Your quiet time (2)

One of Satan’s most successful strategies for keeping us away from our quiet time with God is reminding us of our sins and shortcomings. That’s a lie – don’t believe it. In the Old Testament, the High Priest went into the Holiest of Holies to atone for the sins of the people. When he came back out, the people rejoiced, knowing that they were fully accepted by God. With that in mind, read this scripture: “[Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (vv. 15-16 NLT). Another strategy that Satan will use to intimidate you and keep you away from your quiet time is to remind you that the greatest saints spent hours each day praying and studying the scriptures. That’s true, and one day you may become like them. Meanwhile, what should you do? Start small but begin! Pastor Greg Laurie sees spiritual hunger as the opposite of natural hunger: “When you’re hungry in the natural, you eat and are satisfied. But with spiritual hunger, it isn’t until you begin eating that you discover how hungry you really are!” So when you fail to keep your quiet time with God, you shouldn’t feel guilty; you should feel hungry. When you “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8), you will want more and more time with Jesus – which is wonderful because He longs for time with you.