By Marilyn Pritchard
“I’m not very good at sticking with it, but I’m great at starting over.”
I’ve said that many times over the years, especially as it relates to exercise. I often start a new regimen, try to establish a healthy habit, stick with it for a few weeks, and then get distracted and “fall off the wagon,” only to pick myself up and get back on it again.
In many ways, that’s true of my quiet times as well. My daily devotions have changed quite a bit over the years. In college, I would get up early to study God’s Word and spend a good half hour in prayer. After I graduated, it was hard enough getting to work on time, let alone have a quiet time every morning, so my devotions became sporadic, hurried affairs, where I would wish God a good morning, read a few Bible verses, and rush out the door.
Since then, I’ve tried many different approaches to my quiet times. There have been seasons where I faithfully journaled, pouring my heart out to God on paper. I have done the read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year program more than once, used countless devotionals, tried multiple Bible study tools, and even set a timer for Seven Minutes With God.
While all of these methods have merit, none of them is the definitive technique for spending time with God. It doesn’t matter when or even how long, the important thing is taking time to listen for His voice. For me, spending a few moments in prayer in the morning puts me in an attitude of prayer for the rest of the day. As Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we should “pray continually,” not just for an hour (or less) each morning.
Then there are times when I rush headlong into my day, effectively saying, “I don’t have time for prayer,” or “I’ve got this, God.” And I do, for a while. But slowly, almost imperceptibly, I start to feel disconnected, like something’s missing.
Don’t get me wrong. I know God is still with me. I may even send up “arrow prayers” throughout the day, asking for His help. But when I realize it’s been a few days, or sometimes even a few weeks, since I’ve spent dedicated time with Him, I know I need to get back “on the wagon” and start over again.
Do you struggle to have a daily quiet time with God? Don’t get caught in the guilt trap, but do understand that spending time with God is a way of plugging in to His power for our lives. No cookie-cutter quiet time works for everyone, but Just Between Us (JBU) has gathered a few articles here to help you find what works for you. Whether it’s a chunk of time in the morning or a few minutes scattered throughout the day, make time to read His Word, praise His name, and share your struggles and heartaches with the One who knows you best.