Psalm
1:1-2 Blessed is the man who walks not in the
counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat
of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on
his law he meditates day and night.
A daily routine for time
with God is something we all should seek. Some people have a time that varies
from day to day and even from week to week. Prayer is practiced daily but not
necessarily at the same time. The amount of time in prayer is more or less,
depending on the occasion or activities. Many people are not that disciplined
to have a set time each day that can be effective and uninterrupted.
Some people spend a lot of
time in the Scripture each week in study. Classes or personal study could occupy
several hours each day or week. These times are not “devotional” time but they
are time with God. Time learning about him, feeling awed by his glory and
wondering about his influence on our life. Some people would not distinguish
between devotion time in Scripture from studying Scripture. A serious student
is equally focused on God as is the devotional person.
People suffer a lot of guilt
because of the expectations of other Christians who make the amount of time in
devotions a measure of someone’s spirituality. If you are not scheduling time
with God you don’t measure up. If you are not in your closet with the door
closed you couldn't be serious about prayer. We should be careful to not impose
our practice or pattern for personal devotions and study on others.
The more we can spend
in prayer and Bible study the more we will find it a meaningful and rewarding
practice. In fact, God will enter into that time with us, refreshing our will
and lighting a greater fire in us to know Him more intimately than we had
before.
