Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut?
I struggled to maintain a quiet time with Jesus as a young mom and pastor’s wife, but never seemed to master the daily discipline other people seemed to enjoy on a regular basis.
Each January 1st, I’d make promises that this would be the year everything changed. But inevitably, I’d get busy and forget, or something would throw my schedule out of whack.
Rather than simply start where I left off, I’d throw up my hands in despair, deciding I must not be the spiritual sort. But God was so patient with me as He tenderly – and continually! – called me to friendship with Him.
“Don’t worry about being perfect, Joanna,” I sensed Him say. I just want to be with you.”
{{ READ this story – it really helped me! }}
It has been a slow and imperfect process, but over the years, the Lord has helped me carve out a daily time with Him that has literally changed my life! I want that for you as well, my friend.
Don’t worry about doing it perfect, just begin! And if you get sidetracked or interrupted, just start again. Remember, His mercies are new every morning! He has what you need. Don’t let self-imposed expectations keep you from spending time with the One who gives us life.
To help you do that, I’ve come up with a list of ways you can refresh and refocus your quiet time. I share them in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, but also in my devotional, At the Feet of Jesus: 365 Devotions to Nurture a Mary Heart. (Part of this year’s Facebook Bible Reading Challenge – get your free journal HERE)
I bet you could add a few ideas of your own to the list! I’d love to hear them – be sure to leave a comment at the end of this post.
(And don’t miss the list of blog posts filled with tips and tools for getting the most out of your time in the Word!)
Ten Creative Quiet Times
1. Take God out for coffee. Find a quiet corner in a café and meet with God. With your Bible and a notebook, you’re set for a heart-to-heart with your very Best Friend.
2. Add a spiritual classic to your devotional diet. While nothing should replace the Word of God, Christian books provide delicious and enriching side dishes!
3. Put feet to your faith. Take a walk with God! Praise Him for His handiwork. Listen to the Bible on your iPod. Pray. Your body and spirit will appreciate the workout.
4. Journal your journey. Keep a spiritual diary. Record thoughts as you meditate on Scripture. List prayer requests and answers.
5. Come before Him with singing. Add music to your devotions. Use a praise CD or sing acapella. Read a hymn out loud. Praise ushers us into the presence of God.
6. Let faith come by hearing. Download sermons from favorite speakers. Anointed preaching builds both knowledge and faith.
7. Dig a little deeper. A good Bible study will take you beyond just reading the Word. It will help you rightly divide the Word of Truth and apply it to your life.
8. All the King’s versions. Find a Bible translation you understand for your regular devotions. Read from other versions to add a fresh perspective.
9. Hide the Word. Memorizing scripture plants the Word of God deep in your heart. Write verses on index cards and carry them with you to practice.
10. Spend a half-day in prayer. It may seem impossible, but as you set aside a large portion of time to spend with the Lord, He will meet you in extraordinary ways.
Sometimes trying something different than your normal routine is exactly what you need to once again “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). God uses those moments to ignite a new hunger in our hearts for more of Him that will continue to grow through consistency and creativity!
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1
For more Quiet Time resources, be sure to check out these blogs:
- Still Before the Lord – Myth Busting Quiet Time
- How to Use a Devotional in your Devotions
- Why Doing Less Could (Really) Be Doing More
[Some affiliate links have been used in this post.]
I’d love to hear from you…what creative elements have you enjoyed in your quiet time with Jesus?