This week we’re looking at common struggles to having a meaningful quiet time. For tips to combat Quiet Time Quandary #1—I never do a quiet time—click HERE. Wherever you find yourself, we’ll help you solve your quiet time quandary and reestablish a refreshing connection with God.
Quiet Time Quandary 2: I sometimes do a quiet time, but I’m not very committed.
“Unfortunately, I do quiet times sporadically,” says Chad Spear, 28, of Hickory, N.C. “I’ll be doing really good and actually starting to create a routine and then I ‘mess up.’ When I ‘mess up’ or skip a day, I usually don’t get back to them for weeks.”
Like Spear, a vast majority of Christians fall into the commitment quandary, and they aren’t sure how to get out. One way to fight your own inconsistency is to find a discipler or friend to hold you accountable. Another way is to reevaluate the time of day you’ve chosen. If you keep skipping it, maybe it’s not a good time.
The Solution
Clark believes the better approach is to fight the faulty idea of “messing up.” Life is going to get in the way. We will falter at times. The obsession with picture-perfect quiet times keeps people from snatching the opportunities we do have to spend with God.
“Today I didn’t have time when I woke up to have any quality time with the Lord,” Clark admits. “I headed off to a men’s Bible study and then a building meeting. Some days are like that with a relationship. But when I got back to the office, no one was here. I sat in God’s presence for a while, stealing some moments together. Maybe we all have those moments but don’t see them.”
Broadening your definition of quiet time can give you the freedom to seek God in new ways. “You’re not thinking, Oh no, I didn’t sit down and open my Bible today; you’re thinking, I want to know God and find out what He does, who He is, and what He says,” Martin relates. “God’s not checking off our quiet times. He’s looking for our company.”
Ultimately, she says overcoming a lack of commitment hinges on knowing your goal. “Be clear about your goal. It’s not about quiet time—it’s about knowing God,” Martin notes. “Focusing on your goal will help you say no to a lot of good things to say yes to the one important thing.”
Easy Step for Today
Sometimes people can’t stay committed because they’re trying to do too much. Try lectio divina, which means “holy listening.” Simply choose a key verse from your Bible reading, write it on a 3×5 card, and spend the day listening to what God’s telling you through that verse.