Day 7. The alarm clock buzzes; it is morning again. I roll over and hit the snooze bar, not ready to get out of bed yet. My spirit cries out for nourishment; my body appeals for more sleep. I’m still struggling to have regular quiet time with God.
This is Nic’s story, and it’s not unique. Many of us struggle to spend consistent time with God. So, congratulations! You’re reading this devotional article today, and that’s a good thing. But I hope you’ll hear God speak to you through His Word.
The psalmist exclaims of God and His Word, “Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long” (Psalm 119:97, italics added). For him, reading God’s Word was more than just a thing to do in the morning or evening for a few minutes. He pondered the Scriptures all day long. This is because he recognized God’s Word as much more than simply thoughts written down by human authors. Speaking to God, he recognized that they were His “instructions,” “laws,” “commandments,” and “regulations” (Psalm 119:97-102). That’s a great way to start our quiet times with God—worshiping Him, praying for His wisdom, and then allowing Him to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us through His Word. Then, like the psalmist, we can say, “You have taught me well” (Psalm 119:102).
As the psalmist experienced the wisdom of Scripture, he also discovered insights and gained wisdom (Psalm 119:98-99). He tasted the sweetness of God’s Word and longed for more.
Our living God desires a living relationship with His people. That means the psalmist’s experience can be ours too. So consider turning Psalm 119:97-104 into a personal prayer today. And as you do, may you truly enjoy these quiet moments with God and His Word!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 14:15-35
More:
Read Mark 1:35 and consider how Jesus started His day.
Next:
What do you enjoy about spending time with God? Pick a verse from Psalm 119:97-104 and memorize it. Continue to meditate on it throughout the day, and ask God to make its meaning clear to you.
Gary Shultz on August 13, 2015 at 7:12 am
Nice delivery. I enjoy several devotionals and sometimes do not spend enough time in scripture. Although I would think many of these articles are spawned from the word, and they are challenging and beneficial, they are not the same as investing in His word. Thanks
Tim Gustafson on August 13, 2015 at 7:24 am
I struggle with a balance between being a creature of (good) habits by having a regular quiet time at the same time each day, and with getting in a rut where I’m merely “checking the box” to get it done. I’ve learned to drive with the radio off and spend time with God that way, or go for walks on the nature trails near where we live. (I don’t thank God for the mosquitoes, though.) 🙂
Winn Collier on August 21, 2015 at 4:42 pm
I’m with you. I’ve also learned that these spaces of solitude and prayer look different in different seasons. I’m thankful for that freedom as well.
Tom Felten on August 13, 2015 at 7:59 am
Poh Fang, I’m grateful for this reminder to approach reading the Bible and spending time with God with joy and anticipation. A favorite verse that I often pray prior to digging into Scripture is Psalm 119:18.
gary1schelvan on August 14, 2015 at 5:06 am
Dear Poh Fang Chia,
Thank so much for you wonderful posting on reading God’s Word to us. I am retired at 64 yrs old, living in Tianjin, China with my Chinese wife Cathy Li. We have our own small English speaking school where we teach basic English to 7 to 10 yr olds. As a result of that, I have a fair amount of time on my hands, so I have continued my working routine as a general contractor, up early at 5:00 am to 5:30 am, and I start my daily time alone and quiet with the Lord through my Bible in a year plan from InTouch Mininistries, Dr Charles Stanley. I have found, that in the last year I enjoy and so look forward to my quiet time with God, that I have missed only one early morning with HIM! It starts my whole day out in the right frame of mind, as so much is revealed to me in my time in the OT, Psalms, Proverbs, and the NT. Having a set structure and plan to follow works best for me, keeps me on task and helps me to focus. By using my NIV study Bible, I spend more time checking the verses much deeper. I can’t imagine my day and life without spending this time with God in His Word to us. So I believe one of the best things for a person to do, is figure out one’s optimal time and set it aside for communing with the Lord, pray, read, study and pray, so very nice and enrichening. God Bless you Poh Fang Chia, love your postings,