“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)
1. 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!
2. Because I need Jesus
“I am the vine, you are the branches…without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NKJV)
3. 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.
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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.