How to experience God in the quiet time

How to experience God in the quiet time

In God's eyes, the reason or motive you do something is far more important than what you do. On one occasion God told Samuel, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (I Sam. 16:7). It is quite possible to do the right thing but with the wrong attitude. This was Amaziah's problem, for "he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly" (2 Chron. 25:2).

When you come to meet with God in the quiet time, you should have these proper attitudes:

1. Expectancy - Come before God with anticipation and eagerness. Expect to have a good time of fellowship with Him and receive a blessing from your time together. That was what David expected: "O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek you" (Ps. 63:1; Ps. 42:1)

2. Reverence. Don't rush into God's presence, but prepare your heart by being still before Him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Listen to the Prophet Habakkuk: "The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him" (Hab. 2:20; see Ps. 89:7). Coming into the presence of the Lord is not like going to a football game or some other form of entertainment.

3. Alertness. Get wide-awake first. Remember that you are meeting with the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Redeemer of men. Be thoroughly rested and alert. The best preparation for a quiet time in the morning begins the night before. Get to bed early so you will be in good shape to meet God in the morning, for He deserves your full attention.

4. Willingness to obey. This attitude is crucial: you don't come to your quiet time to choose what you will do or not do it, but with the purpose of doing anything and everything that God wants you to do. Jesus said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own" (John 7:17). So come before the Lord with readiness to obey what He says to you.

References:

AFM Lay workers Training Manual