Confession Time: Sometimes, my quiet time stinks.
Yep. Pastor Joy struggles with quiet time sometimes. I forget, or I get drowsy, or I plan to do quiet time in the morning and then wake up late. Sometimes, I’m distracted. It’s a good thing God likes me anyways ;). But we all need to reset sometimes, no matter how much we know. And there is never a bad time to work on your “quiet time” with God. That’s why I’m thrilled to have Tamela Turbeville here today to share about how to build a better quiet time. As I read this post, I found my heart crying out for more quality time with God. Welcome, Tamela!
6 Ways to Build a Better Quiet Time
By Tamela Turbeville
Our “to do” lists are longer and more complicated than ever. From the time our feet hit the floor in the morning until we drop exhausted into bed, there is always something waiting to be completed.
In the middle of your busyness, do you make time for God? Every hour is filled, but is your heart filled?
God wants to fill our hearts. The miracle is He desires an intimate relationship with us, one that grows by spending time with Him. To join Him in this pursuit, we have to make time to sit in the presence of Our Creator and enjoy a consistent quiet time.
King David understood the importance of spending time alone with God. (Psalm 16:11) During His ministry, Jesus also made it a priority to spend time in the presence of His Father. (Luke 5:16) Scripture promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
If you do not have a consistent quiet time, God is waiting for you. He wants to build a relationship with you. To help you get started, here are six ways to build a better quiet time:
Start Your Quiet Time with Prayer
The best way to prepare to hear from God is to have a heart that is ready to receive. Start your quiet time by spending time in prayer. Prayer is a conversation with God that sets our hearts and minds ready to hear from Him. Set a timer and for that time concentrate on talking to God. Confess sin, intercede for others, give thanks and pour out your heart. God can take whatever you have and He is not surprised by anything.
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
Prepare Not To Fail
Benjamin Franklin quipped, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” In other words, by failing to prepare for your quiet time, you may be discouraged by the outcome. Gather the necessary materials like your favorite Bible translation, a journal, pens and highlighters, and Bible commentaries ahead of time. Be ready and waiting to hear God speak.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness… (1 Timothy 3:16)
Create a Quiet Time Environment
Designate a place for your quiet time. Remove any distracting clutter or noises. Fill the space with your favorite things and minimize distractions. Being still in a comfortable and inviting place opens us to hearing and learning more about the One who calls us. Let that place be your tabernacle for God’s presence.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Unplug and Turn Off the Electronics
Our phones, tablets, and laptops have become an extension of our existence. Most people are never more than six feet from their phone. To build a better quiet time, silence your electronics and turn off the notifications, giving Him your utmost attention. Turn off the television or computer screen. Greater intimacy with our Father will replace the silence of your electronics.
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3)
Check Your Attitude
Check Your AttitudeSpending quiet time with God is vital to growing in our relationship. But if we enter the time viewing the fellowship as a requirement, it becomes legalistic righteousness and our attitude hinders God’s voice. If we come before Him with all our heart, mind and soul with anticipation and awe, we are rewarded with His presence.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8)
Don’t Be In a Hurry
Growing your relationship with God takes time. Quiet time with God is not a checkmark on your “to do” list. Surrendering your time to God means giving up the right to use your time for your gain and allowing God to use it for His will. To build a better quiet time, choose an hour each day and treat it as an important appointment. Slow down. Devote the time to sit with God and hear His voice.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
I pray you will desire a quiet time with God. He wants you to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His voice, know His love and fill your heart. If you want more of His presence, He does too. My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:8)
Tamela Turbeville lives for every woman with a difficult past to know God loves them, they are worthy and wanted. She is wife to Richard, and mother to three grown sons and two beautiful daughters-in-law. When doing what she loves most– studying God’s Word, reading and writing–she is surrounded by her six rescue dogs in her small office in south Arkansas. She began Living One Word to write and share how God redeems the unlovable and you can read more about Tamela, her journey, and her family at www.livingoneword.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.
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