Keeping a consistent daily quiet time with God is one of the hardest things we face in our Christian life. Why? Because our adversary the devil, knows that therein lays the secret of our strength and victory as believers. If he can get us off track, our power and wisdom are diminished, therefore, it’s essential to develop the habit of regularly meeting with God.
To start with, choose a time that you will use each day for prayer and reading the Bible. Make this part of your schedule a priority each day and don’t blow it off because of other things that need to be done. We’re used to scheduling our important activities and appointments, but we usually only give God the extra time that isn’t needed for other things.
Find a quiet place where you will not be distracted. Get away from things that will interrupt your time with God and give Him your full attention. Maybe there is a room in your house where you can get away, or maybe it’s easier at your office before everyone else arrives.
The third and final step is to come up with a plan for what you will be doing with your quiet time. You may choose to study a specific book of the Bible (or group of books), read through the entire Bible, or follow along through a devotional book or workbook.
As you plan for the new year, start now to find good materials to help you grow closer to the Lord. Prayerfully ask God to guide you to the resources that are just what you need to learn from and be encouraged by in the weeks and months ahead.
A daily time of meditation, study and prayer are as essential to your spiritual health as nutritious food is to your physical well-being. Make an appointment with God and make it a priority to be there!
Father, I know how important it is that I have time alone with you each day. Help me to put aside the distractions and to prioritize this time. Show me what you would have me to study and how I can apply it to my daily life.
Ann Shorb is the founder of Christian Counseling & Educational Services in Hanover, PA. Through CCES she provides clients with pre-marital counseling, Christian marriage counseling, help with depression, AD/HD, grief, anxiety, and many other issues.
