Quiet Time Revisited

My wife and I took a trip a bit off the beaten path today, far away from our house and the hustle of busy careers.  She ran off to take care of a few things, leaving me with an hour or so of ‘quiet time.’  Surrounded by nature, the only noises I hear out here include the chirping of crickets and various bird calls.  Surrounded by unfamiliar, yet comforting foliage and a beautiful view beyond, my mind feels free to wonder. I hope to share pictures in the near future.

It continues to amaze me that so many can claim that God does not exist when surrounded by such splendor.  I recall Romans 1.20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”  Another song, from decades ago, said “Every mountain, every valley, Your creation, it surrounds me!  Every breath I breathe, every heartbeat, every sun rise that you give to me.  These and so much more tell the story we cannot ignore, The Evidence of God.”

As I look over His creation, I give thanks, in prayer, for His love, shown through His creation, which sustains us.  In my busy life, I easily forget that He blesses us with life including the food and shelter we have.  I thank Him for my job and the work I have, but I appreciate this moment to stop, stand still, and listen.  And, I realize that I need to find a way to do this more often.  Getting away to walk with God, read His Word, pray and contemplate Him should rank much higher on my list of priorities.  I recall the Words of Jesus, “For Man does not live by break alone, but by every Word from the mouth of God.”

I have a few friends blessed (and disciplined) enough to rise every morning, or find some other time of the day, they may reliably spend time studying the Bible and in prayer.  I absolutely encourage such a practice.  However, getting away to a different location, outside of your house, and taking time to spend with God may also refresh and renew your walk in Him.  Sometimes I read a book about God (or, of course, the Bible), I may do a prayer walk, or I may just sit quietly in His presence.

Ironically enough, as I pick up my laptop to journal the experience, I discover I wrote about this very topic a year ago.  God does work in mysterious ways.

 

I thank God for the moment of rest and refreshing.

Does God Care About What We Want?

Lately, I have noticed more and more posts about God from my friends regarding our personal needs and wants.  These articles generally fall into one of two categories.  In one corner, I see articles promising your best life now.  They assure healings, blessings and more if you just come to their ‘revivals,’ buy their books or attend their services.  The other camp claim that God interest lies square in His own holiness first and foremost.  It’s not about us!  It’s all about Jesus!  These articles stop short of telling you never to ask God for what you want or need in life, but they come very close.  Which approach is right?