By Ginny Jensen
One of my dad’s favorite hymns was “In the Garden” by C. Austin Miles. As a youngster, I didn’t fully understand the imagery of the song but I loved it because he loved it. Now I look at those words and I see the image of quiet time with the Lord. The beauty of the chorus brings peace as I meditate on it.
“And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.”
Quiet time, as we often use the term, minimizes the value and beauty of those moments spent with the Lord. It may include Bible reading or studying as well as prayer. It is so much more.
I can read my Bible and pray, yet not fully enjoy my time with the Lord because I do not take the time to be quiet before Him. I may enjoy quiet time with Him as I walk through a garden or on a hiking trail. One of my favorite places to find that quiet time is at the ocean.
The ocean breezes mute the sounds of others around me. I get lost in the rhythm of the waves. It feels like the wind blows everything from my mind and I can just be with Him; inviting Him to speak to me. At that moment, I have space to hear Him.
This space of being quiet with the Lord can be found anywhere at any time of the day. Whether it is my daily time with the Lord or quick moments throughout the day, the first step is to quiet my heart before Him. It is taking some deep breaths, relaxing my body, and putting aside anything that distracts from being with Him.
Take a moment now to be quiet with Him. Let Him tell you how much He loves you and cherishes the time you spend with Him.
What Bible verses did you find in your quiet time? Where did you spend that quiet time?
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from StockSnap