My title for this devotion is Open heart vs Closed ears.
Ever since I can remember I have always tried to have a daily time with God. Even in high school I used to meet with my mom and we used to read the Daily Bread and pray together before school. Like most (maybe all?) there have been times that Quiet Time has been my lifeblood; other times like my blood was oozing out of me. Sometimes it has been the highlight of my day; other times the low light, the thing I just did. At times it has been the fire in my bones; other times I have felt the fire was about out. But even as it became humdrum at times, I knew I needed it. Following my bike wreck in 2/17, it became my lifeblood.
I have also been a morning person. I’ve tried to say, “I’ll do it later” or “I’ll do it tonight before bed.” Never worked. I have been and probably always will be a morning person. That’s not a judgment on you slackers! 🙂 The important thing is that you have a Quiet Time, no matter the time of day.
I was reminded of its importance as I read Psalm 143:8- “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I do trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (emphasis mine) It was not the “in the morning” which caught my attention, as you can see. Time of day means nothing; state of heart means everything. My QT’s meaningfulness is determined by whether I have an open heart or closed ears. Do I want to know God’s path for me that day? Am I willing to follow wherever that path may lead me? It will all depend on whether I have an open heart or closed ears.
“Father, as I meet with you each morning, may it not be something I just do. May it be a life-changing event each day. May my heart be open to your Word and to your path. Let it be my lifeblood.”
My devotional time is also in the morning Bill. I am just too sleepy to stay awake before bed. It is a time I try very hard to protect because it revitalized me more than sleep. I NEED that time alone with God.
Know what you mean about sleepy Pam. When the town rolls up its sidewalks I think my mind and body rolls us as well. Glad to hear your protect it.
Quiet time with God is of utmost importance for me, too, Bill, no matter what time of day.
Blessings!
Glad to hear that Martha. No matter the time of the day…everyone’s schedule and life rhythms is different.
Nothing to disagree with here. It has and continues to be a life changer for me. A couple reasons morning works best for me…
1) It sets the stage for the day.
Not that I won’t mess up, but I know that if I start with devoting a portion of my morning to God, that at least part of my day will be His.
2) Less distractions, less business, less confusion. It’s quiet, I’m alone, and I can read and pray in solitude.
3) I know I will do it. If I wait, if I delay, I feel God gets my leftovers. I will scramble to “fit it in”. This is not the heart I want to bring to God.
Good stuff this morning!
Thank you for this totally straight-forward analysis of “quiet time”. Perhaps my greatest struggle with the whole thing has been over those times when my alone time has felt less like a “quality time with God and hearing his voice – fellowship” and more like a “dry, to-do list, routine” and since those times feel so incredibly wrong it results in intense struggles with guilt and even lies Satan so quickly wields in. Its good to be reminded that those times are also a part of life, and often need reminded that that’s just a reminder to keep “pressing in and on” with seeking him and spending time alone in his presence. Thank you for your encouraging, faithful blogging of “truth”! It is much appreciated!
I’m in sore need of more quiet time!
And well done, Bill. You’ve managed to run a good race. Keep it up!