Spending Time with God
“The Lord said, go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” -- 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV)
My husband and I enjoy visiting state and national parks. The parks beckon us with their lush greenery, towering mountains, and quietness. And, as we stray further into remote areas, the more we encounter an incredible sense of peace in the awe of our surroundings. I spied rolling hills cloaked in a tapestry of vibrant golden hues, stretching as far as the eye can see, inviting you to get lost in their kaleidoscope of colors. In the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by towering trees and untouched landscapes, I find solace in the blissful embrace of solitude, and I feel a deep sense of God.
God wants us to spend time in the presence of God, but it takes some effort, and it begins with finding a quiet place. Each morning, I sit in the living room and listen to the singing birds in our yard. No phones, no TV, and no computer. The moment leads me to the perfect frame of mind to sit at the feet of Jesus in prayer. The key is finding a quietness to sit in His presence. In Psalm 46:10 (NIV); “He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Like preparing for anything, it takes practice to master a new skill, and this is no different. Start by committing five minutes of the day. And find a time that works best for you. Maybe you’re not a morning person, so set up a time in the evening to seek His presence. The important part is to stay consistent in the practice. In Psalm 62:5 (NLT) it says, “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.”
The habit of seeking His presence takes a little practice and intention to listen to God’s voice, but it’s important for deepening our relationship with Christ.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Where do you find solitude in the presence of God?
2. How much time do you currently commit to spending with God each day? How much is too much?
