Find Quiet Time With God

[00:00:00] There is power in prayer, but what is the value of quiet time with God?

[00:00:06] Let's discuss.

[00:00:15] Welcome to the Walking in Step with God podcast.

[00:00:19] Here we empower you to walk boldly with God.

[00:00:22] Visit our website at walkinginstepwithgod.org for resources, videos of our messages, and

[00:00:29] more information about our ministry.

[00:00:31] Once again, that website is walkinginstepwithgod.org.

[00:00:37] Hello, welcome to Walking in Step with God.

[00:00:40] I'm Steve McDonald.

[00:00:42] Today we explore the topic, Find Quiet Time with God as we continue in our new series,

[00:00:48] Grow Deeper in Faith.

[00:00:50] As we have discussed many times, prayer is a fundamental part of our walk with God.

[00:00:56] In the first segment of our series, we explored the importance of prayer and learned several ways

[00:01:02] to make prayer a part of our lives day-to-day.

[00:01:04] While prayer and praise are important, I also believe that quiet time with God is important.

[00:01:12] During our quiet time with God, we can position ourselves to be aware of and experience His presence.

[00:01:19] During quiet time with God, we can ready ourselves to be in the best possible posture

[00:01:24] to receive divine instruction and direction.

[00:01:29] There's a song I'm quite fond of called Quiet by the artist Elevation Rhythm.

[00:01:35] In the track there are the lyrics,

[00:01:37] I'll just be quiet and let you speak through the silence.

[00:01:42] As someone who experiences this firsthand, I agree with these lyrics wholeheartedly.

[00:01:49] When we can find the space and time to have stillness with God,

[00:01:52] we can create an environment for God to interact and interface with us in a powerful new way.

[00:01:59] In today's message, let's explore three places that we can create quiet time with God.

[00:02:05] Let's find out how we can integrate quiet time with God into our lives every day of our lives.

[00:02:12] Before we dive in, why don't we take a quick break?

[00:02:16] I'll be right back.

[00:02:22] Finally, in the unusual times we're in, here's your sign that your desires are being answered.

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[00:02:42] and illuminate the path toward a rich, intimate relationship with God.

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[00:03:04] and strengthen your bond with the Creator.

[00:03:07] Again, that's 100stepsbook.com.

[00:03:15] Welcome back.

[00:03:15] Let's continue our discussion of three places to create quiet time with God.

[00:03:21] Number one, quiet time in nature.

[00:03:27] I think the most powerful place to create quiet time with God is in nature.

[00:03:32] When we recognize that all of nature is created by God, what better place is there to be one with Him and be still with Him?

[00:03:40] Is there a trail nearby that you can take a walk or run, or even just sit to take in all the scenery around you?

[00:03:48] Is there a park nearby that you enjoy?

[00:03:52] Maybe you enjoy the mountains or the ocean or the desert.

[00:03:57] All of these places are created by God and are a perfect place to have quiet time with Him.

[00:04:03] For me personally, I have enjoyed sitting in silence next to the roaring waves on the rugged coastlines of California.

[00:04:14] The sound of the waves on a rock is loud.

[00:04:17] It is by no means a quiet place, but there is quiet and silence in my mind, so it is truly quiet time with God.

[00:04:28] Wherever your special place is in nature, take the time to find quiet time with the Creator of all things.

[00:04:39] Number two, quiet time at home.

[00:04:44] Quiet time with God in your home is typically the easiest and most convenient way to set aside time with Him.

[00:04:51] In your own home, you can create the space and the time to have your one-on-one time.

[00:04:57] Typically our home is the only place that we can control the environment, creating an actual quiet space that is relaxing and suitable for us to be still with God.

[00:05:09] For me, quiet time at home is done shortly after I wake up every day.

[00:05:13] I found that it was important to me to have about 25 minutes of quiet time before I start any activities that are interfacing with others.

[00:05:23] In other words, my quiet time with God at home is done before emails and text messages and phone calls.

[00:05:31] As it turns out, I get up the earliest in my household so my quiet time with God is even before interaction with others in my family.

[00:05:39] For me, this makes quiet time with God very intimate and personal.

[00:05:45] If you don't already, I highly recommend setting aside the time and space in your home to have quiet time with God.

[00:05:54] 3. Quiet time at work or school

[00:05:59] Today we have touched on quiet time at home and in nature.

[00:06:03] What about when we are out and about in the world?

[00:06:07] Most of us have a place of employment or may be attending some form of school or college for most of our day.

[00:06:14] I want to encourage you to consider that in both of these situations, we can still make quiet time for God.

[00:06:21] Even if we are at school or work, we can still benefit from making space for stillness with God.

[00:06:28] In the workplace, perhaps you can find a private space to go to during a work or lunch break.

[00:06:35] In school, perhaps there is a study room where you can take a few moments to have stillness with God in between classes.

[00:06:42] If you find it difficult to make quiet time with God in nature or in the home,

[00:06:48] find a way to make quiet time with God part of your work or school day.

[00:06:53] Even if for a few minutes, God rewards those who are faithful in prioritizing time with Him.

[00:07:03] In today's message we explored the importance of having quiet time with God.

[00:07:08] We also discussed three places where we can create the time and space for quiet time with Him.

[00:07:13] We reflected on the opportunity to have quiet time as we immerse ourselves in God's creation.

[00:07:20] We learned that our home is an excellent place to create a specific space and time for quiet time.

