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You Can’t Replace Your Quiet Time

By on June 20, 2012


One of my worst “Christian” habits is trying to make deals with God, particularly, when it comes to what many call, “quiet time”. It’s the time when we just set the little things (that seem big within the circumstances of our life) aside for a moment to truly focus on the single most important thing in our lives: our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sometimes in my head, I try to replace that time with other “Christian” things like serving, worshipping and leading small groups. I slip into this deadly works-based type of faith that’s anything but the gospel. When I have that free hour to spend time with him, I justify missing it it by thinking I have already done enough “good things” that day. I do this sometimes several times per week… and then wonder why I feel so out of touch with my savior.

Here’s what I’m trying to get at… personal time with Jesus is irreplaceable.

Corporate worship is awesome; I’m all for it. Bible study is remarkable. Podcasts are fantastic. Serving at my local church is a blessing. All of these things are great, but none of them can replace personal time with our savior. Our personal relationship with Jesus is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions. When we miss out on that personal time with Jesus–––and replace it with other things that have to do with Jesus–––we end up knowing about Jesus, but not knowing Jesus.

Sometimes I find myself getting into seasons where I’m obsessed with knowing more about Jesus, and put knowing him to the wayside. ‘Cause lets be honest… it’s a lot easier to read a few books, listen to a few sermons and tune in to a few podcasts then it is to set time aside, be patient, and ease into the presence of God.

There are going to be times when we don’t feel anything in our quiet times, and that’s perfectly normal (Don’t believe me? Read a Psalm or two). But the more we do it, the easier it becomes. I’m not saying the days when we don’t feel anything are going to go away, but we are going to know Jesus because we spend more time with him. The more we enjoy him, the more we value our relationship with him. That’s what walking with Christ is all about.

When we all look back on our walks, the sweetest memories are going to be those personal times when we cried out to him, joyfully thanked him and trusted him knowing he was going to be there for us–––no matter what life brought. Don’t get me wrong: reading, worshipping in song, listening to podcasts and other spiritual things are going to help you appreciate him even more, but if you’re not spending time knowing Jesus, you’re truly missing out.

[box_help]Sound Off: How’s your personal life with Jesus? Do you tend to push him away for easier, more tangible things? Talk to us in the comments, and let us know what you do to get closest to God.[/box_help]

About Jonathan Ramoutar

Jonathan Ramoutar is a follower of Christ who is passionate about the church’s role in culture and male leadership. He is also an avid fan of the NFL (Tampa Bay Bucs) and NBA (Miami Heat).
  • http://tcavey.blogspot.com tcavey

    I’ve been there and done that. I have seasons and times when it’s easier to read than others but over the years I’ve come to learn nothing helps me through the day like God- even 5 mins with Him is worth gold.

    Yeah, there are lots of good things- church, worship music, christian books, christian socializing, charities, etc- but nothing can replace one on one time with our Heavenly Father.

    I mean, can anything top one on one time with your spouse? No, spending that alone time is what helps you through the dark times in marriage. It about relationship building!

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