STOP
Do you ever feel that we have to fill every moment with something? We live in a society where if we are bored then maybe there is something wrong. But what if stopping was considered okay? What if on a regular basis, you took a few minutes each day to simply give that time back to God? When you go to be with God, there’s literally nothing better for you to do than to just simply pause and be with Him, letting him speak to you. Stop trying to fill every minute. Sit with our creator and rest.
Try starting with this:
First, notice the thoughts playing through your head. What’s on your mind? Put it aside for a few minutes, table it for another time.
Second, notice your body. How does it feel? Hot, cold, uncomfortable, sick, relaxed?
Third, notice your feelings. How do you feel this morning? Anxious, tired, excited, happy, overwhelmed?
Lastly, imagine all of it (your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations) as pictures. How often we scroll through pictures on social media and look at the world around us, positivity, negatively. Instead of letting the overwhelming amount of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and expectations get to you, turn off the device you are looking at to see them, put it away from you so you can see these different feelings as being taken care of by Jesus, and we can rest in Him, knowing He has got it all in His loving hands.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “I will praise you, O Lord”
As you exhale, pray, “with all of my heart”
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God for you today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times if necessary. Notice which words or phrases stay with you. Read the whole Psalm for full context.
“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever [...] The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment [....] Sing Praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.”(Psalm 9:1-5, 7, 11 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. What are some of the “wonders” that David is referring to? What are some of the wonders in your life that you need to praise Him with all of your heart? Who are you telling about those wonders? When you proclaim His name and His power, do your enemies turn back? Which of God’s wonders have you felt like singing about this week? Or are you still distracted from enjoying God’s wonders? Or by the wonders of the Lord in His pursuit of your “enemies?” He is a righteous God who sits on the throne for judgment. Does your private worship affect your public witness? How has your public witness affected your desire to pray, plead, and sing?
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit. Don’t rush this. Based on the scripture you read today, is there anything God is asking you to do? What is he telling you about your relationship with Him? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. Let him. To finish up your quiet time, how can you let your praises of Him be a witness for others to see this week?
