"If you read and study four verses a day, every day, it will take you twenty-six years to study through the entire Bible. Twenty six years. That's all! Chances are, most of you will live that long; there's no need to rush through it." -Dr. Ronald Sauer of The Moody Bible Institute, on really studying the Bible, not just simply reading it
For the past few months my season of life has allowed me to
meet with God first thing in the morning. I do best when I eat breakfast right
away with my Bible in hand. This is new for me. I have always met with God in either
the afternoons or evenings.
I don’t feel like a better Christian or even more
accomplished because I’m spending time with God early. Honestly my time in the
afternoons was richer because I was more awake and had both more to offer God
and more patience in waiting on Him. For me the one bonus of meeting with God
in the mornings is that I'm not tempted to push this time later and later in
the day until time has run out.
I know lots of people swear by (ironic, I know) meeting with
God in the early morning. Many pastors preach it as the only option for mature
growing Christians (look hard, but this is not in the Bible). There are merits
to meeting with God first thing and some seasons of life will only allow you
that time. But if you feel any type of guilt for meeting with God sometime
other than early morning or if you feel any type pride from meeting with him at
5:00 AM, you have missed the point.
God wants to meet with you. He’s always available and
waiting. Don’t feel guilt or shame for when and how you meet with him. Don’t
worry about how much or how little you read or how much time you have to offer.
Just meet with Him. Give him five minutes or an hour. Read two chapters or two
verses. If you give God your time, any time, you will grow. It’s that simple.
If meeting with God regularly is one of your goals for this new
year, take a deep breath. Take the pressure off. God wants time with you.
Whatever and whenever you give it, He will be faithful to meet you.
When do you find time
to meet with God and read his word? How has it impacted your spiritual growth
and the rest of your life?
Wonderful and encouraging post, Joy! I have been guilty of being legalistic in the past about the time of day I met with God. Funny thing is that only recently, in the past year, have I been able to faithfully meet with God in the morning. It has been such a blessed time for me and I'm thankful for it. I love watching the sun rise and being with God before my children greet me for the day! From then on it's beautiful chaos, loud and busy... so morning is definitely a sweet time for me.
ReplyDeleteEmily, it's so good to see how God has changed your heart and in-turn helped you reach your goal.
DeleteJoy!!! It's me! Remember your Allume roomie!?!? I can't believe it's taken me so long to finally track you down! How are you? Thinking of you today and would love to hear how you are! Enjoying your blog!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear from you Jessica. I'll send you a private message.
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