Finding Quiet Time with God

I'm excited to introduce you to Francine Costanza, the newest counselor at Heritage Counseling Center and the author of this week's article!  Francine brings us encouragement and hints on how to get into the routine of finding quiet time with God.  She explains what there is to be gained when you get into a routine of quiet time with God.  Here is what Francine has to say:

The morning alarm goes off and life begins again. Jump in the shower, dry your hair, brush your teeth, pick out something presentable to wear, make the coffee, grab a bagel (or something - maybe), get to work or to school, or just get busy. On and on we could go, listing the multitude of tasks before us each day. How many mornings across the country start out either mechanically or rushed, with the duties of life sitting on the throne? As we stop and reflect on the year gone by and the year ahead, let us consider how much time we are spending in communion with our heavenly Father. Do we really believe that He loves us immeasurably and that His power is unlimited? If so, then spending time in His presence must be a worthwhile endeavor. This new year might be a good time to slow down and set aside time each day to open God's Word and to open our hearts before Him.

Many people might say, "When can I fit that in?" This is a very legitimate question and one which needs to be answered by each individual. Here are some possibilities to consider:

• Challenge yourself to get up 20 minutes earlier to allow the time before starting your day or leaving the house.
• Take a mid-morning break and go to a quiet place where you can be undisturbed.
• Set aside 15 or 20 minutes during lunch.
• In the late afternoon when the refrigerator starts calling, grab a snack and take a quiet time along with it.
• If you can't find time in the morning or during the day, then the evening or before bed are just as good.

The important thing is taking the time and preferably the same time each day.

A morning quiet time has been a staple for me, before the day gets overtaken with busyness. It is a time to read scripture, to meditate, to pray, and to write down thoughts that the Holy Spirit brings to mind. It is also a time to ask God for direction, for wisdom, and for strength to follow His leading as the day unfolds. We can bring before Him our foibles and shortcomings, our fears and weaknesses, asking Him to remove them, to change us and equip us for the best use of His kingdom.

It might be a challenge to get up 20 minutes earlier than usual to spend time with the Lord, but I have found that the pay-off mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually is substantial. The day holds more joy, more hope and more meaning when I first join with God, read the inspiration of His Word and pray to the One who has all power. It is true that "His mercies and compassion are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:22) By starting the day at the feet of Jesus, we can more fully comprehend this truth and experience more fully the wonder of His love.

Sometimes it may feel like too much effort to do this on a regular basis and just one more thing on the "to do" list. But it is actually a form of self-care which is so important in our fast-paced society with so many things happening outside of our control. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-11, "When I am weak, then I am strong." Our weakness is often what motivates us to turn to God and when we are able to see that it is His power, not ours, that is working in us. We can ask God for the wisdom to recognize our needs and to know what to pray for. Do you need courage, patience, self-control, self-discipline, gratitude, forgiveness or faith? Romans 8:37 tells us that in all these things we can be "more than conquerors through Him who loves us."

In my research I was unable to find a study substantiating the benefits of a daily quiet time. That doesn't mean there isn't one which has been done. It might be worthwhile to do some research of your own by taking a daily quiet time for one full week. See if it makes a difference in your day, your life, and your mental state. Compare those days with times when you don't set the time aside. I hope that you will find your appointment with God to be well worth it. I believe that as we take the time to be in His presence each day, turning our lives over to Him and seeking His direction, He will conform us more and more into the likeness of His Son, to be used for His glory and our good in this life and the next. (Romans 8:29, 12:2)

Francine Costanza, LCPC