Quiet Time Boosters

Feel like you’ve hit a rut in your quiet times?  Here’s some things that have refreshed my faith in times like that:

List names and attributes of God that you rely on in times of trouble (Example, God is our protector, firm foundation, etc…) to remind you of the God we run to as our refuge & strength.  Proverbs 18:10 says “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”    Think about a favorite Scripture or praise song for ideas.

Practice running to God when things, whether small or big, go wrong. (Stop, drop & pray!) It's amazing how those small "moments" of prayer can add up to meaningful time.

Pick a favorite Psalm and make two lists.  One  “Who God is,” listing the characteristics & actions of God  .  The other “Who I am,” taking on the convictions of the Psalmist (Example, “I commit my way to the Lord,” instead of “I try to…”)  I find this incredibly powerful and faith-building.

Meditate for several days or weeks on Matthew 6:25-34 or the entire “Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7.

Spend a month reading and rereading Philippians, James, or another short book.  Meditate throughout the day on whatever thought God gives you—even if it’s just one verse.  When my daughter was newborn, I thought I'd never have a quiet time again!  But God gave me the idea to read James over and over, just a few verses at a time—and to leave the Bible open in a place where I would pass by several times per day.  God really blessed those moments (and I prayed a lot for wisdom!).

Continue to search the scriptures to find out who God is.  Meditate on Psalm 27, 46, or 91.  God has given us an incredible trust in His word (Ps. 25:14).  Meditate on Matthew 13:44.

Do a word search on a word that intrigues you.  I recently did a search on the word "confident" and found some real gems that boosted my faith.

Memorize!  It's not just for kids!  If you've never memorized scripture, start with a verse or short passage you find meaningful.  If ou have, challenge yourself to memorize a chapter—or even one of the short books!  You can do it, really!  Review while you exercise or go to the bathroom, or tape verses on your mirror, computer, above a baby's changing table, or any place you might see it.

Pray Scripture.  One year I prayed through 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  In January I prayed that I would be patient with my children and husband.  In February I prayed I would be kind in my words and tone and actions, etc...  God really used this to reveal my heart and help me grow.  It's also powerful to pray Scripture for your children, family, friends, church, etc...

Feeling too tired or burnt out to seek God?  Pray for God to change your heart, to give you that desire to seek Him—and ask God to meet you where you are right now.  Accept his grace and love, for he will meet you in your struggles.  He is the Shepherd who sought us out when we couldn't seek him.


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