If we are convinced that a quiet time is needed in our lives, then how do we go about having one? We may become motivated to do it, but may not know how. We need to consider four essential elements of a good quiet time.
Part 1: Start with the Proper Attitudes
In God's eyes, why you do something is far more important than what you do. On one occasion God told Samuel, "the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". (1Sam 16:7). It is qite possible to do the right thing but with the wrong attitude. This was Amaziah's problem, for "he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly" (2 Chron 25:2).
When you come to meet with God in the quiet time, you should have these proper attitudes.
1. Expectancy. Come before God with anticipation and eagerness. Expect to have a good time of fellowship with Him and receive blessing from your time together. That was what David expected: "O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You" (Psalms 63:1).
2. Reverence. Don'trush into God's presence, but prepare your heart by being still before Him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Listen to the Prophet Habakkuk: "The Lord is in His holy temply; let all the earth be silent before Him" (Hab 2:20). Coming into the presence of the Lord is not like going to a football game or some other form of entertainment.
3. Alertness. Get wide awake first. Remember that you are meeting with the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Redeemer of men. Be thoroughly rested and alert. The best preparation for a quiet time in the morning begins the night before. Get to bed early so you will be in good shape to meet God in the morning for He deserves your full attention.
4. Willingness to Obey. This attitude is crucial: you don't come to your quiet time to choose what you will do or not do, but with the purpose of doing anything and everything that God wants you to do. Jesus said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he wil find out whether My teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own" (John 7:17). So come to meet the Lord having already chosen to do His will no matter what.
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Stay tuned for the rest of the parts of the entire section. =)
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