[00:07:27] Lastly, we discussed the idea that we can even create opportunities for quiet time with God in our workplace or schools.

[00:07:36] Quiet time with God is a fundamental aspect of our walk with Him.

[00:07:40] It is time that allows us to sense and experience His presence and be most receptive to His instruction and guidance.

[00:07:50] Let us close out in prayer.

[00:07:53] Dear Father Almighty God, just thank you once again for this day.

[00:07:57] We thank you for this message. We thank you for the words of wisdom.

[00:07:59] We thank you for helping us to understand that you enjoy all time with us, even quiet time with you.

[00:08:07] We ask that you touch our hearts and minds with the ideas, you know our schedules, you know our circumstances, all the parts of our day.

[00:08:16] Maybe we don't know what we don't know. Help us to know how we can make quiet time with you and help us to know the benefits of making quiet time with you.

[00:08:26] Father, when we do make quiet time with you I just ask that you touch our hearts and allow your presence to be made known.

[00:08:33] So that maybe we may see just the joy that can come from allocating time to prioritizing time with you.

[00:08:41] Amen.

[00:08:44] Are you interested in learning more about the sources guiding this message?

[00:08:47] Then I invite you to stay tuned after the break for our Going Deeper with the Word segment.

[00:08:52] Here we examine how God's Word provides clear guidance and direction about quiet time with God.

[00:08:59] If you're catching this episode on YouTube or a Facebook group, please be sure to click that like button and also be sure to leave your comments about today's message and making quiet time with God.

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[00:09:20] I'll be right back after this message.

[00:09:30] I'm going to give you where you are, as you are.

[00:09:32] Visit walkinginstepwithgod.org slash messages where you can find this message and many more like it.

[00:09:39] Bless you.

[00:09:41] Some messages just hit differently and if this message has touched your heart and you want to experience it again,

[00:09:47] you can watch the video online at walkinginstepwithgod.org slash messages.

[00:09:53] God bless you.

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[00:10:31] Welcome to Going Deeper with the Word.

[00:10:34] In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God.

[00:10:41] The Word of God provides guidance and direction and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.

[00:10:49] Today we examine how God's Word provides clear guidance and direction about quiet time with God.

[00:10:56] Let's review examples of God's Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today's message.

[00:11:04] I'll be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.

[00:11:07] If you're watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.

[00:11:14] And here's our first verse.

[00:11:18] Psalm 46 verse 10.

[00:11:22] Be still and know, in other words recognize and understand that I am God.

[00:11:29] I will be exalted among the nations.

[00:11:31] I'll be exalted in the earth.

[00:11:36] In this verse we recognize the importance of stillness with acknowledgement and recognition of God.

[00:11:41] I believe this is one of the most powerful elements of quiet time with God.

[00:11:45] Being still and quiet in our mind to honor and exalt God and His presence in the moment.

[00:11:53] When you have quiet time with God, what are some of the thoughts going through your mind of what God means to you in these moments?

[00:12:01] Let us know in the comments.

[00:12:04] Let's have a look at another verse.

[00:12:07] Psalm 3 verse 6.

[00:12:09] When I remember you on my bed, I meditate and thoughtfully focus on you in the night watches.

[00:12:20] In this verse we see another example of songs in regards to the thoughtful focus of God in the night.

[00:12:27] Quiet time with God is definitely activity whereby we do everything we can to block out the world around us

[00:12:35] and focus our thoughts and our heart on God, be it in complete silence, prayer or a mix of both.

[00:12:44] If you have quiet time with God, is there a particular time of day that you set aside this time?

[00:12:50] If so, why?

[00:12:53] Let us know in the comments.

[00:12:56] Let's take a look at one last verse.

[00:13:00] Isaiah 30 verse 15.

[00:13:03] For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel has said this.

[00:13:08] In returning and rest you shall be saved.

[00:13:13] And quietness and confident trust is your strength.

[00:13:19] But you are not willing.

[00:13:23] In this verse we see the association of quietness and confident trust.

[00:13:28] In other words, being still and calm in the face of uncertainties plays our trust in God for all of our needs.

[00:13:38] Setting aside quiet time with God helps us to demonstrate to God where our priorities lie, despite how appearances may seem.

[00:13:48] Surely setting aside quiet time with God instead of being in a panic and frenzy demonstrates to God our willingness to seek out His will about the circumstances at hand

[00:14:00] and trust Him in His guidance and direction.

[00:14:05] Has there been a time in your life where there is an emergency or an urgent issue where you did not consult God and found yourself filled with panic?

[00:14:14] If similar circumstances were to occur today, would you find value in making time to be still with God and ask for direction?

[00:14:25] Let us know in the comments.

[00:14:29] Wherever we are, God will meet us where we are when we make time to have stillness and quiet time with Him.

[00:14:37] I believe that when He sees us make this effort, we will benefit from His presence even in that moment.

[00:14:46] God rewards the faithful and I believe that He allows us to know His presence when we make time to be still with Him.

[00:14:56] Thank you for your time in reviewing these verses with me today and please be sure to share in the comments of how these are other examples of God's word

[00:15:05] that have helped you to learn the importance of quiet time with God.

[00:15:10] Thank you for the opportunity to share encouragement here at Walk in the Step with God.

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[00:15:27] Have an amazing week and we'll catch you next time.

[00:15:31] Bless you.

[00:15:35] Thank you for listening.

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