Why I’m Breaking Up With My “Quiet Time”
Today I’m linking up with my sweet friend, Bonnie Gray, on her “Finding Spiritual Whitespace” blog tour. We’re sharing ways to feed your soul and strengthen your relationship with God. To learn more and join us, click here! Here’s how I’ve been finding spiritual whitespace…
I’m taking a break from having a quiet time. Because sometimes I can get in a rut. Even with good things. And having a daily quiet time is a good thing. Until it becomes more about routine than actually connecting with God.
When God becomes routine rather than revival, it’s time to switch things up.
Otherwise, I might start seeing this time as less important. It becomes the second or third thing I do. After other things. Seemingly more pressing things. Before I know it, it’s been days since I connected privately and personally with Truth.
And then my soul feels a bit off and sluggish. Like when my stomach has been denied food, a desperation starts creeping over other parts of my body. That happens with soul hunger too.
Only the triggers for stomach hunger are much more apparent. My brain quickly reminds me, “You feel awful because you need to eat.”
Sometimes my brain isn’t as quick to pick up on soul hunger. So I just lumber forward but wonder, “What’s wrong?” I think of a list of reasons … I’m tired, I haven’t had enough fun, or my butt looks big in these jeans.
And while some of those things may be true—it’s not why I feel off.
I need more time with God.
Not more quiet time.
More listening time. Like the writer in Psalm 63:1 needed. “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (NIV)
Recently, as I sat with God with nothing but willingness to listen, three things popped into my mind. I can’t say “God spoke to me” but it felt right. I need to do some new things as I listen.
Study wisdom by reading a chapter in Proverbs every day.
Ask God to reveal “my verse” for the day and think of ways to apply it. I listen.
Read something from someone I admire.
I need to study leadership in this season of my life. So, I pick up a book written on this topic by someone I admire and glean from their wisdom. I listen.
Read something from someone I trust.
There’s a book I’m reading right now that is whimsical and grounded all at the same time. It makes me feel like this writer gets me. They get my struggles and offer up advice I know I can trust. I listen.
Maybe you think all this still sounds like a quiet time, but to me it’s different. It’s a listening time. A time to shake things up a bit and get outside my normal routine. A time to listen to God speak. And He does speak … through His book of wisdom, through someone I admire, and through someone I trust.
And this morning? My soul felt that thrilling and comforting full feeling. Complete. Satisfied. Deeply nourished.
I’m giving away 5 copies of Bonnie’s new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest. In it, she shares her inspiring, heart-breaking journey to find rest. I suspect maybe that’s something you can relate to. I know I can!
Leave a comment below telling me how you’re seeking nourishment for your soul. 5 winners will randomly be chosen from the comments. I can’t wait to hear how you’re finding spiritual whitespace!
Related posts:
The Day I Lost My Smile
10 Prayers For Your Daughter
Thank God for Smelly Shoes
