INTRODUCTION
It is no longer news that the coronavirus pandemic have resulted to lockdown in most Nations. Thus; there have been restriction of movement, social distancing, restriction of worship etc.
Everyone is expected to stay at home during this lockdown period. During this period, having a quiet time is necessary for spiritual growth for all believers irrespective of the current restriction. Having a meaningful time with God is very important. Sometime, we are motivated to have such meaningful time with God but we may not know how, hence this article.
For us to have a meaningful time with God we must consider the following points below;
1. HAVE A SECLUDED PLACE
This is a place where you can be alone, where it's quiet, and where you will not be disturbed or interrupted. Abraham had a regular place where he met with God (Genesis 19:27), even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. See Luke 22:39.
During this lockdown, it can be your study room, personal room or any place; where you can pray aloud without disturbing others, where you have good lighting for reading (a desk, perhaps), where you are comfortable not certainly in bed because is too comfortable.
2. HAVE A SPECIFIC TIME
The specific time has to do with when you should have your quiet time and how long it should be. Choose the best time by giving God the best part of your day when you are the freshest and most alert. Don't try to serve God with your leftovers (leftover time). Your best time may be different from someone else's.
In choosing a specific time, I strongly urge us to also consider early in the morning. See Mark 1:35.
See (below) some men and women in the Bible who rose early to meet with God;
Abraham - Genesis 19:27
Moses - Exodus 34:4
Job - Job 1:5
Hannah and Elkanah - 1 Samuel 1:19
Jacob - Genesis 28:18
David - Psalms 5:3, 57:7
If Jesus is really in first place in our lives, we ought to give Him the first part of our day by including early morning among the specific time we choosed . You can schedule any specific time, David and Daniel met with the Lord three times each day (see Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10). Whatever time you set, be consistent in it for spiritual growth.
Start with consistent few minutes or hours and let it grow; it's better to be consistent with a short time than to meet for hours without having a meaningful time with God. It is not how far but how well. Aim for a quality relationship with the Lord. During this period avoid watching the clock. Sometimes it will take longer than you have set aside, and sometimes less time. But don't keep looking at your watch.
3. HAVE A PROPER ATTITUDE
Having a meaningful with God, we need to approach God with proper attitude despite the current situation we are facing. It is quite possible to do the right thing but with the wrong attitude. In 2 Chronicles 25:2, we could see how Amaziah's did what was right in the eyes of the Lord but not wholeheartedly.
Have the attitude that as you have meaningful time of fellowship with Him, you will receive a blessing from your time together. Appear before God with reverence. Be thoroughly rested and alert. Don't rush into God's presence, but prepare your heart by being still before Him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Coming into the presence of the Lord is not like going to a football game or some other form of entertainment. See Habakkuk 2:20 and Psalm 89:7. Be willingly to obey anything instruction and everything that God wants you to do.
4. HAVE A SIMPLE STUDY PLAN
Have a plan or some kind of general outline to follow. Have a Bible, a notebook for writing down what the Lord shows you, for making note and prayer list.
While studying; wait on God, follow God's admonition. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10; see also Isaiah 30:15; 40:31) Be quiet for a short while to put yourself into a reverent mood. Pray briefly, pray short opening prayer to ask God to cleanse your heart and guide you in tune with God. Read a sections of the Scripture by having your conversation with God. Remember, He speaks to you through His Word, and you speak with Him in prayer. Read slowly and repeatedly, don’t be in a hurry; don’t try to read too large an amount, don’t race through it. Read until you picture the scriptures it in your mind.
Allow God to speak to to you, for the goal is not to merely gain information but to feed on the Word and grow in Christ. Read systematically, do not use the "random dip" method, read through a book at a time in an orderly method. You can also read aloud but quietly. Reading aloud will improve your concentration, it will help you understand what you are reading better because you will be both seeing and hearing what you are reading.
Meditate on what you are reading and memorize verses in order to have the Scriptures speak to you meaningfully. Write down what God has shown you. Writing it down will enable you both to remember what God revealed to you, check up on your biblical discoveries and help you in applying what you see in the Scripture that pertains to your life. After God has spoken to you through His Word, speak to Him in prayer by striking a conversation with the Him.
Never allow an exception to occur until the new habit is securely rooted in your life. Use this period to grow spiritually and have meaningful time with God. I value you, live your best dream.
Thanks
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I'm
Nosakhare Godstime Eghosa
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