Friday, December 19, 2008

Quiet Time - Misconception #5

Misconception #5 – I’m too happy!
Many times a person may think that when everything is going really well they don’t have to put that much of an effort towards a quiet time. That is actually saying that they only desperately need God when things aren’t good. Basically that person is seeking God’s hand of blessing more than His heart of beauty. As believers, we should ultimately desire to seek after God, dwell in His presence all our days, gaze upon His beauty, and meditate on Him (Psalm 27:4). I like what John MacArthur’s Study Bible mentions about David in this passage, “The primary issue in David’s life was to live in God’s presence and by His purpose” (p.765). David then said, “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (v.5). In God’s presence, David received God’s promises which sustained Him in times of trouble. May we be people, “after God’s own heart, who will do all God’s will” (Acts 13:22) whether we’re in despair or happy.

As I conclude this series, I hope that you will “Bless the Lord at all times; let His praise continually be in your mouth” (Psalm 34:1) whether you’re having a quiet time or going about your daily duties. Never forget that “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10).

4 comments:

Tricia Keierleber said...

What a blessing to so many this has been! Thank you for taking the time to write all this... #1 is my reason for not getting quiet time done. I know it DOES NOT take too long, and the time spent is always of value, but I think Satan likes to use #1 against me! Prayer Journals help me get quiet time rolling for sure!

Pamela said...

Thank you Caryn for these posts. You definitely have a gift to teach and I'm so glad that you use this blog to do so. I have always struggled with quiet time. Even though I often sing, listen to sermons as I go about my day and think about the Lord I feel that I need to learn more discipline.
Recently, one of my sons started fearing being alone while he was falling asleep. I often found myself sitting impatiently by his crib, counting all the things I could be doing at that time. Surprisingly, this has proven to be a blessing for me. Feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, I started taking this time to pray and have started bringing my bible into his room to read while he falls asleep.
I turned a frustrating time into a time of praise!
Keep the posts coming! They challenge me and spur me on so thank you!

Caryn said...

Tricia,
Praise God for your transparency! Over the last 5 yrs, I've had seasons where I wrestled with each of these. Thanks for mentioning the Prayer Journals! That's such a GREAT way to record prayers, praises, and insight from the Word, etc.

Caryn said...

Wow Pamela...
Such encouragement for us all! Two great verses that my hubby & I often say are Psalm 119:68,71, "You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes. It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes." When things get challenging with my son's needs, we constantly remind ourselves of these verses. In those difficult times, God teaches us more of Himself and the promises of His Word.