Going Through the Motions

Reminders for our Hearts when our Minds begin to Stray
Nicole Schrader

Do you ever feel as though you are just going through the motions in your quiet time?
Recently, I caught myself filling in the sections of my Quiet Time Companion without really paying attention to what I was doing. I closed the journal—done. I hadn’t waited for the truth to sink in. I hadn’t listened for the voice of Jesus. My prayer was short, and my heart was not in it.
Later in the day, I couldn’t even recall what I’d read.

I know God doesn’t judge me on the basis of the quality or consistency of my quiet time. Nevertheless, I’m convinced spending time with Jesus is the best use of my time. His word rings true in my experience: when I put God first in my day, all my other concerns remain in their proper place. Spending time with Jesus guards my heart against serving idols (Matthew 6:33). After so many years of following Jesus, it pains me to acknowledge my sin still causes me to disregard precious time with him.

I am grateful Jesus is a gentle disciplinarian. His unconditional love draws my heart back to him again and again. Jesus calls me to confess and be forgiven when my sin against him makes me want to draw away in shame. He reminds me his love is not dependent on anything I do or fail to do. Oh, how I love him!

For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

If you are like me and find yourself going through the motions with God, don’t lose heart. Quickly confess with me and return to Jesus with a grateful heart.

Remember:

• We are completely forgiven in Jesus Christ and cleansed of all sin!
  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9 NIV)

• We meet Jesus, the Son of God, in our quiet times. We listen for His voice.
  A voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” (Mark 9:7 ESV)

• God loves us with steadfast love and faithfulness, despite our unfaithfulness.
  But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3: 21-23)

• The Lord began his work in us and will complete it. He sanctifies us in truth and for his glory.
  “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth…The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17: 17, 22-23 ESV)

• We are always welcome at the throne of grace because of Jesus’ love.
  Let us draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Amen!

NICOLE SCHRADER Retired homeschool mother who loves to travel, bake bread, read, and spend time with her kids and grandkids.www.nicolelisamaria.com.