Quiet Times

Psalm 71:1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. (NIV)

               The older I get, the more I understand my need for introversion. The world has become a frenzied, noisy, and greedy place that I find difficult to embrace or accept at times. Instead, I cherish quiet places and people, solitary moments and tranquil times more than ever. I look forward to taking refuge in God’s cloister of closeness, either by sitting in my lounge reading, or resting on my bed while listening to classical music. Life doesn’t have to be hectic, filled with torturous timetables or burdened by trivial pursuits that consume my days. I seek God’s peace and look forward to His presence each day. I become a spiritual refugee in God’s arms; I rest my weary soul in the Lord.

               I know that I have responsibilities, tasks, and obligations to fulfill. I understand the need to work and the attention that my vocation requires. I am aware that leadership involves supporting and serving people in many different ways. I embrace and accept all of those important things, but there is a deeper part of me that longs to be alone with God, to quietly surrender my spirit into His hands, purposefully pondering on what my personal connection to Christ really involves and to think about what it will become in Eternity. I am not seeking to escape from the world; I’m just taking refuge in the Creator of the World which is what I’m truly meant to be. The Bible tells us that the peace of God surpasses our understanding, so I guess I’m trying to find and embrace that peace above all else.

               Perhaps you presently have a whole list of things to do, tasks to fulfill, and obligations to meet. I hope you succeed in accomplishing and completing all of them. However, may I suggest you add something else? Take time to be with God on your own. Find a quiet place and rest in the Lord’s presence. Seek refuge in God’s love and remain in His arms for a while. It will do you the world of good and be beneficial for your body, mind, heart, and soul. May God bless you this day with peace.

Point to ponder

Do I have a timetable for this weekend? Where can I allocate time to quietly be with God?

Prayer: Lord God, You created us to be and just not to do. Help us to cherish Your presence and to refresh our souls in Your quiet and abiding love. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Time to Pray

Mark 1:35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. (NRSV)

Let’s be honest, we often neglect taking time to pray, and instead give God quick requests about needing blessings for us, our families, and our plans. We've turned prayer into a brief spiritual interruption in our busy lives, sending the Lord urgent requests as if they were telepathic texts. Unfortunately, this isn't enough to build a strong relationship with our Creator. If we think we're too busy to pray, then as old preachers used to say: we're just too busy. 

Jesus was also extremely busy during His time on Earth; every day included teaching, healing, solving problems, and guiding His disciples. He likely had very little time to relax. However, despite constant demands and interruptions, He still made time to pray by deliberately rising early to be alone with God. Similarly, Martin Luther, the great Reformer of the Church, who also had a very busy schedule, was once asked how he found time to pray. He responded by saying: "I get up an hour earlier to pray before my work begins."

Perhaps, then, if we want to spend some quality time in prayer, offering God our thanks, requests, praises, and petitions, then we should also make time to pray in the earlier and quieter part of our day. And if we are truly concerned about our personal circumstances, national issues, and global situations, we should purposely set aside time to pray, and then quietly listen for God’s response.

Point to ponder: When do I make time to pray?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You taught us how to pray and why we should pray, but You also revealed to us when we should pray. Encourage and enable all of us to quietly make time to talk to You faithfully, fully, and effectively before our scheduled day begins. In Your Holy Name, we ask. Amen.

John Stuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.