Ohhhh – do you remember – or maybe you know now – what Quiet Time is like.  You know – those quiet moments spent with the Lord – just learning, growing, worshipping, praising, thanking, praying, reading, writing.

Sigh.

I used to hate the quiet – it was eerie and bothersome.  Unless it was my ritual bubble bath and then I loved the quiet.  Now I LONG for those quiet moments where I can clear my head and get in touch with the Lord again.

Funny how things change.

“Quiet Time” has taken on new meaning in my life.  My “Quiet Time” is usually during nap time, and some days those moments are fleeting and brief.  I know – I know – Enjoy these times with my girls because they won’t last long.  Bubble baths are rare – often short – but still nice.  I will say that I have learned (and am still learning) to adjust to the moments when chaos reigns and noise overpowers.  It’s a work in progress…

But Quiet Time for me really has taken on that definition of “Quiet Time with the Lord” when I can pray, read and study His Word, and build my relationship with Him.  Oh how I long for more Quiet Time like this!

Here are some key ingredients to Quiet Time.

• Study Bible.   To go deeper into the Word, a good study Bible is key.  The variety of Bibles available in a variety of versions means anyone can find one that works well for them.  Make sure the print is large enough for comfort and seriously, DON’T hesitate to wear reading glasses if necessary. =)
• Concordance.  A good concordance – whether included in your study Bible or a whole separate book really makes for a clearer understanding of the passage you are reading.  (FYI – One thing I love about the Thompson-Chain reference Bible is the way the Scriptures are connected and add bigger meaning.) Sometimes the words may appear confusing, and a concordance can really provide clarity.
• Highlighters, Pens, Pencils, Markers.  I’ve always been a fan of color – and highlighting my Bible through the years has added special meaning to my spiritual journey.  Using pens and highlighters that don’t bleed through is key – whether highlighting passages or adding notes in the margin.  Marking those special verses that mean so much to you tell a story about you – and can reveal a story to your children – adding to your own spiritual legacy.
• Notebook or Journal.  Whether you rewrite a special passage, further embedding it in your heart and mind, or journal about the meaning God revealed to you during your study, having a notebook only adds to your spiritual journey.  Having the opportunity to review lessons already learned and build on those can add new growth to your life.
• Study Guide.  With the endless selection of study guides – be it specific topics or specific books of the Bible – using a study guide is like using a shovel in a garden – it can help you dig deeper and lay a path for serious growth.  Some are designed for brief moments, daily study, or verse by verse study dissecting a book or topic thoroughly.

While Quiet Time at any time is good, there is a reason that so many Scriptures make reference to morning time with the Lord.  This can be a challenge for anyone – especially if you’re a mom like me with kids who wake up at all odd hours – but it can still be accomplished.

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. (Psalm 5:3)

But to You I cry, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer come to meet You. (Psalm 88:13)

My girls tend to wake up slowly – they love to cuddle, so spreading out my Bible and books and notebook isn’t an option.  But as they’re eating breakfast, or as they are watching some morning TV – I find that I can still do some Bible study – get my day started in God’s Word and in prayer, saving my deeper study for nap time or even bed time.

There’s a particular passage of Scripture that indicates another reason for morning time with the Lord.

And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:18-23)

We often remember the trials and struggles we’ve faced and when we dwell on them, it can be disheartening, discouraging and even lead to depression.  But when we remember those times when God poured out His love and compassion over us, we find Hope.  And Hope keeps us going.  It is not that God has a time limit on “his compassions” and if you don’t take advantage of them in the morning then you’re out of luck.  Taking time in the morning is important because it sets the tone for our day – it invites God’s Hope into each moment of our day.

I find that a short devotional in the morning followed by a more in depth study later in the day when my schedule affords it makes a BIG difference in my attitude, my life, and my walk with the Lord.  Skipping either or both robs me of some peace and joy – those things that the Spirit fills me up with as I MAKE time to listen to His Voice.

Make time for the Lord every day – and even throughout the day – so that His peace will dwell with you moment by moment, and you can remember His compassions – and that they FAIL NOT.

© 2009 – 2010, Visit with the Queen Mommy. All rights reserved. 2006-2010.

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