Probably because it’s basically nonexistent.
No need to go into the ugly details … because I imagine you’ve been there too.
It happens … and it’s happening to me. Probably related to chaos in my life and the whirlwind of changes we’ve been facing.
Nonetheless, at this point, today, I officially declare, “My quiet time stinks!”
And right now, I've decided I'm okay with that. {i think}
Because maybe, sometimes we just need to let go of all the routines and just wait until the Lord speaks. I admit that my quiet time can become my idol … and worse, it also causes me to judge. Because my life is busy and crazy and I make the time – so those that don’t, well, they must not be as committed as me.
Am I backing down from the idea that we need to spend time in God’s Word and in prayer every. single. day? Not at all. But I think I’m realizing that doesn’t ONLY happen in the dark, early morning with a journal and pen in hand ready to capture some amazing new insight.
What does it look like? What does it mean to abide in Him? I’m teaching a study on the Fruit of the Spirit right now at church and we began with a look at John 15 {which, by the way, is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible}. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you” (v. 4).
Is abiding more than marking off “read my Bible” on the good Christian scorecard? It has to be … it’s life, all of it. Even when I read my Bible and nothing jumps out at me enough to add it to my journal. Even when my prayers are flat and stale. Even when my quiet time stinks.
At least, I hope so.
{linking up with Life: Unmasked at Joy in this Journey … where we are peeling back the layers of pretense and sharing the “real”}
Joy @ Joy In This Journey says
Abiding in God not just in the early morning dark… this is so right. When I read to check it off my list, I set the Bible aside and don’t give it another thought the rest of the day. But abiding… that’s a way of being in God, aware of Him, thinking of Him, talking with Him all day long.
Thank you for sharing this, Teri. I know we’ve all had days and seasons when that time is stale and mechanical.
Joy @ Joy In This Journey recently posted…Jesus in the Fog ~ life: unmasked
Nikki says
“When I read to check it off my list, I set the Bible aside and don’t give it another thought the rest of the day. But abiding…that’s a way of being in God…” LOVE THIS and how desperately I needed this reminder TODAY!
Thank you, Teri Lynne for your transparency and courage to share. Thank you Joy for sharing this comment.
Mollianne says
The fine line between ‘discipline’ and ‘rigid’ is tricky, isn’t it?
Stacy says
So enjoyed this post. Loved the refreshingly honest way you put it! The Good Christian Scoreboard needs to be shredded by all. A to do list does not equal a relationship with Christ.
mich pendergrass says
so spot on!
Brooke Espinoza says
I love how it boils down to abiding. I’ve noticed when I’m not abiding, just getting caught up in the busyness of life, I can easily get discouraged and frustrated. But when I consider what Jesus said “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) I can see that those feelings of discouragement and frustration I can experience are the direct result of not abiding. I have to discipline myself daily to set aside the Martha activities of my day, and like her sister Mary, make that time to sit at Jesus’ feet and just abide. Thanks for the great reminder!
Natalie says
Do you remember me saying I started a private blog that I used to record what I did in my quiet time? I’d link what I’d read (like at Scripture Dig) so I could easy revisit those posts that gave me insight or were particularly meaningful. I recently gave it up since my time with the Lord had warped into “just get something written down in the blog so it “looks” like I had a quiet time”. It was ugly, and ridiculous. So, yeah…I can relate to quiet time becoming an idol. Thanks for the encouragement that I’m not alone in the struggle.
Heathahlee says
I, too, am quick to judge when someone else isn’t “getting” the Christian life like I do (that, in itself, is laughable). Even though when I “get” something the Lord usually allows my haughty spirit to be brought low by circumstances that allow me to see that He works in every single person differently. Love this post, Teri Lynn!