Learn How to Have a Meaningful Quiet Time With God
The Bible sat open in front of me, turned to a random page. I lost track of how many times that day I had “tried” and “failed” to spend quiet time with God. Countless interruptions came and went and I found myself despaired. Was having daily time with God, that exceptional of a request?
But that wasn’t my only problem. When I finally was able to nail down my quiet time with God, I wasn’t necessarily sure exactly how to have a quiet time.
Finding time with God wasn’t the only issue.
I was raised in a Christian home and have known all my life that spending quiet time with God is an essential part of the Christian walk. I know that spending quiet time with God definitely has it’s benefits for me, personally. But somehow, my quiet time fell short.
Do I let the Bible fall open, reading whichever page it happened to turn to? What if it happened to be Leviticus? I didn’t want to learn about ugly boils. I need something to encourage my faith! I know! I’ll read the Psalms….for the umpteenth time this year. So soothing and familiar, yet, I want my quiet time with the Lord to go deeper.
I needed a plan.
I have searched for a good daily quiet time Bible study, or even a quiet time Bible.
FREE For You: The Quiet Time Cheat Sheet!!
The Quiet Time Cheat Sheet is for you:
Even if you only have 10 minutes a day
Regardless of your Bible knowledge - no Bible knowledge necessary
Especially if you've tried other Bible study methods and failed before
But something was missing!
Does this sound like you?
Your Time With God is More Important than You Might Think
Having a quiet time on a daily basis is by far, one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your family.
When you get alone with God and spend time in His Word, you will be able to handle life and all that it throws at you!
In addition, you will be a much wiser parent and you’ll know how to raise your kids according to God’s Word, thus creating a spiritual environment in your home, that will one day allow you to leave a legacy of faith to your kids – and if the Lord wills, one day, your grandkids.
Don’t miss this! There is more at stake to your spending time with God, than meets the eye!
If that overwhelms you, don’t worry!
No pressure! I’ve got you covered! We’ll talk about it in a minute! Just hang with me!
If you aren’t in the habit of making time for God, then it may seem overwhelming to you and you might not know where to start.
Sit back and relax! Once we’re done talking, you’ll know exactly how to have quiet time with God. You’ll see that it’s not hard. Spending quiet time with God is the most rewarding part of your spiritual existence.
First You Need to Learn How to Make Time for God
Easier said than done, right? I hear you!
I have seven kids and my house is rarely ever quiet. Sometimes it seems that no matter how early I commit to getting up and out of bed, someone is right there on my heels ready to take the “quiet” out of my time! I used to struggle with feeling like if I couldn’t manage to get up before the kids, be completely clothed, have eaten breakfast and have the house in order, then it just wasn’t worth it for me to spend time alone with God.
I always wanted to be able to say that at ‘such-and-such’ a time every day, I would have my quiet time with God. (That was seven kids ago! 🙂 )
In my head I always dreamed of a serene morning where I sipped tea and the birds chirped in the background as I spent an hour spending time with God, meditating on verses, praying, and memorizing Scripture.
Let’s just say that I don’t think this has ever happened in my entire life.
Not once!
I have begun to realize that having a quiet time, in reality, might not look the same as it does in my head. And that’s OK!
Your Quiet Time Might Look Different Than the Ideal
What I can tell you is that if I waited for perfect to happen I would never have a quiet moment with God.
So when I tell you how to make time to spend in God’s Word, it’s going to sound a little different than a typical structured answer.
You need to find a time, yes!
But I understand that in the midst of raising kids and all of the other responsibilities that come with being a mom, you probably are not going to have a daily given time that happens at the same time every day.
So what I want you to do is to find A time every day.
Some days it may be in the morning, and some days it may be in the evening.
Some days you may have to hide quietly in your bathroom spending time with Jesus, if only for five minutes.
But that’s OK!
I want you to commit to not going to bed without having spent some time in the Bible at some point during the day.
Eventually you will learn how to make time for God each day, and embrace the fact that it might not always be the same time each day.
Find a Place to Spend Quiet Time With God
Are you familiar with the movie War Room?
