Quiet Time with God

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Quiet time with God

“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear and your soul shall live, And I will make an everlasting covenant with you.” Isaiah 55:3

The motivation video was entitled, “What God Wants from You.” As I listened intently, the five speakers, each with a two-minute limit spoke about the habit of praying, saying Amen, and then quickly moving forward with our daily tasks. We often accuse God of being silent. Yet, we do not take the time to meditate and listen quietly to receive His answer.

Communication with God is vital for our salvation. Prayer is so important we are told to, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is not saying audible prayers or chanting throughout the day and night. In our waking hours, we develop the habit of keeping our minds in a prayerful mode. Having an active prayer life increases our faith, gives us confidence, and keeps us obediently in the will of God. Divine strength is given to us when we call on God. So, when troubles arise, we do not panic, we go to God first.

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

God is aware that we need Divine Intervention to develop a heart-to-heart relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit is involved when we pray. “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). And the Holy Spirit is our Teacher, Comforter, and Guide.

Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor. “…It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34). We pray, the Holy Spirit takes our prayers and presents them to Jesus. We receive answers from God through His Spirit. God uses His Spirit to speak to us in various ways, our thoughts, His Scriptures, sermons, Devotional readings, and through those who are anointed.

Doing our part: “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6)

Every day, put God first! The importance of being in our secret place is to shut out the noise of busyness which prevents an intentional focus on God. Otherwise, we cannot hear His answer, and then we are led into deception by Satan. God is aware that we are in an ongoing spiritual war. Still, we can be victorious if we follow His commands.

Staying in the will of God requires solitude and quiet time to pray, study, and meditate. We can never be led astray when we listen and obey. Hearing the voice of God assures us that we will remain on the Path of Righteousness.

Prayer: God, give us strength to shut out the noise that prevents us from hearing Your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.