Quiet time with God is absolutely essential if we want to flourish as human beings. At this stage in my life, with a full-time job and three—soon to be four—wonderful children, time is a precious commodity. So, when I unexpectedly had a day to myself as my family spent time with my mother-in-law out of town, I was faced with a choice. Unfortunately, I spent much of that rare free time mindlessly scrolling through YouTube.
Thankfully, I ended the day on a better note, taking a walk without my phone, no music, no podcasts—just me, nature, and God. It reminded me that spending quiet time with God isn’t just a good idea; it’s a necessity.
Get Rid of the Noise
Your Phone
I don’t need to belabor this point: the world is saturated with noise. Distractions and endless entertainment options are all conveniently bundled into a single device—our phones. This powerful tool has revolutionized how we interact with others, access information, and amuse ourselves, to the point where we’ve become deeply dependent on it.
I’ve touched on this before (Instant Gratification Culture), so I won’t dwell on it, but it’s crucial to recognize that our phones are often the biggest obstacle to spending quality time with God.
The solution is simple but challenging: we need to distance ourselves from this device. If you find it hard to control your phone usage, consider drastic measures. Get rid of it entirely, or at the very least, put it away. Lock it in a box, set a timer—whatever it takes to create space for uninterrupted time with God.
Your Kids can wait
Prioritizing your family and children is vital for their development, sense of security, and feeling of love in the world. However, it’s equally important to carve out space for yourself to spend quiet time with God.
This might mean waking up a little earlier before they rise or teaching them to engage in quiet activities occasionally. Whatever approach you take, don’t let the busyness of life cause you to sacrifice your relationship with God. Finding time for Him is essential, not just for you, but for your family as well.
You don’t have to be so up to date on current events
The news is informative and important, but you don’t need to stay updated on every single development minute by minute. And remember, not all news is good news—sometimes, less is more. Trust me.
Check out the article: STOP READING THE NEWS
Why We Need Quiet Time
We all understand the importance of maintaining our physical bodies—eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising are essential for keeping ourselves in top shape.
However, we often forget that we have a spiritual side that also needs nourishment. Our soul requires moments of rest and renewal, which come from spending time in God’s presence. Without this, we lose our grounding. We can easily lose sight of our purpose and the true meaning of life, becoming vulnerable to sinful passions, desires, and the relentless pursuit of money, career, or ego.
Without that soul-enriching quiet time with God, our spirit can wither, leaving us as a shell of who we are meant to be. Our bodies may keep going, but inside, there is a slow death—a hunger for the eternal significance that only God can provide.
What Do We do In our Quiet Time
It’s clear that people from all walks of life, including those who aren’t Christians, engage in activities that enrich their souls. This makes sense, as we are all made in God’s image, and His creative touch is evident in the world around us, whether we consciously recognize it or not.
I know many atheists who find peace in nature, and we all share a deep appreciation for altruism and stories of personal sacrifice for the greater good. These qualities resonate with us because they reflect the character of God—qualities He has instilled in all of us, regardless of our beliefs.
Therefore, spending quiet time with God doesn’t always have to mean scripture reading, Bible study, or prayer—though these are essential. There are also other activities that can be deeply soul-enriching and connect us to His presence in meaningful ways.
Appreciate Nature
Take time to observe the intricate details of a leaf or the majesty of a mountain view. Be intentional in what you’re looking at and recognize it as the handiwork of God. When you do, you’ll begin to see the world as a canvas that reflects His artistry and creativity.
Music
While music may not traditionally be considered “quiet time,” it’s a powerful way that God often speaks to us. Whether through worship songs, classical pieces, or even non-Christian music, God can communicate His presence and truths. Find the music that resonates with your soul, and you may find yourself having profound, God-centered moments.
Meditation
Meditate specifically on the goodness of God. Take time to thank Him for all His blessings, and most importantly, for His love demonstrated through Jesus. This focused reflection can bring you closer to His heart.
Prayer time
No list of ways to spend time with God would be complete without prayer. It’s the most direct way to communicate with Him. Speak openly to God, but also make space to listen and hear what He might be saying to you.
Scripture reading
Make Bible study a regular part of your quiet time routine. Dedicate a specific portion of your day to reading His Word. If you can’t start with a large portion, begin with a small, manageable bite. Over time, this practice will deepen your understanding of God and strengthen your relationship with Him.
Conclusions
In our fast-paced, distraction-filled world, it’s easy to neglect the most important part of our being—our soul. We pour our energy into work, family, and countless other obligations, yet we often overlook the need to nurture our relationship with God. But just as our bodies require food, rest, and exercise to stay healthy, our souls need quiet, intentional time with God to flourish. Without it, we risk becoming hollow, spiritually starved, and disconnected from our true purpose.
Quiet time with God is not a luxury or an afterthought; it’s a lifeline. It’s in these moments of stillness that we reconnect with our Creator, realign our hearts with His will, and find the peace and strength we need to navigate life’s challenges. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, scripture reading, or simply enjoying the beauty of His creation, these moments are vital for our spiritual well-being.
So, take a step back from the noise. Put away the distractions, carve out time in your day, and prioritize your relationship with God. Your soul is worth it. In the quiet, you’ll find renewal, purpose, and the deep, abiding joy that only comes from being in His presence.