If you aren’t, I recommend that you watch it. It’s an awesome movie! The gist of the movie is about a woman who spent her quiet time with God in her closet. (I don’t want to go into depth here and spoil the movie for you – you’ll have to watch it!)
She ripped apart repurposed her closet and made that area a dedicated place where she could meet with God on a daily basis.
You Don’t Have to Have a War Room – Although It’s Really Cool!
After watching it, I was totally pumped and wanted to make my own War Room!
I had ideas of turning our walk-in closet into my own little prayer corner, because let’s face it, I never have anything to wear anyway, so why did I really need a closet?
After trying to convince my husband that it would be a good idea (he said that actually, I did have things to wear and that I did need my closet!) I had to concede to the fact that I just don’t live in Hollywood, (and things don’t always go like they do in the movies – but her War Room was soooo cool! 🙂 ).
I decided that even though I couldn’t have a dedicated area to meet with God, I could still find a place somewhere in my house on a daily basis where I could find time to be alone with God.
Where Can You Go to Have a Daily Quiet Time With God?
In the same way that it’s not likely that you will find a dedicated time, you probably won’t find a dedicated place. (Sorry! It’s just reality) And it’s also probably pretty unlikely that you will want to rip apart your closet. So now that we’re both over that notion, let’s get real! 😉
I just want you to think of a place that you can go at any given time during the day and quietly commune with God.
- Do you have a pantry with a door?
- Or a basement where nobody will find you?
- Maybe it’s your bedroom or even your bathroom.
- A small area of your house that could be repurposed into a meeting with the Lord, place you could call your own?
You just need to find some place that you can meditate on Scripture for a few minutes. Additionally, it’s helpful if you could keep your quiet time materials stored there so you know where your things are and can have them accessible.
Find a Passage of Scripture to Read
I, myself, have found that one of the most difficult things to overcome in having an effective quiet time, is figuring out what to read.
This seems to be even more difficult than actually figuring out how to make time for God.
Because if I’m honest, I can usually carve out at least a half an hour per day that I waste doing something unnecessary where time is concerned.
I have looked for a good quiet time with God devotional, and have searched for scriptures on spending time with God. I’ve Googled, “christian quiet time ideas” and everything has come up short.
It’s been hard for me to find a good plan that I can stick to. One that allows for flexibility in my schedule as a wife and mama of seven kiddos, but yet is deep enough that I actually feel like I’ve spent quality time in my Bible.
However, when it comes to finding a passage, it’s not as difficult as it may seem.
It really becomes a matter of shifting your mindset and realizing that as long as you are spending time with God, the format isn’t as important.
You may feel like you have to have the perfect book or the perfect tools in order to study your Bible.
But I’m here to say that you need to get perfect out of your head! Hopefully you already realize that! (Didn’t we already talk about this?! 🙂 )
Enter: The Quiet Time Companion that Will Help Point You in the Right Direction
Since my schedule, and my life, really, are so varied, and I have kids of all ages, along with other responsibilities as a wife and a mom, I needed a quiet time guide to help me with the struggles I had in keeping a consistent Bible study time.
I wanted a resource that could bend and flex with me as I navigate the twists and turns of life. One that had options like various Bible reading plans and choices in reading plans. I already told you that I had trouble finding the right Bible quiet time guide, so I decided to make my own!
It has truly been a blessing!
And best of all, I made a version for my daughter so we could use it for our mother/daughter discipleship.
You can check out The Quiet Time Kit and The Quiet Time Kit for Girls, here.
It has been a tremendous blessing for me and best of all, it has helped me begin to pass my faith on to my daughter, as well.
Here Are a Few Other Ideas to Get You Started and Help You Figure Out Where to Start Reading in the Bible.
- PSALMS – The Psalms are so full of hope and encouragement that they are a great place to start reading when you aren’t sure where to start. I would recommend starting at the first chapter and working your way through the entire book (even if you’ve already ready them a thousand times! 😉 )
- PROVERBS – Proverbs has 31 chapters which makes it the perfect book to read in a month. Read one chapter for every day of the month. Don’t worry if you miss a day! Just skip the chapter and go on to the next chapter that matches the date.
- THE GOSPELS – The Gospels are fascinating to read and will teach you all about Jesus’ life and ministry while he was here on Earth.
