By Doug Creamer
Quiet Time
Have you got a minute? I know you are busy, so am I. Sometimes it feels like I have a million things to get done. Even with the longer days, it doesn’t feel like there is enough time to get everything done. I love the longer days, which allow more time to get outside things done, but that leaves lots of inside things undone. I always have so much to do.
We all lead busy lives. How do we fit quiet time into our busy lives? I talked to a young mother who told me that the only time she has to pray is when she is in the bathroom because that is the only time she gets some peace and quiet. I talked to a young father who said by the time he gets home from work, helps feed and bathe the kids, reads them a story and puts them to bed he has very little time to give his wife before collapsing in bed. Where does God fit in?
Some people are working two jobs to make ends meet, where can they squeeze God in? Working at the community college, we have had some students who worked third shift and came straight to class. They have less than 12 hours after class to get some sleep, eat, and take care of a few things around the house before they have to be back at work. There is no time left in their day for God or anything else, for that matter.
I was thinking about Daniel from the Old Testament. He was one of the highest government officials ruling over an area about half the size of the United States. He didn’t have cell phones, the internet, or Zoom meetings to help him run the land. I imagine he was a very busy man with plenty of demands put upon his day. Yet the Bible makes it clear that Daniel went home and prayed three times a day.
Daniel is a good example for us. He worked with integrity for multiple kings. He was a man after God’s heart. He was a prophet, an interpreter of dreams, and a man with uncompromising faith. Daniel had wisdom and spiritual insight because he maintained his spiritual life through prayer.
How can we follow Daniel’s example? Daniel prayed near a window that faced Jerusalem. We all need to find a place where we can meet with God every day. That is unique for each of us. I know some people who walk and pray. I know some people who pray in a special closet in their home. I like to rock in my recliner or sit out on my front porch. Pick a place that works for you.
Daniel prayed three times a day. We need to pick a time that works for us. Are you a night owl? Evening might work well for you. Are you alert in the morning? Then a morning quiet time might be best for you. Pick a time that fits your personality and commit to it.
What should we do in quiet time? My pastor came up with a seven-minute plan. Take thirty seconds to praise and thank the Lord. When you begin by thanking God for your many blessings you set your mind on the positive. Next, spend four minutes reading your Bible. Start with one of the gospels, then read Acts, followed by James. After that, I recommend Psalms and Proverbs. You’ll be on your way to connecting with God.
The final two and half minutes is devoted to prayer. Begin by expressing your love for God. Next, confess your sins and be honest about it. He already knows and loves you. After that, give thanks for His forgiveness and His many blessings. Finally, lift up your own needs and the needs of others. We know He cares deeply for us and those that we love. Remember to pray for those who don’t know Him that they might come into a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
If everyone who reads these words would spend seven minutes with God every day, the world would be a dramatically different place. I want to encourage you to commit to spending seven minutes of your day with your creator. He wants you to experience His love and get to know His heart for you and those around you. This habit will change you and help you grow and develop your spiritual life. The enemy doesn’t want you to have a quiet time but God wants you to put down roots into the soil of His heart. The adventure begins with seven minutes a day! Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com
