Mark 1:35 (NLT)
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Since beginning this devotion, quiet time has been a recurring theme. (This must mean its very important!) Quiet time, you’ll recall, is simply one-on-one time you spend with Jesus away from all distractions. It's just as vital as corporate worship or our various Bible studies. It’s the water to grow our relationship with Jesus, because like any relationship, it provides time for him to speak to us as well as allowing us to speak openly and honestly with him.
In sharing the Refuge story, John related an evening in which he and Tabitha were conducting individual quiet times; he in the living room and her in the bedroom. Tabitha had spent time in prayer and Bible reading and John, through his own admission, was sharing his quiet time with Man -vs.- Wild host Bear Grylls. He was not only involved in “quiet” time, but learning how to fashion a canoe using only a decaying camel carcass. Free of distractions, Tabitha was able to hear the Lord clearly as he told her of his desire for John to start a church. Afterwards, she set off to pass the news to John. Unfortunately, John paid her only half attention, due to his taking notes on surviving on the digestive juices of a cow’s rumen .
Their contrasting quiet times display invaluable lessons which we can all apply. Lessons already shared, but worth repeating:
1. Find a quiet place free from as many distractions as possible.
2. Pray. Open up the communication lines. Talk to the Savior and listen as he speaks to you.
3. Study a (small) portion of the Bible or a devotional. We’ve been given the gift of Scripture for a purpose. Read and apply!
4. Sing. Belt it out. Make a joyful noise. Only God is listening anyway.
5. Prayer and Meditation. Focus on a particular verse or principle in Scripture. Then live it out!