- THE EPISTLES – The Epistles are some of my favorite places to read because I am a very practical person and I find them to be very applicable.
I would recommend against letting your Bible fall open to any particular passage and reading something random. You really want to be intentional about spending time with God, making the most out of it. (Even if you can’t spend an hour a day in the Bible! 😉 )
Add Additional Resources to Your Quiet Time to Further Enhance Your Study
There are so many good resources available to help you learn how to spend time with God. You aren’t limited to just one. Thank fully, many are FREE and available online.
Check out Bible.org for starters.
I also really like Ron Rhodes, ‘The Key Ideas Bible Handbook: Understanding and Applying All the Main Concepts Book by Book.’
The Halley’s Bible Handbook is an oldie, but a goodie.
If you’re pressed for time, the ESV Audio Bible is a great way to spend time with God, even if you can’t sit down and read from your Bible. You can listen to it instead.
The Bible.is app is one of my favorites for a narrated version of the Bible.
Of course, you need a Bible! This is my favorite one and the exact one I use.
For recommended sermons, I love Pastor Colin Smith’s sermons. (Hint: The Quiet Time Kit has pages for taking sermon notes, as well! 🙂 )
Finally….Just Do It!
Sometimes it’s tempting to keep waiting until you have the right time or the right place or the right resources, etc.
But the most important thing is that you just get into God’s Word and read it!
You’ll get better as you go along and you’ll understand more and more each time! Eventually, what once seemed like a scattered mess and an overwhelming task will become something you look forward to with fondness.
I no longer procrastinate spending time with God. Now that I have my Quiet Time Kit, I have a plan. And it’s so much easier to just do it!
Bonus: My Quiet Time Hack That Really Works
A trick that I’ve found – though not ideal – but better than nothing, is to keep my Bible open somewhere in the house. Like the kitchen counter, for example.
Though I would love to spend hours of uninterrupted time enjoying quiet moments with God, (see above) it’s not always feasible. If I have my Bible laying open, then I can pass by and read a verse or two here and there and meditate on it as I go about my daily responsibilities.
Will my quiet time ever be perfect? No. But I’m learning to have a quiet time with God each day and I’m so thankful for the way my faith grows each time I choose to spend time with God.
May God bless you as you study His Word as well!
Let’s Recap:
- Your Time With God is More Important than You Might Think
- First You Need to Learn How to Make Time for God
- Your Quiet Time Might Look Different Than the Ideal
- Find a Place to Spend Quiet Time With God
- Find a Passage of Scripture to Read
- Enter: The Quiet Time Companion that Will Help Point You in the Right Direction
- Here Are a Few Other Ideas to Get You Started and Help You Figure Out Where to Start Reading in the Bible.
- Add Additional Resources to Your Quiet Time to Further Enhance Your Study
- Finally….Just Do It!
How about you? What are effective ways that you have your quiet time? Do you find it difficult to stay consistent? Are there any good resources you would like to recommend? Please comment below and let me know! I would love to hear!
Want to remember this post? Pin Nine Ways to Have an Effective Quiet Time to your favorite Pinterest board!
I found that having an accountability partner who I knew would ask me daily if I did my (our) Reading helped me quite a bit!! I highly recommend that ♥ now I want to find a closet to rip apart!! I’ll settle for my cozy living room chair for now!
That’s a GREAT idea!!! I might have to add that to my post! It sure does help to know someone is gonna ask you! Don’t do any ripping! your living room chair will work just great!! 🙂
I have a chair in my room it’s for quiet times, meditation and Bible reading. It’s by the window what’s a small table I also have a floating bookshelf to hold my tablets ink pens and highlighters. At the foot of my bed I have a prayer bench. On the outside of my bedroom door I have a basket with five numbers in it number one means I’m having a quiet time number two meditation time number three I’m reading my Bible number four prayer time so my family know not to bother me .The numbers are in the basket number 5 I’m not doing anything they are welcome to knock on the door.I also have a water fountain.
Sounds like you have such good ideas for making your quiet time effective! I love your numbering system! That’s great! Thank you for sharing! God bless!
