Quiet Time With God

I like quiet time. Time when I can be alone to study a passage of Scripture and pray. It is a special time when I am alone with God. Unfortunately I have not always valued this time with the Father. Too often I have rushed through worship, said a quick prayer, and dashed off to start my day. But then, while I was still a young woman, adversity hit.

Divorce. Death. Single parenthood. Financial challenges. Job insecurity. All of which sent me to my knees. Sometimes I would cry out, “Where are You, God?” Other times, I would rant, “Have you forgotten me?” On one of those occasions, my dear mother pulled me aside and reminded me of the need to spend quality time with God. “But I pray every day,” I told her. She gave me a devotional book and a newly purchased New Century Version Bible. She suggested I start a daily plan for reading and studying both.

Then she said something I have never forgotten.

“Yvonne, do not be so quick to get up from your knees when you talk to God.” She had my attention as she continued, “Linger a while and allow Him to speak to you. Listen for His direction. Give Him your concerns and see how He answers.” I listened to Mom’s advice and began to read the devotional book and study God’s Word each day.

But taking the time to listen for God’s direction took many years of conscious effort. And now that I am much older, I have come to appreciate my quiet time with the Master. As I linger, listening for His guidance, I sense the Holy Spirit nudging me to stretch beyond myself. He calls me to become involved in reaching out to my community.

To tell someone every day about His love. Most importantly, to share the news He is coming back soon. Sisters, it is so sweet to have quiet time with God.

Every day my heavenly Father and I have a designated appointment that I do not miss. Thanking Him for His love toward me is the first order of business, and at our closing, I listen for His direction. Later in the evening, before falling asleep, I remind Him that I love Him and cannot wait till we talk again in the morning.

Father, as much as I enjoy my time with You, I look forward to the day when we will be able to talk face-to-face. Lord Jesus, please come quickly!

Yvonne Curry Smallwood