Making a Quiet Time

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone – Matthew 14:23

There is something to be said for quiet time. We live in a time where we are constantly on the move. There is always something or someone demanding our time and talents. So much so, we do not remember what it was like to sit down on the porch and swing. There is this feeling of urgency eating away at the time we’ve set aside to rest. Between our work schedules, outside activities, church and heaven forbid, should we forget television time, there just is not enough hours in the day.

After awhile we find ourselves less focused and the quality of the activity we perform slips. This is just another way Satan pulls us into his snare. He so self-involves us that we lose track of things. Our body tires, our mind muddles and illness sets in. I know. I’ve been there.

The fact is, whether we fill our time with outside activities or church related activities, there is a limit to what we can physically do. Once our bodies reach that limit, we go into shut-down. Jesus knew better than most what it was like to be over-extended. Imagine having the power that He carried, and the number of people who crowded around Him in a constant effort for healing. Hands outstretched constantly, touching, reaching for the saving power of His touch - He had to have become tired. As a result, there were times He demanded a quiet time. Even Jesus, the Son of God, needed time to rest and pray.

In fact, it was not uncommon for Him to send the disciples one direction for the crowds to follow. He often got into a boat and sailed just off shore in an effort to find that peace and quiet. The point being, He needed time to spend with His Father in prayer. He needed to revive himself, renew His spirit, and seek God’s counsel. Likewise, we need to do the same.

Even if our activities are good ones – ones that involve the church, the reality of the matter is, we are only human, and we can each only do so much before we wear out. Finding a quiet time to study the Word, even if it’s only five minutes at a time, refreshes our hearts. It keeps us in touch with the Father. Choosing the activities we do best and engaging our talents and efforts into serving God through those talents is one way to better serve.

More so, seeking those constant moments of silence so that we are able to focus our God-ears on what the Lord is saying. He whispers to us for a reason. He wants us to “listen intently” for His guidance. Find that quiet time and earmark it daily so that good quality time is spent in a good relationship with the Lord. Remember, shhhhh. Just be quiet for a moment – rest, meditate, and pray. You will be amazed at how it revives the soul.

Prayer: Father, help us to remain focused on what is important so we do not over extend ourselves. Help us seek a quiet time.