Conquering Quiet Times {Day 3}: Start Small

Remember what I said about those big lofty goals I like to make?

Well, they don’t work.

When I start something I like to “do it right”.  And for me, that means going at it with full force, holding myself to an unrealistic expectation, and making myself get through each thing on my quiet time list.

Yes, I have made quiet time lists.  Sigh.

“Doing it right” might look like undertaking a Beth Moore Bible Study, starting and maintaining a prayer journal, writing in my own journal, and reading through a chapter of the Bible each day.  Or maybe it looks like buying a new One Year Bible, and working through that while I read some deep theological work by C.S. Lewis.

Even writing those out makes me tired.

Here’s real life.  I’m a working mom of a 15-month-old bundle of energy.  Even if I get a full night of sleep, I do not have the mental capacity to keep up with a list or dive into the intellectual realms of Lewis. I need something practical. Do-able.

So I’ve set my lofty goals aside and made the decision to start small.  And guess what?  I’ve stuck with it better than any other goal I’ve set. 🙂

What matters to the Lord is not what books you choose or how many people you pray for.  It’s the time spent with Him.  Coming to Him, focusing on His kingdom and allowing Him to make your heart more like His, that’s what time with Him is all about.  And it doesn’t have to be fancy or brag-worthy, because it’s just you and Him.

So spend some time praying today, and decide what you’d like your quiet time to look like.  My suggestion, in the spirit of starting small, would be to choose no more than three things.  Two would be better.  Remember, we’re working to develop a habit, so we want these things to be achievable on a daily basis.  As you practice meeting with Him and are able to be challenged, go on and add things in.  But for now, just choose a few key elements and stick with those. 🙂

I just finished the best devotional I’ve ever read {God’s Heart for You}, and started Jesus Calling today.  I read through the devotional, look up the related verses, and spend time with the Lord praying over what I’ve read.  Some days I journal as well, but it’s not “required”. 🙂

What will you choose to do during your quiet times?  I’ll include some resources below, and I’m looking forward to hear what you guys come up with, or what you already do!