Being In Quiet Moments With God

Throughout a day, you may find yourself in brief quiet moments where you think about God or offer prayers that are long or short. The best biblical example of this is when Peter was about to drown in the sea and prayed, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). These are all beneficial. When life is hectic, distracting, and we feel on the run, these moments can be valuable. It can also be extremely valuable to plan and set aside a more intentional and probably longer period (or appointment!) with God to be in his presence and in his Word. In these moments of peace and solitude, we can contemplate the profound depths of our relationship with God.
The Bible encourages us to seek Him in stillness and reflection, as well as those quick prayer requests. He encourages us to, "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. Jesus sets the ultimate example when he goes off by himself to pray and be in conversation with God. And in I Kings 19:11-13 we read about examples of God revealing himself in powerful and dynamic ways but sometimes he comes to us in a still, small voice, sharing his truth revealed through scripture.

Here are some of the benefits of spending quiet time with God:

• Deepened Relationship: Just as any relationship thrives on quality time, so does our connection with God. Spending quiet moments alone with Him is a time when he cultivates intimacy and deepens our understanding of His character. As we meditate on His Word and pour out our hearts in prayer, our faith is strengthened, and our love for Him grows.
• Spiritual Renewal: Our souls, like our bodies, need nourishment and rest. In the busyness of life, we can become spiritually depleted. Spending quiet time with God is like recharging our spiritual batteries. It's a time to refocus our priorities, find peace amidst chaos, and experience the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
• Clarity and Guidance: When we intentionally remove ourselves from the noise around us, we are better able to focus on God. In the stillness, we can gain clarity on life's challenges, receive guidance for our decisions, and discern His will for our lives. Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
• Increased Focus and Productivity: Ironically, taking time for solitude can actually increase our productivity. When we are centered and grounded in God's presence, we are better equipped to handle life's demands in a more effective manner. Quiet time helps us prioritize tasks, manage stress, and approach our work with a renewed sense of purpose.
• Emotional Healing: Our hearts often carry burdens and wounds. Spending time alone with God provides a safe space to process our emotions, find healing, and experience His restorative love. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Here are some practical tips for your quiet time with God:

• Anticipate it, like you would any important appointment. What meeting could be more important than this one? We are creatures of habit so establishing a routine can be helpful.
• It can be helpful to define or create a dedicated space. Establishing a regular place can help you be consistent and focus. You may want to include things that set create a peaceful and meditative environment like special lighting, aromas, art, beneficial seating for comfort but also allows you to write notes on paper or device.
• Saturate your time with prayer. Open your heart to God in prayer, expressing gratitude, worship, sharing worries, requests, and interventions on behalf of other people or events.
• Meditate on scripture. Read a passage of Scripture slowly and thoughtfully, allowing the Word to penetrate your heart.
• Have easy access to trustworthy resources. What have authors you trust said about the verses and thoughts you are currently exploring? Have those resources readily available to access so you don’t need to interrupt the moment to go get them.
• Explore journaling, Write down your thoughts, reflections, and prayers. This can help you process your experiences and connect with God on a deeper level. If you enjoy artistic expressions whether it be doodling or elaborate illustrations, let your art reflect what's on your mind.
• Listen. Create space for silence. Sometimes the most profound insights come when we simply listen to God's still, small voice. Do be aware of drifting or losing focus. Know what helps to keep your attention and have it handy whether it be a beverage, mint, or less comfortable position. There’s a reason we tend to drift off to sleep as we lay in bed for our final prayers of the day!

The goal of this quiet time is not perfection, protecting the routine, or completing a task. Rather, it is about connection. Don't be discouraged if your mind wanders a little or if you struggle to focus. Simply return to the practice of being present with God. As you consistently make time for solitude and reflection, you will experience the transformative power of His presence in your life.