QUIET TIME TOOLBOX
Ten Tips to Jumpstart Your Devotional Life
Getting Organized: The old adage beginning is half done is never more true than when we're trying to spend time with God. It helps to plan ahead by having everything you need in one place. Use a basket, box, backpack or bag -- but make sure you have your Bible, notebook, pen, CD player, and any other devotional helps all in one place. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes when you don't have to go hunting things down in order to begin your quiet time.
Just Do It: When you wake up, before you go to bed, on your lunch break -- when is the best time to spend alone with God? If you haven't figured that out yet, then just pick a time and stick with it. Rest assured that there will never be a perfect time.
Making a Habit out of Quiet Times: Research has proven that it takes about thirty days to form a habit. Given that, if you will commit to meeting with God at the same place, same time every day for a month, it will soon be as much a part of your life as brushing your teeth or combing your hair!
No Guilt: If you miss your scheduled time for some reason, try to do it later, but don't let disappointment with yourself or guilt keep you away the next day, or the next. Those are simply tools of Satan to keep us from developing intimacy with Christ. God knows when, how and why we will falter or fail before it ever happens, yet always waits for us with open arms!
Silence is Golden: No matter how short your quiet time might be, always be sure to give yourself some time just to listen to the gentle voice of God. When you read His Word, wait for Him to speak to your heart. When you pray for various situations, listen for His will or words of encouragement. Silence is something that doesn't come easily in our Western culture, but stillness before God has great rewards.
Successful Quiet Times: It's best to avoid the tendency to evaluate our time alone with God based on what we think we've gotten out of it. While there will always be, from our perspective, good days and not-so-good days, the truth is that God always gets something out of it when we choose to come and sit at his feet. We can be assured therefore, that when it comes to quiet times -- SUCCESS IS SHOWING UP!
No Perfect Formula: Do not get locked into formulas when meeting with God. All formulas or plans are simply frameworks that may help you get going, but if you depend on them, will lead to stale, dry quiet times. God is multi-faceted and His ways as infinite as He is. Let the Holy Spirit lead -- there is no right or wrong way to spend time with God.
Dealing with Interruptions: Do what you can to minimize distractions and interruptions during your quiet time. Turn off the phone, put a sign on the door etc. However, if interruptions come, remember that God is sovereign -- these aren't surprises to Him. Use them in a positive way. Sing praise songs to small children, explain the priority of what you are doing to teenagers, ask your spouse to pray for you -- see every interruption as part of God's plan for you this day! Remember He has eternity to work with!
Never Say 'Amen': Don't view your quiet time as ever having an 'amen'. Instead see it as a special interlude for deeper communion with God. Visit with Him throughout the day -- when busy with other things or in conversation with others. Connect by offering up silent prayers of love or listening for His still, small voice to guide you. Then, when you return to your quiet time the next day, you'll find it easier to settle your soul in God's presence.
