How to Overcome the Problems with Your Quiet Time - Part 1
Psalm 1:2
September 2006
Don Jones
West Glendale Baptist Church
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:2
1. The Need for Quiet Time
In our world to day we hit the ground running from morning till night and often, we leave the Lord out of it. Martin Luther made a statement that confuses many today. He said something like so, "I have so much to do today I must spend four hours over my usual two". We need to develop a quiet time of meditation on God’s word so we may become the disciples we are meant to be. I see far too many believers tired, joyless, and confused. I believe it is due to a lack of fellowship with God and His word. What are the problems we will face in beginning and persisting in a quiet time?
2. The Problem of Discipline.
Your first problem in establishing a quiet time will face you the moment you wake each morning: Am I going to get out of bed? This is called the "The Battle of the Blankets". You need to decide that this is going to become a part of your life each day. Then act on the decision you have made.
So what are some of the steps we can do to insure we become disciplined? First, go to bed early. Most people I know don’t stay up late having meaningful conversation. Many stay up late to catch a TV show. In the grand scheme of things this is not that important.
Second, get up early. I know it is difficult at first, but most worthwhile endeavors take work and all of them take sacrifice. Offer your early morning hours to God and He will definitely bless you.
Third, be aware of the quiet. Make it appoint to sit quietly. Don’t fidget, move around, or do anything except allow God to speak to you. Prepare yourself to meet with Him. If you know there is something in your life preventing or hindering your relationship with Him, confess and accept the forgiveness He gives.
2. The Problem of Distractions.
Satan will try to use anything to get your mind to wander during a quiet time. Our kids, our wife, our boss, our job, will be used to distract us from quiet. This is one reason we need too rise earlier than everyone else. If no one is awake they will be unable to distract you. So what are some steps to getting the quiet you need to be with God?
First, get off by yourself. Find a place in your house that for 30 minutes is yours. Select your daily place to meet with God. When you find it make sure it is comfortable but not too comfortable. Early hours in the beginning will be tough.
Second, begin by reading and praying. Select a passage, read it, and then ask the Lord to lead you to a deep relationship with Him. God’s promise is He will draw near to us if we draw near to Him. Rely on His promise.
Now, here is the hard part for most of us. Thirdly, sit quietly and wait upon the Lord. For most of us "doers" this will be tough. If for some reason you "feel" you are unsuccessful don’t give up.
Remember, you are not the "main" person. The time you set aside is for the Lord and Him only. There are not many things I will guarantee in this world but this one thing I will guarantee. If you faithfully wait upon the Lord He will touch you in a powerful, personal way.
