A while back Dave asked me a question. “Do you have time for me?”
He was being silly and teasing me because he knew I was busy making him breakfast. I think it surprised him when I answered “Sure babe, I always have time for you.”
Time is the only commodity that we are limited in receiving. Every one of us has the same 24 hours, the same 7 days, the same 12 months. It amazes me how some seem to get so much done while others waste what can’t be replaced. Some are more productive at night while others rise early and seem to get their best inspiration during the early morning.
Taking time – making time for the things that are important sometimes makes me feel like a juggler with one too many balls in the air.
When the kids were little it was important to “take time” to help them grow. When they became teenagers it seemed even more important; now that they are grown and have homes of their own I fondly remember those days, they are cherished memories. It delights me now to take time – undistracted time, to visit with them and be invited to share their time.
Everyone of us write appointments in our day planners, put them in our phone scheduler or write them on the calendar; the important things, things we don’t want to forget. Is our daily time with the Lord written there? Is it written on the schedule we keep in your heart?
One reoccurring question I have been asked over the years is “how long should my quiet time be”. My answer, “as long as you need”. It’s not important that we read multiple chapters in the Bible if we don’t remember what we’ve read when we’re done. It’s better to take one verse and apply it to our lives that day.
“ ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.’ ” Jeremiah 33:3 NLV
The same holds true with our prayer time. Praying is simply talking to the Father heart to heart. It shouldn’t be a religious exercise. No, instead we need to make it a conversation with our dearest friend. Prayer isn’t us doing all the talking; we need to be still and listen to that voice in our hearts, giving us instruction. That’s the Father talking back to us.
Start with a few undistracted minutes. I guarantee it will increase naturally. Spending time with the Father creates a desire and a hunger for more.
“Even before sunrise, I pray for your help, and I put my hope in what you have said. 148 I lie awake at night, thinking of your promises.” Psalm 119:147-148
Early or late, it’s one of those appointments we don’t want to miss! I was surprised to see how many times the Scripture records “early in the morning they went out to worship the Lord”. Early morning is my time but for you it may be the watches of the night, whenever it is, we can be certain that the Father will be there to meet us!
“God, hear my cry for help. Listen to my prayer. 2 From a faraway land I call to you for help. I feel so weak and helpless! Carry me to a high rock where no one can reach me. 3 You are my place of safety, a strong tower that protects me from my enemies.” Psalm 61:1-3 ERV
“I will answer them before they call for help. I will help them before they finish asking.” Isaiah 65.24 ERV
Take time to make time with the Lord. It is the best part of the day.