Thursday August 13

 

enjoying time with God

 

Day 7. The alarm clock buzzes; it is morning again. I roll over and hit the snooze bar, not ready to get out of bed yet. My spirit cries out for nourishment; my body appeals for more sleep. I’m still struggling to have regular quiet time with God.

 

This is Nic’s story, and it’s not unique. Many of us struggle to spend consistent time with God. So, congratulations! You’re reading this devotional article today, and that’s a good thing. But I hope you’ll hear God speak to you through His Word.

 

The psalmist exclaims of God and His Word, “Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long” (Psalm 119:97, italics added). For him, reading God’s Word was more than just a thing to do in the morning or evening for a few minutes. He pondered the Scriptures all day long. This is because he recognized God’s Word as much more than simply thoughts written down by human authors. Speaking to God, he recognized that they were His “instructions,” “laws,” “commandments,” and “regulations” (vv.97-102). That’s a great way to start our quiet times with God—worshiping Him, praying for His wisdom, and then allowing Him to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us through His Word. Then, like the psalmist, we can say, “You have taught me well” (v.102).

 

As the psalmist experienced the wisdom of Scripture, he also discovered insights and gained wisdom (vv.98-99). He tasted the sweetness of God’s Word and longed for more.

 

Our living God desires a living relationship with His people. That means the psalmist’s experience can be ours too. So consider turning Psalm 119:97-104 into a personal prayer today. And as you do, may you truly enjoy these quiet moments with God and His Word! —Poh Fang Chia

 

read›

Psalm 119:97-104 Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long (v.97).

 

more›

Read Mark 1:35 and consider how Jesus started His day.

 

next›

What do you enjoy about spending time with God? Pick a verse from Psalm 119:97-104 and memorize it. Continue to meditate on it throughout the day, and ask God to make its meaning clear to you.

This FUN, Mandolin-Led Worship Song Will Have You Clapping and Singing Along! from bartandtricia on GodTube.