by Alena Wendall, @alenawendall
Have you felt like your quiet time with God was dry? When life seems to come at you so fast and furious, you can’t focus on the next thing before something else crops up?
I know ultimately, I’m human, and feelings can lead me astray. If I am not hearing God, God’s not the one that has moved. I have. When this happens, I know its time to head back to our foundation, The Bible.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Here are a few things I’m doing that’s different.
Shut The Door On Your “To Do” List.
When that litany of “to do’s” start to amp up during your quiet time, shut the door. Of course, I mean that figuratively. Honestly, the busyness of life can distract. So, if that “to do” list keeps nagging at you – write it down and turn over the paper and leave it.
Ask Him. “Lord, What’s On Your Heart Today?”
Some days it feels like my prayer request can span an entire 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. In your quiet time, ask, “Lord, what’s on your heart today?” Lean in and listen intently.
Have Your Quiet Time Somewhere Else.
If you usually have it in your study, change rooms. If the place your currently in distracts you, switch to another room. I don’t typically have my quiet time in my bedroom, but I went there one morning and discovered birds had built a nest in the bushes outside my window. It was a reminder for me as I watched them move around in their nest — a testimony to God’s goodness and his creation.
Try A Different Bible Translation.
I cut my teeth on the King James, but now I love The Parallel Bible– King James with the Amplified. Wow! I also go to Biblehub.com and research several translations and commentaries when I’m trying to get to the meaning of a word.
Praise & Worship.
I know you’ve heard this before, but wait, keep reading. Don’t just play the praise and worship music. Find the lyrics to the song. I did that recently and discovered I didn’t know the words to the entire song, just the chorus — what a difference.
I cannot sing. I mean, like for real, cannot sing. Ask my husband and my children – they will quickly confirm. But when I’m in that quiet place, and I’m singing out to God? He hears me. He hears you. Try it.
I hope these help. My heart’s desire is to walk so close in fellowship with Jesus; that I hear Him when He whispers. The crazy thing is? He wants that fellowship with us as well.
Blessings,
Writing as Alena Wendall, Alena Tauriainen pens contemporary Christian romance novels that always end with a happily ever after. By day, she partners with her lifelong mate Clyde, to run the family HVAC business. She manages both business and family life with four lovable but crazy kids. She is the Retreats Coordinator for My Book Therapy. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner with Books & Such Literary Management. Visit her at alenawendall.com.