the greater thing.

There are seasons of babies, sickness, and a variety of other things that cause us to slow our pace and be present in our lives in other ways. But what I am saying is that before you say to yourself that you don’t have time to set aside for being with God…look at your priorities.

Today take time to be in His presence. Read His Words aloud and then take time to listen and soak in it.  

Acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is the word of faith that we proclaim) because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”      Romans 10:8-9

Confess. “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”       Psalm 66:18

Then ask Him to quiet your heart in order to listen to Him.

A way that I do this is to concentrate on a verse.

One I frequently use is found in Mark when Jesus questions the father of a possessed boy, the father replies in Mark 9:24 “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Here is another one, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”     James 4:7-10

Take time today to approach God, not with a list, but with a listening heart.

Prayer:

I do believe, but help my unbelief! I know that to know You, I need to spend time with You.

Sometimes giving up times is a hard thing to do. But knowing You is worth giving it all up.

You are so amazing and I love You so much!    Amen – So be it.