Truth to Help Press Through Dry Seasons
By Katie Stone
Honestly, having a regular quiet time is hard. It’s hard for a variety of reasons from busyness, to kids, to straight-up spiritual opposition.
It’s normal for us to go through seasons when having a quiet time feels more difficult than others. In her book Quiet, Naomi Vacaro describes these different seasons.
“If you’ve practiced the habit of having a quiet time for several years, you’ve probably experienced a variety of emotional stages along the way. When we’re new to the faith and full of zeal, reading the Bible and praying may feel effortless. As time goes by, however, spending time with Jesus might seem boring and even unenjoyable…When these struggles creep in, we may be tempted to slip away from our devotional routine. The truth is, though, if we keep pushing through these struggles, something much more meaningful—and enjoyable—awaits us.”
(Quiet, Naomi Vacaro, p.47-48)
(Quiet, Naomi Vacaro, p.47-48)
While it’s normal for us to walk through these stages, we shouldn’t be content to remain in a stage where our quiet time is boring and unenjoyable. Jesus has told us that His presence is fullness of joy. Let’s press on to experience that joy!
The question is, what do we do when we find ourselves in one of those dry seasons? Is there anything that can help us move out of that dry season and into one of greater delight?
Yes, I believe there is.
One of the best ways to prevent discouragement and stay motivated in pursuing greater enjoyment of God is to daily remind ourselves why we are having a quiet time.
There are so many reasons! Here are ten to get you started:
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Because I love Jesus.
“We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, KNJV)
Our enemy likes to convince us that having a quiet time when we don’t feel like it is just legalistic discipline. In reality, love is primarily a choice, not an emotion. Do you love Jesus? If your answer is yes, this is a reason to spend time with Him!
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Because I need Jesus.
“I am the vine, you are the branches…without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NKJV)
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Because abiding in Jesus is the only way to have a fruitful life.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
(John 15:4, NKJV)
Most of us desire a fruitful life; a life full of purpose that impacts others. The only way we will ever be able to impact others with the gospel is if we are abiding in Christ. Abiding is simply resting in Christ, meditating on His Word, and allowing Him to carry our burdens.
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To cast my cares at His feet.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29, NKJV)
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To gain wisdom and understanding.
“You through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies…I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.” (Psalm 119:98-100, NKJV)
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For encouragement.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NKJV)
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For strength to live in victory over sin.
“Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalms 119:11, NKJV)
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To know God.
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” (John 5:39, NKJV)
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To grow spiritually.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:2-3, NKJV)
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Out of obedience.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3, NKJV)
Scripture doesn’t command a specific quiet time routine. But it does command us to abide in Christ, meditate on the word day and night, and pray without ceasing. I intentionally made reason number one love. We should always be motivated by love. But genuine love is always joined with obedience.
Practical Suggestion:
Make your own list of 5-10 reasons having a quiet time is important for you even when you don’t feel like doing it (you have permission to borrow some of mine!)
Make your own list of 5-10 reasons having a quiet time is important for you even when you don’t feel like doing it (you have permission to borrow some of mine!)
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KATIE STONELoves an urban cafe as much as the smell of campfire and pine. Works in communications while studying business and non-fiction writing, and is most happy when leading worship and discipling others. |