What is a quiet time and why is it so important?

Take a moment to read these verses… meditate, journal, and reflect.

Psalm 63:5-6

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night

Mark 1:35-37

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 

Matthew 14: 22-23

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone

———

Attending church, going to Bible studies, youth groups, conferences, and community groups are all wonderful ways to be in the Word with your community and I strongly encourage all of these things! It was during a chapel service at school where I first gave my life to Christ; and at a summer camp where I was baptized. So, places of corporate worship are a huge part of my testimony. I really do LOVE how God moves in those spaces. I love discipleship and I love watching sermons to learn more and more about God. These are all great things. With that being said, I believe having a quiet time each day is extremely important for Christian life.

This is not about obligation, but about an opportunity. We shouldn’t feel obligated to read God’s Word and spend alone time with Him just because we’re “supposed” to or because I’m saying you should. I want to urge and encourage us to see spending time in God’s presence, with His Word open before us and praying, as an incredible opportunity to learn about His character and to dwell in His Holy presence. I want to encourage us to see His Word as the very thing that gives us life each day.

Not only should we see it as an opportunity, but as a necessity. If we look back to Matthew 14 and Mark 1, Jesus went away to desolate, quiet places to pray to His Father. If Jesus needed His Father’s revealed words for daily human living, how much more do we need them for ourselves?! In Matthew 4, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 and said “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” So, if we know that Scripture is breathed out by God (“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17), then reading His Word is just as essential to our bodies as food and water.

Though the Bible does not command that we spend time in the Word in the morning, I strongly believe all Christians would find it a great idea to begin each day in His Word. For His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path (“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105). May we allow it to light up the path of our lives today, so our eyes may be opened to behold the wondrous things out of His law (“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Psalm 119:18).

When we wake up feeling discouraged, doubtful of our identity, and distracted…It will be His Word that brings us back to the Truth that we can find encouragement in Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), our identity in Him (1 John 3:1-2) and where our souls can be refocused on what is good, right, and true (Titus 3:3-7).

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35

So grab your Bible, a cup of coffee, snuggle up on the couch and spend some time with Him this morning. I promise it will be the best thing you can do for yourself.

Reflection Question(s): If you don’t have a regular quiet time, would you consider making it a part of your daily routine? Pick a time and place and just try it out for a few days. You don’t have to understand all you are reading. We are not going to know or be able to understand everything and it’s okay. He will satisfy you like only He can…All you have to do is open your Bible and let Him. Remember, this is a wonderful opportunity, not an obligation. Allow Him to refresh your soul today.

Today’s Worship: I am linking some instrumental worship playlists that I sometimes like to listen to when I am doing my quiet times.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWZBTBeOpFs&list=RDQMZ7LMsh8eHFM&start_radio=1

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4rmUneFYK2N9lxkaxJ3Qko?si=HJKJ4-4vQ52zVoKGQh80yQ

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/soaking-in-his-presence-instrumental-worship/1393196929

Please continue to send prayer requests my way! Also, if you have any questions about what you read today, or just want to chat, my email is: blrich1399@gmail.com

With Love,
Brooke