Quiet Time with the Lord - Day 5

How have you done with your quiet time this week? Even if you haven't been able to find time for one, it's never too late to start!

Today's Reading: Psalm 119:105-112

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.

107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

108 Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.

109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.

110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.

111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.

112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

taken from www.biblegateway.com

The fourth step in Rick Warren's plan for quiet time is to follow a simple plan. There are actually several Biblica examples of plans for communing with God. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing it the 'right' way that we really lose the meaning of our quiet time.

In this example from Psalm 119, the author reads (or has memorized) the words of God and he has made a commitment to follow them. He prays for help. He praises God and works to follow the guidance he's received through the scripture.

That's really all there is to it! These days we have easy access to God's word and tons of tools to help us understand it. There are study guides and special journals to help along the way. These tools can give us new perspectives and help us focus on specific lessons, but sometimes I think they cause us to doubt our ability to study the Bible effectively.

God promises that his words will never come back empty (Isaiah 55:10-11). Trust that he will provide insight if we start with the proper attitude and spend regular, dedicated time in his word. It's as easy as pray, read, do!