No Substitute for Time Spent With God in His Word and Through Prayer
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” II Timothy 3:16-17
I’m not sure whether it’s the business of life or that life throws so much at us that we want answers and we want them quick! I’ve seen on cards to be inserted in the Bible, in books, online etc…where if you have a question about a situation – this is the verse to turn to. A quick, short answer.
I think over time, this does a disservice to the Christian from getting in, spending time letting God talk to them through his word, having those words thoroughly get into that Christian. Also, allowing that Christian to grow in strength. We may not know how one phrase, word, verse or passage may speak to our hearts and minds.
We need to stop short-changing ourselves. There’s no substitute for getting in reading, memorizing and praying God’s word. We need it all.
If we feel like we don’t have time to spend time with God – something’s not right. Perhaps, there are too many other things we think are more important.
How much time do we waste doing things that have no long-term value. Our phones now are constantly with us. I see people all the time looking at their phones – at what? Small one-liner chats with folks? Surfing the web or keeping up with the latest on Facebook or Snapchat..all of these feed into quick answers, quick fixes and wasted time.
“For the word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are (yet without sin). Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:12-16
Prayer – There’s nothing God Doesn’t Already Know
Jesus knows every thing we go through. He came and lived a life on this earth demonstrating that He is God and that he knows our sorrows, difficulties and pain. No one understands more than Jesus. He taught grace and mercy for our benefit – so that we can understand how beautiful it is. He continually grants us grace and mercy several times every day. Not only for ourselves, but that we can also learn of him and grant this mercy and grace to others. We can boldly speak to him of what’s on our hearts. He already knows and will teach us, strengthen us and give us of his peace and wisdom. It will only come through time spent with Him in reading God’s word and through prayer. If we rely on a verse here and a verse there….we’re not feeding our hearts and minds and growing. If we rely on what another has learned through God’s word in books – their words may teach us – but they can’t go through us like God’s word can. There’s no substitute for our own walk, our own growth, our own learning and ultimately our own deepened strength and relationship with God.
One on One Time
The value is immeasurable. There are no quick fixes. If you’ve felt that God’s word and prayer have not given you the answers you need. I challenge you, spend more time, be more deliberate. Be aware of the time wasters in your life. Go early to Him. Spend time reading and praying. Be ready, your mind and other things will try to distract you. But, be resolute. Your personal growth and relationship with God doesn’t come through verses piece mealed as if one verse answers the whole question…maybe it will address the surface, but the depth of it is letting God’s word go through you thoroughly. Be deliberate in your prayer – write down your requests and record your answers. Don’t forget. We’re not here for ourselves only. We are here to be encouragers to others – some times we do go through situations just so that we can help someone else. Some times, the eyes of our mind are so inwardly focused, we miss seeing what’s going on around us – who may need that encouragement, that, ‘I know how you feel, I felt the same way and this is what I’ve found…” There’s no substitute for spending time with God and as a result living life as salt and light for others.
Know the Depth and Wonder of God’s Love
I am in awe and amazed that God loves us. Those three words have such rich meaning. He knows us thoroughly, yet his thoughts are continuously on us – and yet he loves us. He grants us grace each day, he wishes for us to have a relationship with him. Isn’t that amazing! That knowledge, when you let it thoroughly get into your being will bring you joy throughout all your circumstances. We may not know all of the whys and wherefores of a situation…but we can certainly trust that God does – and we can certainly trust Him. The more you spend time in His Word and with Him in Prayer – the more you will be infused with this confidence, peace and joy knowing that all things do work for good…to them who love God…to them who are the called according to His purpose.
Determine to spend more time reading all His word and praying. You will find immeasurable joy and peace no matter what circumstance comes to your life. And, you will come to see what’s most important in life and in situations…living for God and living like Jesus did – for others.