These tips are really helpful. A few months ago I made sure that I wouldn’t go to bed without spending time to say a prayer, but I’ve definitely been lacking with reading my Bible. For me the best time is usually before bed, it’s the time I get the most time to myself.
One thing that has put me off reading the Bible in the past is knowing what to read. I like your suggestions of reading books such as Psalms, Proverbs and The Gospels, so this will definitely be a great starting point for me.
Thanks for sharing these tips!
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad that they helped! It does seem like knowing where to read is such a huge obstacle! I hope that you find joy in your time in the Word! 🙂
I find that Joyce Meyers is a great way to hear practical Biblical advice while in car…of course…at right time! Thank you for the encouragement…Lou Ann
That’s a great tip! I appreciate you sharing ! Thank you! It just goes to show you that Quiet Time can b anywhere!
I enjoyed this! The book of Psalms was always my favorite. Great post, finding time and ways to meditate on God is always needed and also helps you to feel connected even more to God.
Thank you! I love the Psalms. It’s always a great place to start. There is so much to mill over and think about and easy to read too!
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Such a good post! I love the War room and we implemented one in our home….it is so true, that you must find anytime in the day to make it happen. Often Im guilty of thinking if I missed the morning, then I just skip it for the day. Thanks for the reminder and sharing your heart!
Thank you so much! I don’t know why I struggle with that so much as well! It’s like I have to have everything perfect in the morning or else, forget about it! I’m fighting it daily! I appreciate your comment! 🙂
This is such good advice! I’m not a mom yet, but I still find myself really busy with college and my husband and my job. Finding anytime is better than none! I would love to turn a closet into a prayer space too haha
Yes, anytime is better than none for sure! I’m sure that college and a husband and a job is a lot to handle! Good for you! Keep staying in the Word! 🙂 And yes, it would be super cool to have a dedicated prayer closet!
I’ve have to watch “War Room”, I can definitely identify with wanting to hide into the closet just to get some peace!
I wish I had any tips on getting quiet time-I usually just wait until everyone’s asleep!
And sometimes that just what you have to do! The War Room is such a great movie! It’s inspiring for sure! 🙂
This was so spot on and refreshing to read! Sharing this to refer back!
I am so honored! Thank you! I appreciate that!
I get up early. I like getting an early start before anyone else gets up. I heat up some warm water, add some lemon and do my Bible study.
I love it! That sounds so nice! 🙂
Such great tips!! Bookmarking! 🙂
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
You are right! “Quiet” time is SO important. I love the idea of keeping your Bible open throughout the day so you can read when you can. Something I personally love doing is writing scripture. While it may sound time-consuming, writing one verse or two really isn’t and that’s ok if that’s all the time you have. I usually pick a book and write the entire book over time. It’s really fulfilling and helps me to meditate even more on a passage or chapter. I have a blog post about it over at Feasting On Joy if you want to learn more or see the books I use to write in. Thanks so much for this encouraging post! It’s found a forever place on my Encouragement” board on Pinterest! Blessings, Jennifer
Thank you so much for your kind words! This is such an encouragement! I just heard about Scripture writing the other day! I need to start doing that! It sounds so neat! I will check out your post, for sure! Than, you again! Blessings to you as well!
I like the tip about leaving the Bible open on the kitchen counter! Thanks for sharing, beautiful read!
Aww! Thank you! It really does help to keep it out!
🙂
Thank you for the encouragement!
You’re very welcome! 🙂
This is definitely food for thought. I do so much better with my Bible time during the school year than I do in the summer. I need to do better. Thanks for such a thought provoking read.
Isn’t it funny? I feel the same way! Sometimes I worry because I don’t want my kids to think that we only do Bible as a part of school! I’m trying hard to do better also! And thank you for your kind words!
My kids are older so I get a lot of “me” time now, and I find that reading my daily devotions in the morning with my coffee before I start my day doing anything, really, is the best time for me. It’s 15 minutes of reflection and a prayer that I started about a year ago with a 365 Daily Devotions for Women.
So you really know what ‘quiet’ time is! 🙂 Someday!! But that’s great! Glad you are in the habit!
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing so many helpful tips! I!think the tip of finding A Time will work better for me. I love the movie War Room! I could watch it often.
