A DISCLAIMER:

• I do not endorse legalism

• I do not think Jesus is a genie in a bottle that will grant me wishes if I do my part

• I do not think God ever OWES me anything

With that out of the way, I can now loudly proclaim, I need to have a Quiet Time with Jesus every day. Its very quietness transports me away from the world: all its demands and distractions, its privations and temptations, its discouragements and its allurements.

Beginning my day with Jesus and steeping myself in His Word is the most beneficial habit I possess. But why? I am so glad you asked (okay, I am the one who asked, but pardon me while I pretend it was you who asked.)

I need help remembering that I am not in charge.

It is not that I must to be in charge. It is just that I have this weird, over-developed sense of responsibility. It is a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing as it helps me get things done. But as a curse, it weighs me down with tasks and burdens that are not mine to carry. My Quiet Time constantly reminds: God is in charge; He is responsible; He doesn't actually NEED my help.

My quiet time helps me get out of the driver's seat.

Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.  Proverbs 19:22, (NASB)

I need a plan for my day.

Like a builder needs blueprints, we need a plan for how to go about our day. I try to wait to make my "To Do" list until after spending time with the Lord of my life and hearing from Him. It helps align my priorities. Being a Do-er (remember: both blessing AND curse), I easily jump into doing before I hear the plan for the day. Take it from me: NEVER a good idea.

My quiet time corrects my daily vision so I see God's plan instead of my own.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  Isaiah 55:8 (NASB)

I need courage for my day

I am often greeted in the morning by the unwelcome emotions of weariness and melancholy. I wish I bounded out of bed with joy and energy. Alas, that is rare. If I am to have my mind and spirit set on God's way and have them filled with God's energy, courage, and power, I have to intentionally make that happen. More important than my morning coffee is my time in the Word of God.

My quiet time gives me courage to tackle God's assignments for the day.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

Quiet Time In the '80s and '90s (yes, I am a bit "elderly"), "quiet times" were stressed. I rarely hear that term thrown around anymore. But the daily discipline of spending time with God and His Word, whatever you call it, it just as important as ever.

Do you have trouble with this discipline? Or do you need encouragement on why it is important? I will be sharing on "How to Have an Effective Quiet Time" and "The Results of Regular Quiet Times" over the next few days.

Another disclaimer:

• I am not a perfect performer of this act

• I am no expert

• I have come nowhere near "arriving" spiritually: in fact the more time I spend in the Word, the more I am aware of how far my heart is from God's best

If those disclaimers don't scare you off then tune back in.

Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 (NASB, emphasis mine)