My thoughts about connecting with God
by Nancy
Let’s Chat
Last week on this blog I shared a bit about my journey to getting unstuck in 2022 and specifically the 3 daily steps that I’ve been working on 1. Morning, 2. Daytime and 3. Evening. Spoiler alert: I am NOT an expert in this. I’m still learning and working on it, y’all! As we know, developing good habits and routines takes TIME. We live in a noisy, contentious, and stressful world. So today, I invite you to get comfortable, sit with me, take a deep breath and let’s chat a little more about Morning Quiet.
Morning. Quiet. Really?
At first glance, those words — ‘morning’ and ‘quiet’ — may seem like an oxymoron. For many of us, mornings are anything but quiet. There may be lunches to pack, shoes to find, homework and books to gather, “Where did I put those keys?”, and “Oh no, now we have to scrape the car!” Or for some of us it may be a simpler but no less hectic routine of doing what is needed to get body and soul back together and on track, getting breakfast, feeding and walking the dog, stretching out the aches and pains, morning chores….and then off we go into our day.
Been there. Done that. More than once! As a working mom it always seemed like the hardest part of my work day was getting to work. Can you relate? And some morning stress is internal — fears, burdens, worries that may have popped into our conscious mind during the night. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed. We need to deal with all of this too.
What if there was a calmer, more peaceful way to start the day?
Would you sign up for that?
Growing up in a Christian home, I had been taught the importance of having a quiet time (or devotions) with God each morning. When I was about 9 or 10 I went to a Christian camp and we started every morning with 30 minutes of “Morning Watch” – before breakfast we scattered outdoors to find a quiet place to meet with the Lord. It was wonderful. Sitting outside in nature with my open Bible and notebook, I was able to get a taste of the joy of spending quality time with God. But when I left camp, it was different. Harder to do. As I grew older I followed a variety of devotionals and Bible reading plans on my own. They were nice, but they didn’t usually touch that spot in my heart that wanted more.
The struggle is real.
As a teen and later an adult I struggled to find even 15 minutes for Bible reading and prayer on most mornings. And I would have to admit that many of those morning quiet times were rushed and seemed to be unfruitful as I hurried out to work or felt compelled to start my day. Sadly, having a morning quiet time was often just a box to be checked. A goal to strive for. A frustration. I felt that I was missing out on something important.
Stories are nice, but…
I wanted to personally connect with God. I didn’t want to just read someone else’s testimony of how they connected with God. Or enjoy a short story in a pretty devotional booklet. I didn’t want to just go to church, sing the songs, and listen to the preacher or Sunday School teacher tell me what God said. These are all useful and good and important, and God had used them powerfully in my life in the past. But I was ready for the next step. I wanted to know God better and be able to hear what He had to say to me, personally.
Where can I find the one essential thing? Hint: it’s not found in the kitchen.
I think of the true story of Mary and her sister Martha that is found in the book of Luke in the Bible. Jesus had come to visit in their home! Martha was busily caring for her honored guest, “distracted with much serving”. She was stressed and felt she could have used Mary’s help in the kitchen. Why did she have to do all this work alone? Where was Mary?
We find her sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching. And what did Jesus say to Martha when she asked Him if He cared that she was doing all the work? Did He turn to Mary and ask her to do her part to help her sister? These are His words, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41b-42)
The good portion, the one important thing, the thing that will last. That’s what I was looking for. And what was this one, essential thing Mary was doing? What was that “good portion”? She was sitting at Jesus’ feet and quietly listening.
My morning quiet place. Sitting quietly at Jesus’ feet.
So I’m giving this a try: As soon as possible, after stumbling out of bed, splashing some water on my face, grabbing a cup of something warm, and settling down in my favorite chair, I sit quietly and intentionally with Jesus. For just a few moments. Before I read a Bible passage or my verse of the day. Before I check messages or even speak with my husband (if possible ☺️ ) I tell the Lord good morning. I tell Him I need Him. I thank Him for this new day, and I give the day over to Him. I ask Him to speak to me. And then I listen. He will often bring a verse to mind. Or a song. Always I feel His love and comforting presence. And it’s working! Simply sitting with Jesus for a few minutes at the start of the day gets my train back on track. I am free from whatever anxieties were in my mind from the day and night before. I feel settled, at peace, and ready to move ahead into a fresh new day. Free. Unstuck. The way He intended me to be.
Step 1 to Getting Unstuck: Before anything else, sit quietly at Jesus’ feet, and listen.
Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth! –Psalm 46:10
Next week – Now what? Step 1B. Suggestions for your Quiet Time, or what has worked well for me.
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