I had a wake up call 40 years ago. I was having a quiet time almost every day, but 10-15 min ended up not being enough time to build and sustain the relationship with Jesus. If Jesus rose early in the morning and went to a lonely place to be with the Father, I could do it also! I made a decision to give God an hour in the morning, and set my alarm an hour earlier, so that I could have time to read and pray, not just a few verses, but chapters and books.
The relationship needs silence and reflection and that takes time. As I began to explore the Bible as an entire book, not just a verse or topic, I began to see the beauty of God’s plan for salvation, a love story that even predated creation!
Proverbs 2 talks about a father teaching his son how to gain wisdom , as a search for hidden treasure. That got me excited, God was in a sense asking me to come along side, as Jesus said, and take his yoke and learn. He was offering himself (in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col 2) to me, if I would just take the time.
I can get carried away here, but it’s the love relationship. He’s given us so much (Ps 103:1-5), including his Word, the best first step is to pick it up and read, really read.
Excellent as always. So hard to be still and to be quiet ... I even read out loud because in the quiet my mind starts to wander. This post is an excellent reminder. Thanks.
“I’ve learned that busyness is not a fruit of the spirit.” Love that- we do put being busy on a pedestal - its as if our self-worth was tied to how much we accomplish. Our culture has elevated our resume as our identity.
The pandemic definitely was a catalyst for me in learning to be still. I got back to outdoors where I was able to be still in
His Presence.
Getting outside in nature definitely helps with stillness
I had a wake up call 40 years ago. I was having a quiet time almost every day, but 10-15 min ended up not being enough time to build and sustain the relationship with Jesus. If Jesus rose early in the morning and went to a lonely place to be with the Father, I could do it also! I made a decision to give God an hour in the morning, and set my alarm an hour earlier, so that I could have time to read and pray, not just a few verses, but chapters and books.
The relationship needs silence and reflection and that takes time. As I began to explore the Bible as an entire book, not just a verse or topic, I began to see the beauty of God’s plan for salvation, a love story that even predated creation!
Proverbs 2 talks about a father teaching his son how to gain wisdom , as a search for hidden treasure. That got me excited, God was in a sense asking me to come along side, as Jesus said, and take his yoke and learn. He was offering himself (in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col 2) to me, if I would just take the time.
I can get carried away here, but it’s the love relationship. He’s given us so much (Ps 103:1-5), including his Word, the best first step is to pick it up and read, really read.
Amen! So good and encouraging Chuck
Be still and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10
This is Worth reading over and over again 👍👍👍
Enlightening, when solitude is viewed as loneliness, I view as time alone with God, to hear ans seek clarity.
Excellent as always. So hard to be still and to be quiet ... I even read out loud because in the quiet my mind starts to wander. This post is an excellent reminder. Thanks.
Thanks John!!
“I’ve learned that busyness is not a fruit of the spirit.” Love that- we do put being busy on a pedestal - its as if our self-worth was tied to how much we accomplish. Our culture has elevated our resume as our identity.
So true! Thanks for reading!
This article was meant for me at precisely this moment.
I shut off all the background "things" to re-read it again in silence.
"Be still" has been jumping out at me quite frequently during my Bible studies these last few weeks.
I’m so glad it was of help or encouragement! Thanks for reading and sharing.
Great post. It is difficult to get comfortable with stillness and quiet but we were not made for such constant stimulation.