You’re so welcome! And it is such a good movie!! Enjoy your quiet time! Blessings! 🙂
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Meeting with Him every morning does not always happen but when it does, which for me happens at least four to five times a week , the joy is overwhelming. Meeting with Him allows me to take off the burdens and replace it with Him . I pray seek and journal knowing and trusting that His goodness surrounds me. Thank you for the reminder to make it first
That overwhelming joy! 🙂 Yes!! I love this! It is so important to meet with God! And casting our cares on Him and experiencing His peace is such a blessing!
Thanks for sharing! I always value my quiet time. It’s so important!
Thank you! You are so right, it is!
My kids are now past that needly young stage. We homeschooled for a decade before severe brain injury left me unable to teach my kids and they went to classrooms away from home. The time (and it has been different at different seasons!) that currently works best for me to spend in Jesus’ Book is early morning, when m y husband gets up to take his shower, before I get up and out of bed for the day.
I am excited for the day when I can rise early and spend quiet time! Though I’m very happy to be parenting my littles! Thank you for the reminder that seasons change!
My “time” has been different in different seasons of life. We homeschooled for a decade until severe brain injury meant I was no longer the best teacher for our kids, so that 5-minutes stolen in the bathroom was so relatable!!! Our kids are a little older now, so currently I can spend time with Jesus during my hubby’s early morning shower, before everyone else wakes and starts the off-to-school rush.
It is so true that it will look differently at different stages of our lives! Thank you for reminding me of that! I appreciate it! 🙂
Great ideas for getting in the Word Amber, you know it’s not just young mom’s who struggle with this . . . I get so busy as a retired person with doing all the things I never could do, that I don’t have a regular “time” either…but I am so thankful for devotionals that come via my email box or my Facebook friends that do them every day online so I will take time to spend with the Lord.
That is a really good point! Thank you for bringing that up! I appreciate your comment! It’s funny how easy it is to let things crowd out our quiet time. I hear retirement is a very busy time! 😉 Blessings to you!
Great lesson to live by. About one year and 8 months ago I decided that I needed to take the time to read the Word of God before starting my day. I pulled up the Bible, bookmarked it, and read it every day when I open my computer, except on Sunday because I go to Church and read Bible verses there.
The chapters seem to always give me what I need, and speaks to me in a way that makes my heart joyful.
God Bless
Thank you! That’s so neat to hear! Good job! I’m encouraged to heart that!
I think praying every morning immediately you wake up and before you even get out of bed for your day’s needs which include getting time to spend with Him is another way we can ensure we always have quiet time.
That’s a GREAT idea! I do like that! It’s good to wake up with God on our mind! I love this!
spending time in God’s presence is very important it keeps you from becoming like the world for want of a better description. i often felt guilty i did not get my 1 hr in in the morning but i learnt to spend time with God where ever I am during the day, just a continuous conversation ….
Yes! You are so right! We need to feast on the Word! Any time spent with Him is better than none at all! Keep pursuing God! 🙂
I can totally relate to this struggle! And I also agree about finding “A Time” each day rather than worrying about a set schedule. I only have 4 kids but there is no typical day for sure! Thanks for the encouragement!
You’re very welcome! Some days will always be easier than others! And yes, there’s no such thing as a typical day! 🙂 I hear ya!
That was such a beautiful post. I don’t get any quiet time either, and I can feel your pain with trying to wake up before 5:00am. I get up, take a shower, make coffee, make breakfast for everyone, make everyone’s lunch, clean up the kitchen mess that I just made doing all that… and then start getting ready for work (hair and makeup). I have maybe ten minutes to just sit and breathe before I put my work clothes on. Until our house is built next year, my husband and I, and the two littles are living in one room at my MIL’s house. There is no quiet ANYWHERE! I can’t wait until we have our own home and we can spread out a little more. Thank you for sharing.
Oh WOW!! Blessings on you as you wait for your house! That’s gotta be hard. I feel your pain! Hopefully my post will encourage you to meet with God when/where you can! Thank you for your kind words! God bless you! 🙂
Loving the advice here! While I have managed to keep up a daily quiet time for years now, sometimes I struggle to focus with all the distractions going on!
