SPENDING QUIET TIME WITH GOD

Bible Study: SPENDING QUIET TIME WITH GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Supporting Texts:
Psalm 63:1, Isaiah 40:31, Matthew 6:6, Mark 1:35, James 4:8

INTRODUCTION:
Spending quiet time with God is an essential practice for every believer. It is during these times of stillness and solitude that we can draw near to God, seek His presence, hear His voice, and strengthen our relationship with Him. The noise and busyness of life often distract us from experiencing God's fullness, but quiet time allows us to be refreshed, refocused, and renewed in His presence. This study will guide us on the significance of quiet time with God, how to engage in it, and the benefits it brings to our spiritual lives.

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF SPENDING TIME WITH GOD

To truly know God and grow spiritually, setting aside quiet time with Him is crucial.

a) Knowing God More Deeply:
Spending time with God allows us to develop a deeper understanding of His character and His ways (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

b) Receiving Spiritual Strength:
Quiet time is a source of spiritual strength, helping us face the challenges of life with renewed courage (Isaiah 40:31).

c) Aligning with God’s Will:
Through time with God, we understand His purpose and plan for our lives (Psalm 37:4-5).

d) Experiencing Inner Peace:
In God's presence, we find peace that calms our anxieties and gives us rest (Philippians 4:6-7).

e) Building Spiritual Discipline:
Regular time with God strengthens our spiritual discipline and commitment to follow Him (1 Timothy 4:7).

Biblical Example:
Jesus Himself spent quiet time with God, often withdrawing to pray and seek the Father’s guidance (Mark 1:35).

2. HOW TO SPEND QUALITY QUIET TIME WITH GOD

Engaging in meaningful quiet time involves intentional actions and a focused heart.

a) Set a Specific Time and Place:
Choose a consistent time and quiet place to focus on God without distractions (Matthew 6:6).

b) Start with Worship and Thanksgiving:
Begin with praising God and thanking Him for His goodness, setting the right tone for worship (Psalm 100:4).

c) Study and Meditate on Scripture:
Reading and reflecting on God’s Word allows Him to speak to us through the Scriptures (Psalm 119:105).

d) Pray and Pour Out Your Heart:
Talk to God openly, sharing your thoughts, burdens, and requests (Philippians 4:6).

e) Listen for God’s Voice:
Take time to be still, listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction (1 Kings 19:12).

Biblical Example:
Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him, prioritising time with the Lord over busyness (Luke 10:39-42).

3. BENEFITS OF QUIET TIME WITH GOD

Spending time with God brings numerous benefits to our spiritual lives.

a) Renewal of the Mind and Spirit:
Quiet time refreshes and renews us, equipping us for the day ahead (Romans 12:2).

b) Greater Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit:
Regular quiet time enhances our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading (John 16:13).

c) Increased Faith and Confidence:
Time in God’s presence builds our faith and confidence in His promises (Hebrews 10:22).

d) Clarity in Decision-Making:
Quiet time provides clarity and wisdom for making life’s decisions (James 1:5).

e) Spiritual Growth and Maturity:
Through quiet time, we grow stronger in our relationship with God, maturing in our faith (Ephesians 4:15).

Biblical Example:
Daniel's consistent quiet time with God strengthened his faith and courage, even in the face of persecution (Daniel 6:10).

4. OVERCOMING HINDRANCES TO QUIET TIME

Many challenges can hinder us from spending quiet time with God, but they can be overcome.

a) Busyness and Distractions:
Create a schedule that prioritises time with God over other activities (Ephesians 5:15-16).

b) Lack of Motivation or Consistency:
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a hunger and commitment for quiet time (Philippians 2:13).

c) Spiritual Dryness or Discouragement:
Remember that God is always present, even when He feels distant, and seek Him persistently (Psalm 42:1-2).

d) Misuse of Technology and Media:
Limit time on electronic devices, choosing instead to focus on God (Psalm 101:3).

e) Negative Influences and Peer Pressure:
Surround yourself with people who encourage and prioritise a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Biblical Example:
Despite the demands of His ministry, Jesus often withdrew to pray, overcoming any distractions to focus on the Father (Luke 5:16).

5. PRACTICAL WAYS TO MAKE QUIET TIME WITH GOD A HABIT

Establishing quiet time with God requires intentionality and consistency.

a) Start Small and Increase Gradually:
Begin with a few minutes each day and gradually increase as your devotion grows (Matthew 11:28-30).

b) Keep a Journal of Prayers and Reflections:
Documenting insights and answered prayers helps to reinforce spiritual growth (Habakkuk 2:2).

c) Incorporate Worship Music and Praise:
Songs of worship can draw you closer to God and enhance your time with Him (Psalm 95:1-2).

d) Make it a Priority in Your Routine:
Treat quiet time as essential, scheduling it into your daily routine (Psalm 5:3).

e) Seek Accountability and Support:
Find a friend or group to encourage you and help maintain consistency (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Biblical Example:
The early church devoted themselves to prayer and time with God, building a strong foundation for their faith (Acts 2:42).

CONCLUSION:
Spending quiet time with God is a life-transforming practice that deepens our relationship with Him. It allows us to know His heart, receive His guidance, and be strengthened for the challenges of life. By dedicating ourselves to daily quiet time, we acknowledge our dependence on God and make room for His power and presence in our lives. May we be intentional in creating moments of stillness, allowing God to speak and move in our hearts.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to prioritise time with You above all else.

2. Father, grant me the grace to be consistent in my quiet time.

3. Almighty God, remove every distraction that hinders my time with You.

4. Lord, draw me closer to You and reveal more of Yourself to me.

5. Father, strengthen my desire to know You more deeply.

6. Lord, renew my mind and spirit each time I spend with You.

7. Almighty God, help me to hear Your voice clearly in my quiet time.

8. Father, let Your presence fill my quiet moments with peace and joy.

9. Lord, make my time with You a source of strength and encouragement.

10. Almighty God, help me to grow spiritually as I spend time in Your presence.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will develop a deeper hunger for God.

2. The time you spend with God will transform every area of your life.

3. I declare that distractions will not hinder your quiet time with the Lord.

4. May your quiet moments be filled with God's presence and guidance.

5. I declare that you will experience God's peace and strength in His presence.

6. As you spend time with God, your faith will grow stronger.

7. May God's voice be clear to you in every quiet time you spend with Him.

8. I declare that you will find new strength as you wait upon the Lord.

9. May your relationship with God deepen with each quiet moment.

10. I declare that your life will reflect the peace and joy found in God's presence.