Quiet Time

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.”

Psalm 62:1 (AMPC)

My mind can be everything but quiet in my quiet-time with the Lord.

Thoughts pop into my head: the grocery list, chores to be done, a person’s name I have been trying to remember, or a long-forgotten memory. My mind can be busier during quiet-time than any other time of day. I keep a paper handy, jotting down these interruptive thoughts, so I can lay them aside without the worry of forgetting them.

Other distractions come from outside my mind. The phone rings, someone knocks on my door, the dog wants to go out or the dryer buzzes.

My senses seem more alert than usual. I spot a dust bunny, a piece of lint on the carpet, a spot on my shirt. My nails need to be filed. There’s my new book; maybe I’ll read the first chapter.

It takes effort to focus on the Lord instead of the other things begging for attention.

Thankfully, complete quiet is not a requirement of quiet-time. I might read the Bible aloud, talk to the Lord, or sing. In fact, vocalizing helps my mind focus.

At some point, it is time to be quiet and listen. I don’t need to be the only one talking; the Lord should have His turn. His words are more important than mine.

Some days it’s easier to quiet my mind than others, but the Lord faithfully speaks throughout the day, and not just during a set-aside time with Him. Some of His most memorable words came to me when I was not expecting them.

My relationship with the Lord gets sweeter as time passes. I’m thankful He wants to share every minute of the day with me, but I still look forward to quiet-time with my Bible, journal, and coffee. Distractions always come, but there’s nothing better than time spent with the Lord.