Thank you! It is so true that the distractions can make it difficult! Keep plugging along!
Thank you for these awesome tips. After watching the war room, I too wanted to transform my closet, but it was not practical. I did buy a desk, so i could have my bible and reference books all in one place. I use the wall around the desk to put up prayer request, scriptures, etc. I have a hard time being consistent with my quiet time. Twice a year my church has 21 days of pray, (The idea is it takes 21 days to make something a habit) The church is opened m-f from 6 to 7 am, and Saturday from 9-10, for us to come and pray together. Today is day 12, and I’ve been able to make it everyday (Thank you Jesus).My mood and how i approach the day and people has definitely changed during these past 12 days.
I loved the ideas of reading psalms and proverbs, if you don’t know where to start. I love the website http://www.biblestudytools.com, they have a lot of reading plans, it was very helpful to me, when I was not sure, where to start. Thanks again, and be blessed
Thank you so much for your AWESOME comment! I will check out the website! And yes, developing a habit does take some time, but it’s so worth it! I love your desk ‘War Room’ idea! I might have to consider that myself! And I’m so glad to hear your part of such an awesome church! God bless you as you study His Word!
Lovely sitting with a book and tea now.x
Aww! That’s so awesome! Thank you!
Im joan from the phils,im so blessed with your thoughts and tips about quiet time and yes i watched “war room”.i used to feel guilty when i do my quiet time before sleeping all this time i thought it should be in the morning…thank God for answering my concern thru your article.God bless u abundantly❤?
Aww! Thank you so much, Joan! I appreciate that! It is just important THAT we meet with Him. Not so much when! Thank you for sharing your heart! God bless you, as well!
I love the point that open d Bible n keep where u will see easily n read a verse
It really does help if you are short on time! 🙂
I will like to have some quite time with God but it is hard for me
It can be very hard. Just take small pieces of Scripture and do the best that you can. God will honor your efforts! 🙂
I have a 3 month little girl who is EXTREMELY spoiled (she insists on being held almost all day and MUST take naps while in my arms) and she has just started sleeping through the night. Early mornings and late nights I get into my bible and spend time with the Heavenly Father. My suggestion is no matter when or where it is open that book, download a bible app with devotionals and do it. Usually they will only take about five minutes and you can do a few through out the day. Go for it and don’t get discouraged.
That’s a great suggestion! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it! Raising kids is a season and it won’t always be that way! Enjoy your time with your little one AND feast on God’s Word at the same time! You are a wise mama!
I love the post and it’s so true that it’s kind of impossible to find a designated time that will work every day for a quiet time with God! Each day is unpredictable with kids and we have to take each day as unique as they are! I love your tips!
thanks for the reminder on having a quiet time. sometimes we rush in and rush out and forget to tarry with the Lord. Blog on and have a great weekend!
Thank you! You as well!
Thanks for this post. Great tip about leaving the bible open.
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
I loved your post! I think sometimes we get too wrapped up in wanting to have the perfect circumstances when in reality God just wants to spend time with the imperfect us. My friend Carsen once said “God is more desperate to get a word to us then we are to hear a word from Him.” He will totally be able to speak to us no matter what time or location we find ourselves able to take a moment with him! Love your words!
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words! That is such an awesome quote! And so very true! Blessings to you!
Thank you for the download! I wrote a book about breathing new life into your quiet time, Repurposed Faith.
Love to see others who see the vital importance of this!
Aww! I’m glad you liked it! Blessings on you as you study God’s Word!
Amber, I pop my self in the car about 45 minutes before picking up the first pick up after school. My young one falls asleep in the car. I have half an hour for my quiet time. Miss the tea. But Jesus time is mine.
Great idea! Thank you for sharing! God knows our hearts and is honored by whatever time we give Him. Tea, or not!
