Cultivating a Deeper Connection with God
As a new Christian, I’m eager to grow closer to God, but I’m not sure where to start. My friends tell me that having a daily quiet time with God is essential, but I’m unclear about what that entails.
Finding Comfort in Familiarity
My wife Denalyn and I have a special ritual – we love to visit the same restaurants repeatedly. While some might call it predictable, for us, it’s a cherished tradition. We enjoy the food, the servers, and the atmosphere, which reminds us of special moments we’ve shared before. In those comfortable surroundings, our hearts open up, and we lose track of time, fully present in the moment.
A Quiet Time: A Date with God
Similarly, a quiet time with God is like a special date. It’s a chance to connect with Him, to talk, listen, laugh, and cry together. To make the most of this sacred time, here are some practical tips:
Set a Regular Time and Place
Choose a specific time and place to meet with God, and claim it as your own. A familiar setting will evoke similar feelings you’ve experienced before with God, helping you feel more comfortable and at ease.
Quality Over Quantity
Don’t worry about the duration of your quiet time; focus on the quality of your interaction. Take as much time as you need to express yourself and listen to God’s gentle whispers.
Bring Your Bible
Come prepared with an open Bible, God’s love letter to you. While you may not hear an audible voice, you can sense God’s presence through His eternal dialogue with humanity.
A Listening Heart
Remember James’ wise words: “The man who looks into the perfect mirror of God’s law, the law of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who sees and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness” (James 1:25 PHILLIPS). Approach your quiet time with a listening heart, genuinely engaging with God’s words.
Prioritize Your Date with God
Just as you wouldn’t miss a date with a loved one, claiming you were too busy, make sure your quiet time with God is on the calendar, and do everything in your power to keep it special. By doing so, you’ll cultivate a deeper connection with God, and experience true happiness and fulfillment.
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