I’ve never talked to a follower of Christ who doesn’t desire to spend more time in God’s Word, have you? Have you ever heard another Christian say, “You know what I need to do a little less of? Bible reading.” I’d venture a guess that that’s not a conversation you’ve had.
Yet, the all elusive “quiet time” seems to be a constant source of struggle in every Christian life. And there’s no shortage of excuses…
“I’m just so busy.”
“The Bible’s confusing.”
“I don’t have time.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
It’s time to kill our excuses. It’s time to stop blaming our busyness. It’s time to start running our lives instead of allowing our lives to run us. It’s time to start reading God’s Word…EVERYDAY! To make this desire a reality will require three simple keys. A Time. A Place. A Plan.
1. Pick a TIME
When will you consistently carve out time to be in God’s Word? The morning before you leave for work? During your lunch break? When you’re kids go down for naps? Between classes? Before you go to bed? I’ll tell you what WON’T work…having you’re plan be “I’ll get to it when I have time to get to it.” If that’s your strategy, guess when you’ll get to it? NEVER! If you want to fill your heart and mind with God’s Word each day you have to pick a consistent time.
2. Pick a PLACE
Where will you spend this intentional time in God’s Word? Can I give you a little unsolicited advice? Your bed is a BAD place to do your Bible reading. If you have your quiet time in your bed it will be a very quiet time because you will be asleep:-) Your dining room table, your favorite chair, a coffee shop, a diner, or even a quiet pub all make for great places to read, think and meditate on the Scriptures. If you want the reading of God’s Word to be an everyday rhythm in your life you have to pick a condusive place.
3. Pick a PLAN
What will you actually spend your time reading during your specified time in your specific place? Randomly running your finger through your Bible and reading wherever it lands will lead to a loss of attention and a lack of context in your study. You and I need a plan. The good news is the internet is filled with great reading plans. Take a second a find one here. It’s only January 2, so nows the perfect time to pick the right plan and get this 2012 off to a great start.
There is no silver bullet when it comes to regularity in our Bible reading. Even with a time, a place, and a plan we still have to actually do it. I want to fill my heart and mind with God’s Word and my guess is you do too. By God’s grace we can have a daily time when we hear the will of God from the Word of God. Let’s get to work!
Question: What have you found the most helpful for consistent time in God’s Word? To leave an answer click here.
Awesome post and new blog! Looking forward to reading more.
Thanks Matt and thanks for the great design work as always!
I think I’ve tried every time of day and everywhere (including bed and you’re right about sleep)! I’m not a great morning person but…. I’ve found that getting to my reading before I do anything else in the morning is the best way for me to remain consistent. So, I grab a cup of coffee, my iPhone and launch my Bible app It’s a great start to the day.
I don’t know how you read on your iPhone…you’re a better man than me:-)