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Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Do you have a quiet place?

How did your day start today?

My day started with a to-do list that was as tall as my laundry pile?

My plan to rise early was missed when my son came into the room and said, “Mom is there school today?” I ran out the door to take my kids to school with a three year old tucked under my arm screaming something about a certain dinosaur as I almost tripped over our black lab who thinks he needs to go with me everywhere.

My irritation only grew as my morning continued with the feeling that somehow I was ten steps behind.

I managed to put a few thoughts into a bible study. I did get to pray with a lady in our church. I even managed to write a note of encouragement. And even though I was able to check off several things on my huge list, I still felt irritated.

I knew I needed an attitude check. What is wrong with me? I knew the answer. I had missed my morning quiet time. I was quickly reminded of these two verses….

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 15:15-16


“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35

Thousands of people longed for the touch of Jesus. Yet did he spend all day and night healing and serving the people? No, he certainly did not. Scripture reveals that Jesus often withdrew for time alone with the Father even when there was a huge crowd waiting for him. Notice the word often.


Teaching and preparing for bible study is commendable, but it is not time alone with God. Praying with a friend is a privilege, but it is not time alone with God. Encouraging others is certainly biblical, but again it is not time alone with God.


It is easy to justify all of my serving and sacrificial giving to others as time spent with the Lord. But these acts or anything else on my to-do list cannot serve as a substitute for time spent daily seeking God’s face through prayer, and quietly listening for that still, small voice.


The crowds didn't go away from Jesus, yet he found a quiet, solitary place to pray. My to-do list may not go away either, but I too need to find a quiet, solitary place.


Do you have a quiet place?

Jesus led by example.


Follow Him!

In Him...Chris
Chris can also be found at her personal blog Come to the Table

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14 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

Really nice post, thanks for sharing.

February 27, 2008 at 6:46 AM  
Blogger Mocha with Linda said...

'It is easy to justify all of my serving and sacrificial giving to others as time spent with the Lord."

Right between the eyes! This is so convicting. Thanks for the reminder.

February 27, 2008 at 7:29 AM  
Blogger Sarah@Life in the Parsonage said...

I ALWAYS need to hear that, thanks!

February 27, 2008 at 7:56 AM  
Blogger 2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I echo Sarah. Sometimes the longer you've been following the Lord, the more you want to push ahead into service, etc., but we cannot lose our First Love.

February 27, 2008 at 8:10 AM  
Blogger lori said...

and I echo sarah AND Linda....
walk away, sit and pray...it's the FUEL we need...Jesus needed it, He went to pray and get into His Father's will....

There is a song by Sara Groves that speaks this exactly....
"How is it between us"

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed,
The wrong side of the room,
The wrong side of the world.
Can't put my finger on the mood.
It's not melancholy, anger or the blues.
I love my husband, my house, my job.
Couldn't be any better,
And really what else is there?
Then I realize I'm forgetting God,
And that's the root of all my misery.
Lord, first of all, how is it between you and me?
. Chorus: How is it between us?

thank you for the blessing this morning...
lori

February 27, 2008 at 8:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sitting right smack in the middle of a morning like that! Wow, talk about 'right between the eyes!'
Thank you Chris. Really.
Darnelle
(Think it has anything to do with having 5 kids? I'm just saying. . . )

February 27, 2008 at 8:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

this is an encouragement we ALL need.
Thank you for sharing.

February 27, 2008 at 9:37 AM  
Blogger Kelly said...

Such wise words! I have often used "study Time" as quiet time, and it just isn't the same! Thank you for this valuable reminder.

February 27, 2008 at 9:53 AM  
Blogger windycindy said...

Yes, very late in the evening, I sit in our family room in semi-darkness in front of the roaring fireplace!
Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

February 27, 2008 at 9:53 AM  
Blogger Heth said...

Wonderful post Chris. A great reminder.

February 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM  
Blogger Praise and Coffee said...

Excellent post Chris.
My quiet time is in my office. Love it.

You are so right, studying for Bible study is not quiet time.

Blessings,
Sue

February 27, 2008 at 1:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tea ;) and for this gentle, yet profound reminder of my need to meet in my quiet place with the Lord often.

Love ya,
Susan

February 27, 2008 at 11:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I came today looking for some hope. I am really struggling through things in life right now. It brings me comfort to know that Jesus too needed a quiet place to hear from His Father.

I haven't practiced being alone with God. I need too!

February 28, 2008 at 11:19 AM  
Blogger Ann said...

I've found a new quiet time! That precepts study I'm working on~I do it while Emily is napping and the boys are in school. I love it and really look forward to it.

February 29, 2008 at 1:57 PM  

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