I really enjoyed this article, Amber. But let me ask you…what defines “quiet” time? My husband and I were just talking about this tonight just before I saw your post on Pinterest. It must be God. 🙂 To my hubby and his men’s group from church, quiet time means total silence and meditation, listening for God to speak, training yourself to be physically and mentally still before God. I’m good with that. But to me, I’m okay with reading devotions on my phone while I do my cardio at the gym and spending that hour in prayer and learning. Reading the Word and thinking while I exercise works for me. Which means I’m also okay with keeping the Bible open in the kitchen while I hustle up dinner (and I did just today, in fact). I think it’s a personal decision, but my hubby believes being still means being absolutely still. I think his viewpoint has a ton of merit. If we truly want to hear all of God’s voice, we should be 100% quiet. But can we actually be 100% quiet in today’s culture and still hear God’s voice? Are we muting or dishonoring God if we aren’t in total silence with Him wherever we may be? I believe that if we ask God for discernment, He is faithful to give it so we never miss a word from Him. I say this because I have experienced it. But, I would like hear your thoughts about what may exactly define being quiet with God. Thanks for answering and thanks for bringing up a great topic.
You raise a very good question, Gina! I think the answer to your question is there is a time for both! If you wait for the ‘perfect’ quiet time, when you can be 100% quiet, then you’ll find you’ll never do it. Time spent with God in the Word will most definitely be pushed to the last on the list of priorities because you probably won’t find a time to be 100% quiet. Which is why I think your method is a good way that you ensure getting time with God at some point in the day. Having said that, I believe it is also very important to set aside intentional time with the Lord where He is your sole focus. Therefore, in my humble opinion, I think you need both. Being intentional is important. But not so intentional that you neglect your time with Him in search of ‘perfection.’ I hope this helps and I’d love to discuss this further if you’d like! Feel free to respond here or email me if you’d prefer. amberfox@allnaturaljoy.com
During the warmer weather I love to sit on my porch and read, pray and journal. However that is only for a couple of months. Otherwise, I try to find any place, even the bathroom to read. The. Athroom has been a great place to spend time talking to God. (I know it sounds crazy but it is just you and the Lord – you will be surprised how And where He will meet you!)
The bathroom is an EXCELLENT idea! It’s probably the one place you can guarantee alone time! Thank you for sharing that! I love the front porch idea as well!
This blog has been such a refreshing “find” for me. I’m retired also, should have no problem getting things done, but can’t seem to use my unstructured time effectively, including a quiet time. Thanks for all the suggestions. I can see a light now. I’ll try again.
That is so sweet of you to say! Thank you! It is hard to find the time to spend in the Word no matter what your stage of life, but I am glad you were encouraged by my post! Thank you for sharing!
Your blog was spot-on I so feel exactly how you do and I don’t have 7 children my kids are grown and out the house but I long for time spent with Jesus but I never find the right time I’m going to use your suggestions thank you so much and I’m going to hold my daughter as accountability partner
Thank you so much! It’s definitely something that can get overlooked if you don’t make it a priority! I’m glad you liked it and could identify! I think having your daughter as an accountability partner is perfect! I love it!
This is one of the most practical articles I have found on finding time for quiet time with God. Thank you for the practical tips and for the grace that it doesn’t need to be perfect.
I’m so glad you liked it! I love that you said practical, because that’s exactly what I was shooting for! I like actionable things that help you know where to start! And yes! GRACE!! For sure! Blessings!
I never have seen the need of scheduling a specific quiet time. I try to just stop and read the word everyday when i have a free minute. Every minute of everyday feels scheduled, but now that i think about it i have time everyday, when nothing is scheduled.i usualy spend it messing around. My free time is not consistent however. I ask prayer that i will remember my free time be spent with. God.
I think it’s great that you spend quiet time with God in your free time! And I think there are times when it warrants scheduling. Either way, God is pleased when we spend time with Him!
Thanks for the ideas, I have the Bible on tape and listen while I am sewing or doing anything where I have to be moving.
That’s an awesome idea! I may just have to try that! 🙂
Thanks a bunch for reminding me to get back on track. God has been tugging at my heart regarding my time with Him.
I’m so glad He reached you this way! Blessings as you spend time in His Word!
My mantra is to “saturate my mind with God”. And that can be done in many ways, shapes, and forms. Thank you for your very sincere and honest post.
And that’s a very awesome mantra! Thank you for sharing! It’s so true! We can find many ways to do it, as long as we make it a priority!