Maintain Your Connection
When I sat down to have my quiet time a couple of mornings ago, I thought, It’s been a while! I had precious quiet times at my beach retreat about a week and a half ago. But I’ve had a crazy, busy schedule before and after that. My “at home time with the Lord” has been hit and miss–mostly miss.
I read about Abraham’s faithful obedience to the Lord’s call on his life, specifically in Genesis 15:2. The Hebrew name of “the Lord” in this context is Adonai, which means “Lord and master.” But you know what? Even though we read a lot about Abraham’s faith, throughout Scripture, Abraham is known as God’s friend.
O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? (2 Chronicles 20:7) [Emphasis added.]
… But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend … (Isaiah 41:8) [Emphasis added.]
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. (James 2:23) [Emphasis added.]
Then came the question, “How intimate are you with the Lord? Are you His friend?” Normally, I would jump and say, “Pick me! Pick me! I’m the Lord’s friend!!” But I just wasn’t feeling it this morning.
(Yes, I know I’m talking about feelings here. But God made me an abundance of feelings; some might say I have an over abundance of emotion. But that’s ok. I’m not offended. It’s who I am. I know that my faith does not rest on my feelings.)
It doesn't take long to lose your sense of intimacy with the Lord when you have a hectic schedule. Share on XConsistent time with the Lord is the way back and the way to maintain your intimacy with Him.
By the time I finished my quiet time, I was beginning to feel more settled and in my rhythm. But all the things that upset that rhythm are standing at my door. Next week is Thanksgiving. I’ll probably be OK on Monday and Tuesday. But if my husband is home Wednesday, routine will go out the window for about 5 days. What is my plan? That’s what it gets down to.
I have “my place and my time,” but when Tim is at home, “his place, his time, and his activities” take over mine. I’m not complaining at all. I love having him home. I just need to be aware and prepared with a plan in place so that I don’t find myself feeling disconnected from the Lord during a time when I want to feel securely connected to Him–so thankful to and for Him.
My plan? I’m thinking “my place and my time” will be in my bedroom, rather than the living room where it usually is.
What about you? As you approach this holiday week, how do you plan to maintain your connection?
Hi Dianne,
It sounds like you have a great plan to connect with God…and yes, what an amazing thought …to be called a “friend of God”….and it takes time to develop a friendship 🙂 Nice to meet you.
Visiting from Holley’s blog
Dolly
Indeed, intimate friendships take a lot of time and care. But they are so worth it! Thanks for stopping by! And it’s nice to meet you, too!
Dianne
Hi! This is something a lot of people struggle with. Especially us women. SO much to do always and never enough time. I have learned to put God in my work and play. While cooking or baking, I listen to teachings on You Tube or music, while driving or waiting I will pray, worship music while cleaning, but yes I still need to sit and that is difficult isn’t it. Thanks for the encouragement to do so. Blessings, Diane
Hi, Diane!
We take it when and where we can get it, right? Great thoughts. Thanks for coming by.
Dianne
Yes, you can count me in! I want to be counted a friend of God too. I think for me spending time with God FIRST, before I do anything else, will be key next week (as every week!). For me getting to bed at a decent hour at night is key to making sure I can get up before the rest of my family crowds in on me. 🙂
Thanks for posting!:)
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:42:01 +0000
To: sh_dkgeorge@hotmail.com
Oh, thank you for sharing your struggles, Dianne. We all have them, don’t we? I have early morning quiet times–no distractions, schedule’s pretty much the same every day, no one else is up. But showing up and SHOWING UP are two different things. I have to focus my heart on the Lord during that time or else it is wasted. Only when I turn my heart to Him do we meet for our precious early moments together. Only then can I hear what He has to say to me. And only then can I know His love for me. Then I am able to respond in love back to Him.
I, too, struggle with my husband’s schedule (and others in the household). Maybe the most precious quiet moments with the Lord are in the midst of the hectic and deep down in our hearts. (I need to think on this one a while.) Thanks for stirring a desire within me to go deeper with the Lord and make sure the time I do set aside for Him is really FOR Him.
You are so right! We need to plan ahead so those disruptions don’t pull us from God. I guess I need to think now since my girls have the whole week off!