Truths that Counteract Lies
Vanessa Bonilla
I have been meaning to begin running again. I’ve purchased workout gear, downloaded running apps, and even picked up a snazzy new water bottle. Unfortunately, the excuses take over and beat out intent every time: It was raining yesterday, I didn’t want to bring the kids along the day before, and I woke up too late the day before that…
The truth is that I will only begin to see a much-needed change in my health, once I push past the excuses and create the habits I need.
The same is true with our quiet time. We order our Quiet Time companions in our favorite design, we get the most beautiful Bible we can find, and collect the coolest highlighters. We are all ready to meet with God daily and then we don’t. What keeps us? What are our excuses?
“I have too much work to do”
Stopping all our momentum for the day to sit and read the Bible can almost seem irresponsible. However, the reality is that without meeting and speaking with God, we work in vain. When we go straight to work we reinforce a lie in our souls that the responsibilities set before us need us more than we need God.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1 NIV) Whatever labor is before you, know that when you prioritize meeting with God, He will give you the wisdom and strength needed to do the work and do it well.
“I’ll do it later”
“Later” is a tricky little fella. It seems appropriate both when we are overwhelmed and when we have a lot of time to spare, but it’s a trap. When we don’t set a time to meet with God, “later” can mean anything, it can mean a week, month, or even a year from today! Ephesians tell us that those who are wise make the best use of time.
If you missed your quiet time in the morning, look at your schedule for the day and decide on a new time. If you have a free day with lots of time, get to your quiet time immediately, and don’t let “later” trap you into choosing a less edifying activity.
“I’m so tired. I need rest”
I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced this before but I’ve come to the conclusion that mental activity can be much more draining than physical activity. If I’ve been counseling others or worried about something, I feel tired more quickly than if I were painting my room.
Our minds do not have a power button and many times we carry the burden of endless thoughts that can make us physically exhausted. But choosing to rest outside of time with the Lord is counterproductive. He gave us a promise we can rely on: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV) God will always give us the rest we seek.
The more time we spend away from God’s presence the duller we become to the sound of His voice calling us near. We begin to believe the lie that tries to convince us that we are getting along just fine. Don’t listen to the lies. Listen to the Lord! He is all we will ever need. The sacrifices we make to meet with Him will always be worth it. It’s a daily decision with an eternal reward.
Practical Suggestions:
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Before bed, write down the most important work tasks for the next day and the time needed to achieve them. This will help remove the urgency to get right and free you up to meet with God.
- Quiet time doesn't have to be the same time every day but it does need to be a set time. Look at your calendar at the beginning of the week and mark an appointment with God for each day.
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VANESSA BONILLALives with her husband, Eli, in Brooklyn, NY where she homeschools their five children. Vanessa is also the Children’s Director at her church, and she loves fire pits, friends, and spending time with her family. |